This blog post was authored by Joy Hariprasad.

Have you ever wondered what inspires your favorite author or wanted to hear about their experiences writing books? NYPL's KidsLIVE events feature thought-provoking conversations between authors and librarians.

About the Program

Enjoy this very special author talk with Sonia Manzano. You may know her as the famous Sesame Street character, Maria, but she has also written several children's books. She talked about her book The Lowdown on the High Bridge: The Story of How New York City Got Its Water and answered questions from NYPL librarians.

Watch below:

Prefer to read a transcript of the program? You can find it here.

To listen to past author talks visit our Author Talks Channel.

For upcoming author talks, learn more about KidsLIVE.

Borrow Sonia Manzano’s Books from the Library!

The Lowdown On the High Bridge: The Story of How New York City Got its Water by Sonia Manzano, ​​illustrated by Noelle S. Gibbons
book

When people of New York city became desperate for fresh clean drinking water, a good solution had to be found. The High Bridge, a beautiful Roman aqueduct bridge, was built. Now over 40 years since she was closed to the public, The Lowdown On the High Bridge remembers her glorious past, but will people forget how important she was to the neighborhood, to the city, to the country?

Miracle on 133rd Street by Sonia Manzano, illustrated by Marjorie Priceman
book

The day before Christmas, everyone in Jose's neighborhood seems grumpy, including his mother who is homesick for Puerto Rico, but when he and his parents return from the pizzeria where they borrowed an oven to cook their roast, the heavenly aroma reminds those they pass of all they have to celebrate.
 

No Dogs Allowed! by Sonia Manzano, illustrated by Jon J. Muth
book

When Iris, her family, and the neighbors take a trip to Enchanted Lake, everyone brings what they think is needed, but the family dog turns out to present a problem.

 

A World Together by Sonia Manzano
book

A picture book about unity for people around the world. This book combines Sonia Manzano's lyrical text with incredible National Geographic photography of people from around the world to explore and celebrate how we are the same and how we are different—and how laughter and love can help bring a world together. Just imagine all the wonderful people there are to meet!

Looking for more books like The Lowdown on the High Bridge? Check these out:

The Erie Canal by Martha E. Kendall
book

The Erie Canal tells the story of one of America's most ambitious public-works projects. The canal, stretching from New York to Lake Erie, opened up the West in the early 1800s. Martha E. Kendall's illustrated history brings into focus the enormous geographic and social impact of this stunning technological feat.

 

This Bridge Will Not Be Gray by Dave Eggers, art by Tucker Nichols
book / e-book

This one-of-a-kind book transports readers to the glorious Golden Gate, no matter where they live.

 

The Brooklyn Bridge by Lynn Curlee
book

Describes the planning, construction, and history of the Brooklyn Bridge, celebrated as one of the greatest landmarks and grandest sights of New York City.

Here are some at-home activities inspired by The Lowdown on the High Bridge!

• Explore your NYC neighborhood...virtually!
• Arch for Kids presents The Vacant Lot Challenge: In this workshop, kids are challenged to transform a vacant lot in their neighborhood into something useful and beautiful. Possibly a pocket park or a playground, or an infill structure that meets a community need—it's up to the young designers.

Kids, check out these awesome online resources!

• NYPL Digital Collections contains really old drawings and photos related to the High Bridge way back in the day!

Want to learn more about Sonia Manzano?

 

Check out her website!

 

 

 

 

KidsLIVE!

KidsLIVE events at The New York Public Library feature thought-provoking conversations, real debates, and exciting spectacular performances with your favorite authors, artists, filmmakers, musicians, fashionistas, and more.

KidsLIVE takes children and their families on an enriching cultural and educational journey—including musical performances, live theatre, opportunities to meet authors and illustrators, and much more. KidsLIVE programs feature presenters who reflect the rich diversity of New York City and help young audiences develop their creativity, talents, and love for learning.

KidsLIVE programs are sponsored by the Andreas C. Dracopoulos Family Endowment for Young Audiences.
 

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Summaries provided via NYPL’s catalog, which draws from multiple sources. Click through to each book’s title for more.