Cyrus Webb reviews Demystifying Diversity

When it comes to the topic of diversity it can honestly go in so many directions. What I would say about Daralyse Lyons’ new book Demystifying Diversity: Embracing our Shared Humanity is that she strives to break it down to more than a US against THEM and see the why.

Through the interviews and her own personal observations we see how being singled out or labeled as impacted others. It also does something I wasn’t expecting. It turns the tables repeatedly on the reader, forcing us to ask what would we do or who would we be. In horrific events in history would be the one who was the oppressed or would we be the oppressor? Would we stand up for what is right or will be stay by? These questions are difficult but necessary if we are going to see things really move forward in a positive (and productive) way.

There’s another thing that Daralyse discusses in the book that is sure to step on some toes. I know it did mine. That being the words we use to categorize things, like being “good” for eating a salad or “bad” for not. The impact of what we say as well as what we do can impact the way people see themselves and feel about themselves.

Bottom line is we’re ALL a work in progress. This book challenges us to identify the work we ALL have to do and get about doing it.

What Happened to Chester? [PB]
+3

What Happened to Chester? [PB]

‎ 978-1-61599-700-8
$15.95
An En-deer-ing Tale of Hope and Healing
In stock
1
Product Details
UPC: 978-1-61599-700-8
Brand: Loving Healing Press
Binding: Paperback
Audiobook: iTunes, Audible.com
Edition: 1st
Author: Lauren Persons
Illustrator: Noah Hrbek
Pages: 22
Publication Date: 10/01/2022

Rory, an adventurous, take-charge young girl, meets her match in Hobblety Wobblety Chester McDeer. She soon learns that her friend can jump over any obstacle, despite his disability, and make a big difference to family and friends. Colorful, fun illustrations make the journey delightful for kids young and old.

"What Happened to Chester? is a heartwarming story. This book is compelling to young eyes while teaching a very important message of overcoming obstacles. The book guides the reader to understand being different. My favorite aspect of the book is the bond created by Chester and Rory, because it provides a positive example of how it's okay to be friends with people who are different than you. I also think this story's softly underlying message may help prevent bullying. This is a great book for young children." --Lauren Nicole Pace, community research coordinator, Medicore Transport & Achievement Centers

"What Happened to Chester? is an uplifting book for those who have experienced the excitement of adventure that abruptly results in a different life pathway. Chester's accident doesn't keep him from living life to the fullest. A child's takeaway from this tale is to be true to oneself and keep focused on dreams and goals - no matter what obstacles they may have to overcome. This beautifully illustrated book is an endearing tale of resilience." --Linda Cohen, elementary school principal

"This was not only a sweet story, but also an educational one, filled with empathy and love for animals; in this case, an injured deer. The wonderful and poetic storytelling of Lauren Persons guides you through events with Rory and how empathetic she is toward Chester. As an elementary school teacher, teaching empathy towards animals is a difficult task, but Lauren Persons has accomplished this task with great storytelling and love."--John Mascia, elementary school teacher

"This warm, wonderful and inspiring book shows kids that it's ok to be different and not to let anything or anyone scare you away from your purpose. --Chanene Hawkins, TESOL teacher

From Loving Healing Press

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