The inaugural meeting of the Gracie Book Club was a resounding success, with the live discussion and several satellite live stream events attracting very engaged crowds.  The next meeting of the Book Club, scheduled for July 13, will be held at the St. George Library Center.  Join us for a discussion of The R(evolution) of Evelyn Serrano, by Sonia Manzano, hosted by First Lady Chirlane McCray with a special appearance by the author.

Gracie Book Club Discussion of The R(evolution) of Evelyn Serrano

St. George Library Center
5 Central Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10301
Wednesday, July 13 at 3 PM

For those of you who are not familiar with it, the Gracie Book Club is a new city-wide book discussion group that seeks to explore the diverse communities within New York City through literature.  First Lady McCray and the other moderators will select six books, which will be discussed at events throughout the year.  

The book club’s second selection, The R(evolution) of Evelyn Serrano was written by an author whose name you may be familiar with (I’m looking at you Sesame Street fans).  Sonia Manzano played “Maria” on Sesame Street from 1971 until her retirement in 2015.  In addition to playing the popular “Maria” on the beloved television show, Manzano is also an accomplished author, with a number of children’s and young adult books to her credit.

Manzano’s latest book, The R(evolution) of Evelyn Serrano, follows the story of Evelyn Serrano, who is keeping her opinions about her Harlem neighborhood and her bold grandmother secret from her parents.  Despite Evelyn's best efforts, events occur that will be challenge her beliefs and teach her the value of cultural heritage and family. Manzano has taken events from her own childhood to craft a wonderful narrative of growing up Puerto Rican in Harlem during a time of political and social upheaval, and more importantly, a time when Latinos in the United States stood up for their rights.

Enjoy Reading All Summer Long

After the discussion, make sure to check out our summer reading kick-off events at branches in Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island. Don't worry though; the fun doesn't stop after the kick-off events. Get ready for a summer filled with exciting and engaging events at a library near you, including right here at St. George. There's something for everyone with summer reading book lists for: 

• Toddlers/Pre-K
• Kindergarten-Grade 1
• Grades 2-3
• Grades 4-5
• Middle School
• High School
• Adults