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Sonia Manzano is a first-generation mainland Puerto Rican, raised in the South Bronx. In the early 1970’s, a scholarship took her to Carnegie Mellon University where she participated in the creation of Broadway show hit Godspell. From there she went on to affect the lives of millions of parents and children when she was offered the opportunity to create the role of “Maria” on Sesame Street.

Manzano has received 15 Emmys for staff writing Sesame Street. In addition, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award Emmy in 2016.

Her book titles include No Dogs Allowed, A Box Full of Kittens, Miracle on 133rd Street, The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano, Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx and A World Together. Scholastic recently announced a new four-book deal with Ms. Manzano. The first novel, Coming Up Cuban, will be published in spring 2022.

Her new animated series, Alma's Way, premiered on PBS in October of 2021.