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Magnificent Mocha Monty

Magnificent Mocha Monty

by Holland Jordan
Children - General
26 Pages
Reviewed on 09/07/2020
Buy on Amazon

Author Biography

Holland Jordan has been employed as a pre-school teacher, case manger, and a production assistant (PA) on several Hollywood movie sets. She has survived Army basic training, Hurricane Hugo (Sept 1989; 135 MPH winds) and the occasional earthquake that shakes up beautiful sunny California where Holland currently resides with her husband. When she’s not in line at one of her favorite fast food restaurants: In-N-Out Burger or Chick-fil-A, you can find her at home drinking a delicious HerbaLife Banana Caramel Shake and reading a good book.

In addition, Holland is a licensed master social worker (LMSW). She has been employed as an HIV case manager, school social worker and is currently employed as a medical social worker for one of the largest healthcare systems in the United States. Holland graduated from the University of California, Berkeley and holds degrees in early childhood development, behavioral science, sociology and a masters in social work. She is a mother, grandmother and mentor to many in her community. This is her first book, inspired by her oldest grandson, Monty, and his two siblings. Holland has a daughter who lives in Georgia with her family.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Monty’s skin is a mocha color. He’s very proud of how he looks and all he can do. He has a great singing voice and he loves dancing to the beat. He’s just a really fun-loving, happy little boy, like any other boy. Differences are what make us all unique and Monty is quite comfortable with his uniqueness. He can do so many things with his ears, his mouth, his hands, and his feet. Even his eyes are full of wonder. Holland Jordan’s picture book story, Magnificent Mocha Monty, is a heartwarming story of a little boy with mocha-colored skin. I love the author’s use of the word "mocha" to describe the boy’s skin color.

The alliteration in this story is addictive and with all the repetitive phrases, it will help young readers improve their reading skills. The story is told in the first person, from Monty’s point of view, and it’s told in rhyming verse that almost sings along with the little boy’s exuberance. The colorful illustrations help carry this story forward and make it into a fun read. At the end of the story, Monty repeats all his rhyming likes about himself, each line repeating the words “magnificent” and “mocha”. The repetition is catchy and fun.

I think it’s important for young people (in fact, for people of all ages) to feel good about themselves and their appearance. Holland Jordan has created a lovely story that addresses this issue of self-respect, highlighting all the wonderful things about one little boy, Monty, so that young readers can compare their own unique qualities and feel good about themselves as well. In the closing words, the author promotes self-awareness and the power of reading as a place for children of all ages to escape, for children are the treasures of our future as well as theirs. Magnificent Mocha Monty is an endearing story that will appeal to all ages.

Thomas Hanson

I bought his book to read to my grandchildren who I am teaching about diversity. This book is perfect for that purpose, but also very fun to read. The poetic text is easy for small children to follow and the pictures are excellent and illustrate the concept of mocha colored skin being something magnificent. I hope that lots of children will read or have this book read to them and take the story to heart.

B. Miller

This simple yet inspiring book is a must read for all children and adults alike. Being a child in today's world is challenging. Racism, intolerance and bullying appear to be rampant. In order to survive children must be taught they are worthy, capable, and not feel bad about the color of their skin. This book will uplift the spirit of any child, build self-confidence and encourage children to be proud of their differences.

Rosie C.

Wonderful book! It’s actually for all kids. Teaches kids to love themselves, and not to be ashamed about their skin and body.

Keon Abraham

Representation matters. Beautifully written book with captivating illustrations and a positive message that provides opportunity for discussion. Both parents and children will love reading this book.

DeRhonda Haynes, Social Worker

Awesome book that all children can relate to; especially small children learning about the differences in people's skin color.

Miriam Pata

When a book has a beautiful message and a character that my child can relate to, it brings me joy as a mother. This book is a treasure and I hope there will be more!

Michelle

I literally started crying while reading this book. A very thoughtful and inspiring story that empowers children to love their skin.

Sarah Hunter

Magnificent Mocha Monty is a beautifully illustrated book with a very powerful and uplifting message. It instills confidence and pride especially to children who struggle with skin color identity.

Ashley Martin

An awesome book with well written and relateable text. Mocha Monty helps start convesations with kids about self-love and self-respect regardless of differences in their outer appearances. Beauty comes in all colors and Mocha Monty is an example of that.

Willie Powell/Boeing Union Ex-Vice Pres

It is very important for children to see and read about other children who look like them, Young children are curious and have lots of questions when they start to notice differences in skin tone, MAGNIFICENT MOCHA M0NTY is a very empowering book that teaches children to be proud of their skin color. As adults we need to teach children to respect, accept and embrace differences. This book should be read aloud in Pre-K thru 3rd grade classes throughout the country because it starts a meaningful conversation about differences. Every child is MAGNIFICENT, and they need to be told so.

Karen P

Wonderful book with a positive message for all kids. Great for self-esteem boosting and teaching kids to love themselves just the way they are.

Jazmin L

Wonderful book! It’s actually for all kids. Teaches kids to love themselves, and not to be ashamed about their skin and body.

Mavin Edwards

The affirmations in this book are beautiful for several reasons. Not only are they intended to stimulate or maintain the level of self-esteem and integrity within young children of color, but its content is also a great way to introduce young caucasian children to those affirmations and come to understand what they mean for the book's intended audience - individually and collectively.

The simple purity of this book is infectious and has the makings to promote within caucasian children a happiness for other children who embrace their own unique characteristics.

Historically, degrading, hurtful and cruel attitudes about and toward people of color have long been crafted and passed down to young children sitting around a great many caucasian dinner tables as part of their value system.

But today, this book can definitely serve as a bridge over the troubled water that is racism, starting now in the most critical and impressionable phase of the child's life and development.

Michelle D, Embrace The Munch, LLC

I would recommend this book to any parent who is invested in their child's self love journey.
Before getting this book my 5 year old niece told me she didn't want to be black anymore (which absolutely broke my heart). After reading this book she now dances around the house saying Monty's magnificently mocha like me!