Set in the Bronx, Animated Show Helps Kids Recognize Their Own Power to Think Things Through
Original Theme Song Written and Produced By Lin-Manuel Miranda and Bill Sherman
By Judy Shields
Hollywood, California (The Hollywood Times) 09/16/2023 – A new season of Alma’s Way, the hit animated series from Fred Rogers Productions created by Sonia Manzano (beloved for her role as Sesame Street’s “Maria”), is coming to PBS KIDS! Season 2 kicks off on September 18 – in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month – with a week of new episodes, beginning with a very special half-hour episode featuring Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor as herself and Sonia Manzano voicing Granny Isa (Alma’s grandmother).
In “Justice Sonia and Judge Alma,” inspired by meeting Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Alma tries to help her friends determine what’s fair. Then in “Justice Sonia and Umpire Alma,” when Justice Sotomayor encourages Alma to be an umpire at a kickball game, Alma wonders if she made the right call about a play. Sonia Manzano herself wrote both stories!
The Hollywood Times had the opportunity to speak with Sonia Manzano about Alma’s Way Season 2. It’s a great show to watch with your young kids and grandkids. Enjoy our conversation:
Alma’s Way Season 2 Episode Descriptions
Justice Sonia and Judge Alma / Justice Sonia and Umpire Alma – Premiering September 18
Justice Sonia and Judge Alma: Inspired by meeting Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Alma tries to help her friends determine what’s fair.
Justice Sonia and Umpire Alma: When Justice Sotomayor encourages Alma to be an umpire at a kickball game, Alma wonders if she made the right call about a play.
To Break or Not to Break / The New Mr. Octy – Premiering September 19
To Break or Not to Break: Beto invites Alma and their friends to break his piñata, but when Alma sees he’s hesitant about doing it, she wants to find out why.
The New Mr. Octy: After Alma gives away a toy she doesn’t play with anymore, she wonders if she made a mistake.
Mofongo on the Go / Alma Scoots Around – Premiering September 20
Mofongo on the Go: When Alma and Eddie open a mofongo food truck, they run out of time to actually make the mofongo.
Alma Scoots Around: Alma keeps challenging André to scooter races to prove she’s the fastest.
Piragua Problem / Balloon Blues – Premiering September 21
Piragua Problem: There’s a new piragua flavor named after Alma, but what should Alma do when she doesn’t like it?
Balloon Blues: Alma isn’t sure what to do when André doesn’t want to play with balloon animals anymore
Alma’s Way centers on a 6-year-old Alma Rivera, a proud, confident Puerto Rican girl growing up in the Bronx – much like Sonia Manzano herself. In fact, the series is inspired by Sonia’s own childhood! Each episode of Alma’s Way showcases different aspects of Latino culture through music, food, language, and more.
The engaging modern-day series stars Alma, along with her parents, Mami and Papi; younger brother, Junior; her Abuelo; and their lovable little dog, Chacho. In every episode, Alma speaks directly to young viewers with asides and her “Think Through” moments, where she stops, thinks, and processes. She models optimism and determination, showing that if she puts her mind to a problem, she can figure it out. Young viewers will tag along with Alma as she learns to speak up for herself, make tough decisions, figure out how to help friends, and so much more.
Alma’s Way:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/almaswayofficial
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/almaswayofficial/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/almasway
Sonia Manzano:
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/SoniaMManzano
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/soniammanzano/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/SoniaMManzano
Here is a link to purchase Sonia’s book:
About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS believes the world is full of possibilities, and so is every child. As the number one educational media brand for kids, PBS KIDS helps children ages 2-8 learn lessons that last a lifetime. Through television, digital media, and community-based programs, PBS KIDS wants children to see themselves uniquely reflected and celebrated in lovable, diverse characters who serve as positive role models, and to explore their feelings and discover new adventures along the way. Families can watch PBS KIDS anytime on the free PBS KIDS 24/7 channel and the PBS KIDS Video app, available on mobile and connected-TV devices, no subscription required. PBS KIDS’ large collection of mobile apps and pbskids.org provide accessible content, including digital games and streaming video to spark kids’ curiosity. PBS KIDS and local stations across the country support the entire ecosystem in which children learn and grow – including their teachers, parents, and community – providing resources to support children’s learning, anytime and anywhere. For more information, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
