Sonia Manzano has been a presence on Public Television since the 1970’s. Manzano was raised in the South Bronx and attended the High School of Performing Arts in NYC, before majoring in drama at Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA.

She began her career starring in the original production of "Godspell." Within a year Sonia was cast as Maria on "Sesame Street." After 10 years as an actress, Sonia began writing scripts for "Sesame Street" and has garnered 15 Emmy® Awards in that capacity. Sonia also wrote for the Peabody Award-winning children’s series, "Little Bill," for Nickelodeon. She returned to the New York stage starring in "The Vagina Monologues" and "The Exonerated." Sonia was twice nominated for an Emmy® Award as “Outstanding Performer in a Children’s Series.”

Her first picture book, NO DOGS ALLOWED!, was published in April 2004. General Mills gave away 1.5 million copies of NO DOGS ALLOWED! in boxes of Cheerios, as part of their Spoonfuls of Reading program. Her second book A BOX FULL OF KITTENS was published June 2007. NO DOGS ALLOWED! was turned into a musical with productions in Miami and New York City.

Photo Credit: Edward Pagan

Books by Sonia Manzano

Miracle on 133rd Street

written by Sonia Manzano, illustrated by Marjorie Priceman - Children's 4-6, Children's 5-8, Holiday

Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx

by Sonia Manzano - Nonfiction, Young Adult 12+

Emmy Award-winning actress and writer Sonia Manzano, who played Maria on "Sesame Street" for an astounding 44 years, plunges us into the daily lives of a Latino family that is loving --- and troubled. This is Sonia's own story rendered with an unforgettable narrative power. Spiced with culture, heartache and humor, BECOMING MARIA paints a lasting portrait of Sonia's resilience as she grows up to become an inspiration to millions.

The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano

by Sonia Manzano - Fiction, Historical Fiction, Young Adult 12+