15-time Emmy Award-winner Sonia Manzano and her book Coming Up Cuban: Rising Past Castro's Shadow

ABOUT SONIA MANZANO AND COMING UP CUBANScholastic Press is proud to publish COMING UP CUBAN: RISING PAST CASTRO'S SHADOW by 15‐time Emmy® Award winner and Pura Belpré honoree Sonia Manzano (on sale August 2, 2022). Offering a fresh look at and examining the impact of the 1959 Cuban Revolution, this unforgettable and crucial story addresses the inner lives and growth of four children from very different walks of life as they experience major social, political, and cultural upheaval.In the wake of Fidel Castro's new regime, Ana, Miguel, Zulema, and Juan-children of different ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds-learn to find a place for themselves in a world forever changed. In a tumultuous moment of history, we see the lasting effects of a revolution in Havana, the countryside, Miami, and New York. Through these snapshot stories, we are reminded that regardless of any tumultuous times, we are all forever connected in our humanity.SONIA MANZANO BIOSonia Manzano is a groundbreaking Latina educator, executive television producer, and award‐winning children's book author. A first‐generation mainland Puerto Rican, she has affected the lives of millions of parents and children since she was offered the opportunity to play "Maria" on Sesame Street (which she continued to do for 44 years, from 1971‐2015). Manzano has received 15 Emmys for writing television scripts, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Award, the Hispanic Heritage Award for Education, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Arts and Sciences. People magazine named Sonia one of America's most influential Hispanics. Her critically acclaimed children's books include The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano, which won a Pura Belpré Honor Award, and the stunning young adult memoir Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx. Sonia's new animated series, Alma's Way, follows a Puerto Rican girl from the Bronx and her family. It premiered in fall 2021 on PBS Kids in partnership with Fred Rogers Productions. Manzano resides in New York City with her husband Richard Reagan, whom she married in 1986, and their daughter Gabriela.Get the Book here: https://www.amazon.com/Coming-Up-Cuban-Rising-Castros/dp/1338065157Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.Subscribe now at YouTube.com/@RefocusedNetworkThank you for your time.