Mara is paired up with new student Dante to write a report on their favorite animals, but Dante struggles, is on the spectrum and feels like an outsider, and Mara realizes showing Dante the respect she craves is key. Simultaneous. Illustrations.
Mighty Mara returns in this second installment of her series about self-empowerment and celebrating differences!
In Dancing with Dante, Mara learns “the golden rule” by thinking outside the box.
After a long summer, Mara is back at school and gets paired up with a new student named Dante to write a report on their favorite animals. But Dante can’t seem to sit still or focus long enough to write anything down and Mara quickly becomes frustrated.
When Dante apologizes — telling her that school is hard for him, following directions is tough (as it turns out, he’s on the spectrum) and he often feels like an outsider (something Mara knows all too well) — Mara realizes that showing Dante the same respect she craves is the key and the two decide to think about their project differently.
Maybe they don’t need to write a report after all. Maybe they need to perform their report. It might not be how it’s usually done in Sametown...but it doesn’t mean it’s not the right way for these new friends.
- Mighty Mara returns in this second installment of her series about self-empowerment and celebrating differences!
- Key conversation starter about resilience, partnership, and embracing differences: Ideal for educators and caregivers who are looking for an accessible storytime book that features a diverse cast of kids, and positively showcases the joy of overcoming personal obstacles, and the positive impact of both embracing each other's differences and championing each other's strengths
- CASEL Alignment: Features pillars of Social Emotional Learning (SEL = self-awareness, relationship skills, social awareness, self-management):
- Social Awareness: The book fosters empathy and inclusion by encouraging readers to understand the unique challenges faced by those with physical and mental disabilities, then taking them into consideration during their interactions with them/
- Relationship Skills: Mara support of Dante showcases teamwork, communication, and mutual respect.
- Responsible Decision-Making: Mara demonstrates the importance of making choices based on empathy and critical thinking.
- Themes for Classroom Learning/ Bookseller and Library Displays/Events:
- National Disability Awareness Month (October)
- ADHD Awareness Month (October)
- International Women's Day (March 8)
- National Girls and Women in Sports Day (First Wednesday in February)
- Mental Health Awareness Month (May)
- Inclusive Schools Week (First Week of December)
- World Mental Health Day (October 10)
- Children's Mental Health Week (First Full Week of February
