Sonia Manzano of 'Sesame Street' at the CBC's Annual Meeting
Over the course of her 40+ years on Sesame Street, Manzano emerged as a champion of literacy and diversity, creating a positive portrayal of Latino culture and community. Manzano reflects on her life and work in her new memoir, ‘Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx.’
Manzano believes that books may be the last bastion for readers seeking to think and imagine freely, as well as a place to witness the experiences of others: ‘You can’t teach children empathy by telling them to be nice to their friends…But you might be able to do it through books.’ (Publishers Weekly)
