Chocolate Milk, Por Favor: Celebrating Diversity with Empathy Kindle Edition

I love this book, and can't wait to read it to my 2nd graders. May sound petty but it bugs me that Gabe is from Brazil, but the author uses Spanish instead of Portuguese as his language. Just seems ironic because so many Americans mistakenly think that they speak Spanish in Brazil.

*quick note on language before I review: Gabe is Brazilian, and his speech is accurately portrayed in Brazilian Portuguese. Spanish and Portuguese are very similar languages, and some reviewers are convinced that because they see words they recognize as Spanish, the language is presumably inaccurate for a Brazilian boy. Words like please and delicious are written exactly the same in both languages. I’ll include pics of the whole two sentences in question so you can fact check if this is important to you. :) It’s never stated in the story which language he is speaking, and it’s only the word “milk” that would be different anyway.This was a good book based loosely on a true story. The story follows Johnny, as he encounters a new classmate who doesn’t speak English. He has prejudice and misconceptions about a new kid at school. Johnny thinks Gabe is a crybaby when he witnesses a tearful goodbye, and is jealous as other classmates begin to bond to Gabe. In the end, Johnny realizes that everyone has difficulties in new situations, and learns to be more empathetic. The book is focused on the perspective of Johnny, telling us his thoughts and feelings. I would’ve liked to have seen a little more inclusion of Gabe’s point of view.

Disappointing. I would have loved for the story to be from Gabe’s perspective, or at least a kinder classmate. Johnny’s reaction to Gabe is meaner than necessary to get a point across. Some children will be distracted by how many times Johnny calls Gabe a crybaby and miss the more important themes of the story. The story seems more about Johnny learning to be a little nicer than Gabe’s actual experience as an English learner.

Because this is a presidential election year households are viewing/listening to more news coverage than ever. Children notice the argumentative attitude displayed by many of the “talking heads” delivering their personal spin on the latest political firestorm.Although children don’t truly comprehend what is happening they certainly recognize the angry tenor of the discussions. Many kids worry about how these events will affect them, their families, communities and our country. These books address the experience of immigration and do a wonderful job of fostering empathy and recognizing the courage required to begin a new life whether in a foreign country or in a new family.Chocolate Milk, Por Favor written by Maria Dismondy and charmingly illustrated by Donna Farrell, presents the story primarily from Johnny’s point of view. He fears being displaced as his class “makes room” a new student; Readers also see Gabe’s perspective as the new student. Johnny acts out his fears through hostility but his classmates follow their teacher’s suggestion and help him learn how to fit in. While Gabe and Johnny do not speak the same language, they do share a love of soccer. Sport succeeds in breaking down barriers and mistrust.I like how this book depicts many different reactions to the immigrant student’s arrival. This feels more believable. It also shows how Gabe and his classmates strive to communicate even though they don’t speak one another’s language. What they have in common–as kids, students and soccer players–outweighs the differences that divide them.The book is based on the experiences of one of Maria Dismony’s students. This is a wonderful story because it portrays the situation from both sides. Children can easily discern the message of friendship and community at the core of the story: “to have a friend is first to be a friend.” It includes discussion questions to explore before and after reading the book as well as tips for English language learners. Chocolate Milk, Por Favor is a gem, especially when paired with the next story.#AAQ Lens: For adopted children this book can easily tap into feeling alien as they enter their new world (their new family.) In some families they literally do not speak the same language. In other’s, their lack of shared experience and mutual history divides them. The challenge of learning to understand and trust one another rings true.--Gayle H. Swift, "ABC, Adoption & Me: A Multicultural Picture Book"

I am not a fan of this book. It shows some of the traits of toxic masculinity that I would like to avoid introducing to my toddler. One of the characters dismisses another boy and says things like “I don’t like boys who cry.” The boy realizes he was wrong about things later in the book. But I rather not introduce and normalize that way of thinking at all for my child.

Nice work on this book. Reminds me of when I came to the US as a young child not knowing the language. Would be a great gift as well.

I was excited to get this book and really wanted to like it.When I read it, though, was disappointed. The story centers the feelings of Johnny (the white classmate) while Gabe (the awesome kid who is trying to function in a class where he does not speak the language) is more a supporting role in Johnny's journey.I'd love to see this same story from Gabe's perspective!

This is such a wonderfully written story. I read this to my son and both of us had tears in our eyes. I would highly recommend it!

Adorable book about diversity. My 4 year old loves it.