Chocolate Milk, Por Favor {Celebrating Diversity with Empathy}

Sepatuads.com April 30, 2015 Comment

Strength lies in differences, not similarities.

{Stephen R Covey}

We are all diverse people. And celebrating our differences, as well as our common interests, helps unite and educate us. Maria Dismondy, an award-winning author, specializes in books about challenges children face. A topic close to her heart, Maria's own childhood experience inspired her first book, Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun. Maria's dedication to empowering children with courage and confidence has reached new heights, touching the hearts and hands of children the world over. Grounded in her belief that all children deserve a voice, Maria's latest book, Chocolate Milk, Por Favor, drives home the important message of celebrating diversity with kindness, inclusion and empathy.

http://www.amazon.com/Chocolate-Milk-Por-Favor-Celebrating/dp/0984855831/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1425555546&sr=1-1&keywords=chocolate+milk+por+favor

Link to Amazon by clicking book image.

My classroom is a melting pot of cultural differences. I, as the teacher, have to facilitate and educate my little bits on how to appreciate and understand other perspectives. Knowledge is the key to tolerance. As we navigate through the year and face challenges, I guide my student's in gaining a new perspective on the lives of others in our classroom and the world around us. Maria's newly published book, Chocolate Milk, Por Favor opened up great discussion as many students could relate to the character, Gabe.

Johnny is a big fan of school but that all changes when the new kid, Gabe arrives. Gabe doesn't speak any English, and that doesn't stop Johnny from going out of his way to be unkind. But what will Johnny do when Gabe starts to make new friends? Will he join in the fun of making a new friend or turn the other way? Johnny realizes a powerful message in this story where student differences are celebrated. Read to find out how chocolate milk plays a major role in the discovery of the real universal language.

I encourage you to take a moment and watch the trailer.

As a sought-after speaker, Maria spreads her message by presenting at schools and conferences across the country. She holds degrees in education and child development. Maria lives in southeastern Michigan with her husband, Dave, and their three book-loving children.