Friday, July 10, 2015

Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx by Sonia Manzano - OPTIONAL


Manzano, Sonia, Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx, 272 pgs. Scholastic Press, 2015. $17.99. Language: R (20 swears, 11 Fs) Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13. 

Sonia Manzano (Maria on Sesame Street) recounts her childhood and the difficulties of growing up in the 1950s in the South Bronx neighborhood of New York City in this autobiography.  Raised in a Puerto Rican family, her mother was abused (physically and emotionally) by her often drunk father.  But her family support network was vast. Cousins, aunts and extended family were a constant presence.  This is her story from her early years in school through college.  

This is not Sesame Street!  The language and content are too mature for middle school and younger.  High School students may enjoy this heartfelt story which gives you glimpses into the woman behind the children’s television icon; the adults who grew up with her would like it much more.  
HS - OPTIONAL Lisa Librarian

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