Gracie Mansion Conservancy Announces Next Gracie Book Club Selection and Discussion Date

May 17, 2016

NEW YORK—The Gracie Mansion Conservancy announced today that the next selection of the Gracie Book Club will be The R(evolution) of Evelyn Serrano, by Sonia Manzano. Raised in the South Bronx, Manzano played Maria on Sesame Street for 44 years, during which she also garnered 15 Emmy Awards for writing television scripts. Manzano has authored five young adult and adult books, including The R(evolution) of Evelyn Serrano, and is a recipient of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Award, the Bronx Hall of Fame and the Hispanic Heritage Award for Education.

This book was selected by First Lady Chirlane McCray and Gracie Book Club moderator Jacqueline Woodson for a young adult audience. The second discussion of the Gracie Book Club on this selection will take place at the New York Public Library’s St. George Library Center on July 13 at 3:00 PM.

Woodson will moderate the discussion on The R(evolution) of Evelyn Serrano (Scholastic Press) with First Lady McCray and Manzano who is best-known for her role playing Maria on Sesame Street. The theme of this year’s Gracie Book Club discussions is “Envisioning Distant Neighbors,” which aims to open dialogue on New York City’s diverse and rich immigrant community.

More information on the discussion event will be made available in the coming weeks at nyc.gov/graciebookclub.