Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx 12+

About this book

Set in the 1950s in the Bronx, this is the story of a girl with a dream. Emmy Award-winning actress and writer Sonia Manzano 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. When readers meet young Sonia, she is a child living amidst the squalor of a boisterous home that is filled with noisy relatives and nosy neighbors. Each day she is glued to the TV screen that blots out the painful realities of her existence and also illuminates the possibilities that lie ahead. But--click!--when the TV goes off, Sonia is taken back to real life--the cramped, colorful world of her neighborhood and an alcoholic father. But it is Sonia's dream of becoming an actress that keeps her afloat among the turbulence of her life and times. Spiced with culture, heartache, and humor, this memoir paints a lasting portrait of a girl's resilience as she grows up to become an inspiration to millions.

Reviews

Praise for THE REVOLUTION OF EVELYN SERRANO

*"This wry, moving debut novel does a great job of blending the personal and the political. . . while the family drama and revelations continue right up to the end."--BOOKLIST, starred review

*"Characters of surprising dimension round out the plot and add to the novel's cultural authenticity. . . A stunning debut."--KIRKUS, starred review

CELEBRITY ENDORSEMENTS

"Thisnovel is meant to be savored in delicious bites. I loved its snap and down-home-El Barrio-in-your-face-tell-it-like-it-is tone."
--Oscar Hijuelos, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love

"The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano should be placed on proud display with the literature that enriches our multicultural America. History will come alive for young readers who will identify with how a great historic moment can affect one girl and her family."
--Julia Alvarez, Pura Belpré Award-winning author of Before We Were Free and How the García Girls Lost Their Accents

"I love this book! It's smart, real, painfully funny, and filled with the wisdom of a writer who can get to the hearts and souls of her readers. Sonia Manzano, standing ovation! (Encore, please!)"
--John Leguizamo, Emmy Award winning actor-comedian.

"An important story about activism, acceptance, and love.Sonia Manzano vividly portrays a neighborhood in turmoil, with embraceable characters who change history."
--Pam Muñoz Ryan, Pura Belpré Award-winning author of The Dreamer and Esperanza Rising

"The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano underscores the struggle that triumphed in the lives of Latinos. Here is a book that creates indelible political awareness."
--Nicholasa Mohr, National Book Award Finalist, author of El Bronx Remembered

"Thank you, Sonia Manzano, for capturing important moments for Puerto Ricans, and for reminding us that history doesn't just happen, we live with it and with its consequences."
--Esmeralda Santiago, Alex Award-winning author of Almost a Woman and When I was Puerto Rican