Chocolate Milk, Por Favor

I'm happy to share one of my favorite new children's author's book today- Chocolate Milk, Por Favor. In my first year of teaching kindergarten, Maria Dismondy released "Spaghetti on a Hot Dog Bun" and I fell IN LOVE with her books.

I love the character traits lessons that her books touch on and how authentic the writing is. As a teacher, I am always looking for books with great teachable lessons, and because I teach 5 and 6 year olds a lot of their character is still developing!

Author Bio: Maria Dismondy is an award-winning author, specializing 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. 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.

After receiving "Chocolate Milk, Por Favor!" I read it to my kids that night. Luke loved that the story was about a boy and Ella instantly related to being the new kid at school. Although she does not speak a different language, she moved schools this past year and made a few transitions to her new school.

Book Synopsis: 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 made a little connections page that you could use with your students to use with "Chocolate Milk, Por Favor!" or many other books to teach connections. Click on the picture below to snag it up!