From School Library Journal
Gr 9 Up—A groundbreaking Latina educator, TV personality, and award-winning children's book author shares a poignantly written memoir about growing up in the South Bronx. Manzano, known to many as Maria from Sesame Street, relates events from her youth with candor and childlike curiosity as she tries to find her place within her Puerto Rican family and the dominant white culture. Beginning with fragments from when she was a toddler and ending with her life-changing audition for Sesame Street, the book includes vignettes that offer glimpses of a singular coming of age that will resonate with many young people, regardless of socioeconomic background or culture. Moving from a cockroach-infested apartment to one riddled with rats was a common occurrence, and her father's violent outbursts continually threatened the safety of the family. Still, music, laughter, food, a network of cousins and friends, and a love of performance shone a light in Sonia's life, and glimmers of the beloved character she made iconic peek through the trials of an impoverished but warm upbringing. Phrases in Spanish and gritty details of urban life in 1960s New York City add authenticity to this work. Nuanced depictions of racism and sexism will be eye-opening for some readers and all-too-familiar for others. The author shows great restraint, never tinging memories with adult rationalizations or nostalgia, but infuses each episode with age-appropriate language and forthrightness. Lyrical passages, such as one about her first trip to Puerto Rico, are filled with vivid imagery, and the scenes touching upon her burgeoning sexual awakening ring true with sensitivity and subtlety. VERDICT As timeless as Esmeralda Santiago's When I Was a Puerto Rican (Vintage, 1994) and Jacqueline Woodson's Brown Girl Dreaming (Penguin, 2014), this memoir will strike a chord with teens and adults alike. [See the Q&A with Sonia Manzano on page 16.—Ed.]—Shelley Diaz, School Library Journal
Review
Praise for THE REVOLUTION OF EVELYN SERRANO*"This wry, moving debut novel does a great job of blending the personal and the political. . . while the family drama and revelations continue right up to the end."--BOOKLIST, starred review *"Characters of surprising dimension round out the plot and add to the novel's cultural authenticity. . . A stunning debut."--KIRKUS, starred reviewCELEBRITY ENDORSEMENTS "Thisnovel is meant to be savored in delicious bites. I loved its snap and down-home-El Barrio-in-your-face-tell-it-like-it-is tone."--Oscar Hijuelos, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love "The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano should be placed on proud display with the literature that enriches our multicultural America. History will come alive for young readers who will identify with how a great historic moment can affect one girl and her family."--Julia Alvarez, Pura Belpré Award-winning author of Before We Were Free and How the García Girls Lost Their Accents"I love this book! It's smart, real, painfully funny, and filled with the wisdom of a writer who can get to the hearts and souls of her readers. Sonia Manzano, standing ovation! (Encore, please!)"--John Leguizamo, Emmy Award winning actor-comedian. "An important story about activism, acceptance, and love.Sonia Manzano vividly portrays a neighborhood in turmoil, with embraceable characters who change history."--Pam Muñoz Ryan, Pura Belpré Award-winning author of The Dreamer and Esperanza Rising "The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano underscores the struggle that triumphed in the lives of Latinos. Here is a book that creates indelible political awareness."--Nicholasa Mohr, National Book Award Finalist, author of El Bronx Remembered"Thank you, Sonia Manzano, for capturing important moments for Puerto Ricans, and for reminding us that history doesn't just happen, we live with it and with its consequences."--Esmeralda Santiago, Alex Award-winning author of Almost a Woman and When I was Puerto Rican
About the Author
Sonia Manzano has affected the lives of millions since the early 1970s, as the actress who defined the role of "Maria" on the acclaimed television series Sesame Street. Sonia has won fifteen Emmy Awards for her television writing and is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Arts and Sciences. People magazine named Sonia one of America's most influential Hispanics. She lives in New York City.
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