Think Rather of Zebra: Dealing with Aspects of Poverty Through Story

Think Rather of Zebra is a collection of short stories adapted from more than 40 classic and modern folktales, reset in an urban neighborhood. Stailey's two main characters, Pete and Carlos, tell stories and adventures from their poor neighborhood through which the reader learns about the "hidden rules" of economic class.

Each chapter relates to a section in A Framework for Understanding Poverty by Dr. Ruby Payne, along with her questions to be used for discussion.

The books is useful for understanding people from different economic classes, and builds mutual respect for the skills that arise naturally from each economic environment.

Jay Stailey has been a principal (over the past decade) of both low income and highly affluent neighborhoods. His storytelling skills, his keen understanding of children, and his reflections on public schools and how they work, all meld together to make Think Rather of Zebra a must read for today's educators and parents. In addition to co-authoring Zebra with Dr. Payne, Jay also published, Short Tales, Tall Tales and Tales of Medium Stature in 1989. In addition to his work as principal, Jay teaches a course on Storytelling in Education at the University of Houston, and consults for aha! Process, Inc. Ruby K. Payne, Ph.D. is founder of aha! Process and an author, speaker, publisher, and career educator. Recognized internationally for A Framework for Understanding Poverty, her foundational book and workshop, Dr. Payne has helped students and adults of all economic backgrounds achieve academic, professional, and personal success. As an expert on the mindsets of economic classes and overcoming the hurdles of poverty, she has trained hundreds of thousands of professionals who work with people from poverty, from educators and school administrators to community, church, and business leaders. She has presented to groups in every state in the U.S. and more than 10 countries.