Recommended Books
Activities About Diversity
Celebration Centers to Learn and Grow With by Grace E Bickert
"This book will help you transform the holidays into a great way to teach cognitive as well as affective skills and concepts, while enjoying the special occasion atmosphere. With the help of this book, your holiday learning centers will become Celebration Centers! Included are complete directions and supply lists for activities, crafts, food, and fun, which promote socialization, teaming, motor, reading and math readiness, and other essential, learning skills."-Incentive Publishing
Bickert, Grace E. Celebration Centers to Learn and Grow With. Nashville: Incentive Publications, Inc., 1999.
Eco Art: Earth-Friendly Art and Craft Experiences for 3-to-9 Year Olds by Laurie Carlson
The projects in this book help begin to teach children about awareness for the Earth and ecology by showing them that art can be made by natural and reusable items. The book also teaches the value of taking care of the environment. Some projects include how to make homemade, nontoxic arts materials, Twig Animals, Rainy Day Drip Paintings, and much more.
Carlson, Laurie. Eco art! Earth-Friendly Art and Craft Experiences for 3-to-9 Year-Olds.
Charlotte: Williamson Publishing, 1993.
Magic Windows by Carmen Lomas Garza
"In this book, the author takes readers on a fascinating journey that explores her family, community, and ancestors through the traditional folk art form of cut-paper art. The author also shares the legends of her Aztec past. This book is a continuing tribute to family and community as well as a way to connect future generations to their ancestors by teaching and sharing with them this traditional folk art."-Children's Book Press
Garza, Carmen Lomas. Magic Windows. San Francisco: Children's Book Press, 1999.
Making Magic Windows by Carmen Lomas Garza
"This workbook introduces children and their families to the traditional Mexican craft of papel picado. Following the hands-on format of papel picado workshops, this book shows, step-by-step, how to create beautiful designs and banners by simply folding and cutting tissue paper."-Children's Book Press
Garza, Carmen Lomas. Making Magic Windows. San Francisco: Children's Book Press, 1999.
Come Sign With Us: Sign Language Activities for Children by Dr. Jan C. Hafer
"Here is a fully illustrated activities manual for teaching sign language. This book features more than 300 line drawings of adults and children signing familiar words, phrases, and sentences using American Sign Language signs in English word order. Used in conjunction with reading and grammar studies, sign language can improve vocabulary retention and reading comprehension."-Gallaudet University Press
Hafer, Jan C., PhD. Come Sign With Us: Sign Language Activities for Children. Washington D.C.: Gallaudet University Press, 1990.
Artworks for Elementary Teachers: Developing Artistic and Perceptual Awareness by Barbara and Donald Herberholz
"This book is text for a one-semester college or university course for nonart majors who plan to teach art to children. It provides future classroom teachers with introductory experiences in both knowing how to create and respond to art. The focus is on those skills deemed most likely to be meaningful in developing students' understanding and production of artwork."-Barbara and Donald Herberholz
Herberholz, Barbara and Donald. Artworks for Elementary Teachers: Developing Artistic and Perceptual Awareness. Boston, McGraw Hill, 1998.
Living Values: Activities for Children Ages 3-7 by Diana Hsu and Diane Tillman
"This book includes goals, objectives and detailed lesson plans for ages 3-7 that explore eleven key units. The lessons encourage skill-building left-and right-brain thinkers, including reflecting, imagining, writing, singing, drawing, and discussion."-Health Communications Inc.
Hsu, Diana, and Diane Tillman. Living Values: Activities for Children Ages 3-7. Deerfield Beach: Health Communications Inc., 2000.
Hands-On Latin America: Art Activities for all Ages by Yvonne Y. Merrill
"Explore the art heritage of Mexico, Central and South America with 35 projects that have been inspired by artifacts in museums and private collections. Enhance a study or a program with these fresh ideas and activities. Hands-on Latin America is a quality addition to any program eager for new, well-researched and affordable crafts. This book is designed to assist those who are looking for activities based on authenticity."-Kits Publishing
Merrill, Yvonne Y. Hands-On Latin America: Art Activities for All Ages. Hong Kong: Kits Publishing, 1997.
Hands Around the World: 365 Creative Ways to Build Cultural Awareness and
Global Respect by Susan Milord
"This book invites children to experience, taste, and embrace the daily lives of children from the far corners of the Earth. In 365 days of experiences, it breaks down stereotypes and replaces them with the fascinating realities of our differences and our similarities."-Williamson Publishing
Milord, Susan. Hands Around the World: 365 Creative Ways to Build Cultural Awareness and Global Respect. Charlotte: Williamson Publishing, 1992.
Celebrating Diversity With Art: Thematic Projects for Every Month of the Year by Willet Ryder
"This almanac of exciting art activities colors the year with special holidays, events, and issues. There are six art projects for every month of the year, each highlighting a special theme and each hands-on project that actively involves and interests students."- Good Year Books
Ryder, Willet. Celebrating Diversity With Art: Thematic Projects for Every Month of the Year. Glenview: Good Year Books, 1995.
The Peaceful Classroom: 162 Easy Activities to Teach Preschoolers Compassion and Cooperation by Charles A. Smith, PhD
"Through these engaging activities children learn to find friends, cooperate with others, and respect each other's feelings and differences. Activities foster sharing and caring through music, movement, puppet making, play dough fun, gardening, and more."-Gryphon House
Smith, Charles A., PhD. The Peaceful Classroom: 162 Easy Activities to Teach Preschoolers Compassion and Cooperation. Beltsville: Gryphon House, 1993.
The Kids' Multicultural Art Book: Art and Craft Experiences from Around the World by Alexandra M. Terzian
"Come explore the roots, rhythms, designs, and traditions found in the art and artifacts from the far corners of the earth! While creating your own wonderful arts and crafts, grow to understand one another by experiencing the unique artistic expressions nurtured in cultures different from your own. In this hands-on multicultural experience, children make ceremonial art to display, as well as practical artifacts to wear and use."- Williamson Publishing
Terzian, Alexandria M., The Kids' Multicultural Art Book: Art and Craft Experiences from Around the World. Charlotte: Williamson Publishing, 1993.
The Origami Book
"This book will show how to make a variety of three-dimensional figures from one sheet of paper. The folding of paper is enjoyment in itself. Not only is it educational, but also children develop a sense of both coordination and concentration."-Yasutomo Company
The Origami Book. San Francisco: Yasutomo and Company.
Art
I am an Artist by Pat Lowery Collins
"Are you an artist? Do you see the world around you in a special way? I Am An Artist shows you how, by simply observing the delights of nature, you can be inspired to create. This book is a gentle, attractive nudge to the creative instinct."-The Millbrook Press
Collins, Pat Lowery. I am an Artist. Brookfield: The Millbrook Press, 1992.
Going Back Home: An Artist Returns to the South by Toyomi Igus
"More than half a century after her family moved North to find a better life, African American artist Michele Wood returned to the South to see and feel the land where her ancestors lived. In her first book for Children, Going Back Home, Wood presents a series of paintings inspired by her journey home."-Children's Book Press
Igus, Toyomi. Going Back Home: An Artist Returns to the South. San Francisco: Children's Book Press, 1996.
This Land is My Land by George Littlechild
"George Littlechild shows us and tells us what it means to be a young Native artist living on the cusp of the 21st Century. Giving thanks to the ancestors who have guided him, he documents the struggles of Native people and offers us stories of delight, humor, and healing."-Children's Book Press
Littlechild, George. This Land is My Land. San Francisco: Children's Book Press, 1993.
Honoring Our Ancestors edited by Harriet Rohmer
"This remarkable new book brings together fourteen outstanding artists form different communities to honor the ancestors who most touched their lives. This book is a playful tribute to the influential and loving people who came before us. Through stories, art, and photographs, Honoring Our Ancestors will inspire children and their families to honor their own ancestors."-Children's Book Press
Rohmer, Harriet, ed. Honoring Our Ancestors. San Francisco: Children's Book Press, 1999.
Just Like Me edited by Harriet Rohmer
"This book highlights the past of fourteen outstanding artists who, over the course of twenty years, have shared their art and lives with children. With vivid color and emotion, the artists present stunning self-portraits and personal statements about themselves. Through stories, paintings, and childhood photographs, these fourteen artists open their hearts and invite us to enter their worlds. With honesty and encouragement, they offer hope for aspiring young people who dream of becoming artists- just like them."-Children's Book Press
Rohmer, Harriet, ed. Just Like Me. San Francisco: Children's Book Press, 1997.
Art From Many Hands by Jo Miles Schuman
"Here is a valuable resource for helping children discover the arts and crafts of many cultures. This book contains detailed instructions, illustrated with numerous photographs, for art projects from many cultures- African, Central and South American, Asian, European, and Native Ameican. This is a stimulating book, certain to appeal to all who are interested in fostering children's awareness of our broad ethnic heritage."- Davis Publications, Inc.
Schuman, Jo Miles. Art From Many Hands. Worcester: Davis Publications, Inc., 1981.
Children's Stories About Diversity
Aekyung's Dream by Min Paek
"In Korea, Aekyung used to jump out of bed every morning and say, "Hello" to the birds. But now she doesn't even feel like getting up. After six months in America, she speaks very little English, her classmates tease her about her "Chinese eyes," and she's afraid that not even the birds understand her now."-Children's Book Press
Paek, Min. Aekyung's Dream. San Francisco: Children's Book Press, 1988.
Leaving for America by Roslyn Bresnick Perry
"This book is a funny, tender portrayal of life in a Russian Jewish community in the 1920s, as seen through the eyes of a seven-year-old girl who is leaving with her mother to start a new life in America."-Children's Book Press
Perry, Roslyn Bresnick. Leaving for America. San Francisco: Children's Book Press, 1992.
Angel Child, Dragon Child by Michele Maria Surat
"Ut has just come to the United States from Vietnam, and she does not like her new American school. The children all laugh when she speaks Vietnamese. And there's that awful red-haired boy, named Raymond, who picks on her almost everyday. Most of all, Ut misses her mother who had to stay behind in Vietnam. But to Ut's surprise, it is Raymond who thinks of the perfect way to help her."-Scholastic Inc.
Surat, Michele Maria. Angel Child, Dragon Child. New York: Scholastic Inc., 1983.
Family
In My Mother's House by Ann Nolan Clark
"This book teaches about the Tewa Indian children of the Tesuque pueblo near Santa Fe and how their lives are different than their white cousins. In Tesuque just about everything belongs to the mother and these children teach of their history in this book."-Viking Press
Clark, Ann Nolan. In My Mother's House. New York: Viking Press, 1941.
Family Pictures by Carmen Lomas Garza
This is the author's lovingly told story of her childhood in traditional Hispanic community in South Texas. The pictures, painted from her memory, tell of growing up in Texas and of her dream of becoming an artist, inspired by her family.
Garza, Carmen Lomas. Family Pictures. San Francisco: Children's Book Press, 1990.
In My Family by Carmen Lomas Garza
"Through vibrant paintings and warm personal stories, the author brings to life more loving memories of growing up in a traditional Mexican American community: eating, empanadas, witnessing the blessing on her cousin's wedding day, and dancing to the conjunto band at the neighborhood restaurant. This book is a continuing tribute to the loving family and community that shaped he childhood and life."-Children's Book Press
Garza, Carmen Lomas. In My Family. San Francisco: Children's Book Press, 1996.
Two Mrs. Gibsons by Toyomi Igus
"This heartwarming story, as told through the eyes of a young girl, is a delightful celebration of family and heritage. Through simple and loving portraits, we discover that the two Mrs. Gibsons are as different as a pot of rice and a pot of greens, as different as Japan and Tennessee. But what they do have in common is the warm, sweet bond of family and a love that knows no boundaries."-Children's Book Press
Igus, Toyomi. Two Mrs. Gibsons. San Francisco: Children's Book Press, 1996.
Families Are Different by Nina Pellergrini
"Nico lives in a large town with her family. She looks a lot like her sister, Angel. But she doesn't look like her mom and dad. That's because she and angel came from Korea when they were babies. They're adopted. Nico doesn't like to look different. Then her mom tells her "there are different kinds of families, glued together with a special kind of glue called love."-Holiday House
Pellergrini, Nina. Families Are Different. New York: Holiday House, 1991.
My Very Own Room by Amanda Irma Perez
"Five little brothers, two parents, and a house full of visiting relatives make a young Mexican American girl feel crowded. She loves her family, but how can she get some space of her own. This book gently teaches a valuable lesson about the strength of family and the importance of dreams."-Children's Book Press
Perez, Amanda Irma. My Very Own Room. San Francisco: Children's Book Press, 2000.
Uncle Nacho's Hat edited by Harriet Rohmer
"Uncle Nacho is attached to his old hat. Even when his niece Ambrosia gives him a new one, he's pleased but skeptical. Finally he realizes that it's time to push himself to change his style. This book is a clever and involving lesson in acceptance of change."-Children's Book Press
Rohmer, Harriet, ed. Uncle Nacho's Hat. San Francisco: Children's Book Press.
The Perfect Peach by Stephen Schwartz
"Pee-chee is eight years old, but is determined that his parents won't baby him any longer. Who cared if he was a Prince? Pee-chee wants to have adventures like all the other children he knew. So one moonlit night he and his pet turtle, Ho, run away to the mountain where the gods live. The escapades they have and the trouble they cause while in that magical land will captivate anyone who has ever longed for extraordinary adventures."-Little Brown and Company
Schwartz, Stephen. The Perfect Peach. Canada: Little Brown and Company, 1977.
Feelings
The Colors of Us by Karen Katz
"Seven-year-old Lena is going to paint a picture of herself. She wants to use brown paint for her skin. But when she and her mother take a walk through the neighborhood, Lena learns that brown comes in many different shades. Through the eyes of a little girl who begins to see her familiar world in a new way, this book celebrates the differences and similarities that connect all people."-Henry Holt and Company
Katz, Karen. The Colors of Us. New York: Henry Holt and Company.
Sometimes I'm Bombaloo by Rachel Vail
"Sometimes, Katie loses her temper. She uses her feet and her fists instead of her words. When Katie is this mad, she's just not herself. Sometimes, she's Bombaloo. Being Bombaloo is scary. But a little time-out and a lot of love calm Bombaloo down and help Katie feel like Katie again. This warm and reassuring book is perfect for sharing with anyone who is, sometimes, Bombaloo."-Scholastic Press
Vail, Rachel. Sometimes I'm Bombaloo. New York: Scholastic Press, 2002.
Friends
Being Friends by Karen Beaumont
"Two girls share the delights of best-friendship despite and because of the ways they are different. So when one wants to play ball and the other prefers dress-up, a true friend finds she can pitch while wearing a tiara. And though one favors days and the other nights- both like having pillow fights. This book is a joyful portrait of the give-and-take that enriches a cherished friendship."-Dial Books for Young Readers
Beaumont, Karen. Being Friends. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2002.
Meet My Friends by Denise Burt
"Torie has many friends: grownups, animals, and other children. All of them are very special, and she can tell you why! This book also includes a mini dictionary of new words that children will read in the book."-Gareth Stevens Publishing
Burt, Denise. Meet My Friends. Milwaukee: Gareth Stevens Publishing, 1985.
In the Classroom
School Days by B.G. Hennessy
"Follow a high-spirited class through a day jam-packed with interesting things to do- from a ride on the school bus, to making rhymes and letter games, to catching an escaped class pet. With this book, children can experience the wonder of learning even after the school day ends."-Puffin Books
Hennessy, B.G. School Days. New York: Puffin Books, 1990.
The Upside Down Boy by Juan Felipe Hervera
"Juanito is bewildered by the new school, and he misses the warmth of country life. Everything he does feels upside down. He eats lunch when it's recess; he goes out to play when it's time for lunch; and his tongue feels like a rock when he tries to speak English. But a sensitive teacher and loving family help him to find his voice and make a place for himself in this new world through poetry, art, and music."-Children's Book Press
Hervera, Juan Felipe. The Upside Down Boy. San Francisco: Children's Book Press, 2002.
Lessons
The Berenstain Bears and the Blame Game by Jan and Stan Berenstain
Life in the big tree house has turned into one long, miserable, never-ending blame game. Life has become one big argument about who started it and whose fault it was. The Bear family learns that instead of playing the Blame Game they need to get to work and solve the problem.
Berenstain, Jan and Stan. The Berenstain Bears and the Blame Game. New York: Random House, 1997.
What Do You Say, Dear: A Book of Manners for All Occasions by Sesyle Josslin
"This is a handbook of etiquette for young ladies and gentlemen to be used as a guide for everyday social behavior. This book is a cute and fun way for children to learn about manner for all types of occasions."-Young Scott Books
Josslin, Sesyle. What Do You Say, Dear: A Book of Manners for All Occasions. New York: Young Scott Books.
Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats
Poor Peter wished he could whistle. He tried and tried, but still couldn't do it. Peter wants to learn how to whistle so that he can call for his dog Willie. So Peter keeps on practicing hoping that he'll learn. With enough persistence, Peter learns to whistle, accomplishing his goal.
Keats, Ezra Jack. Whistle for Willie. New York: Scholastic Inc., 1964.
No Fighting, No Biting! By Else Holmelund Minarik
"Poor Cousin Joan. Who can read when Willy and Rosa are pinching and squeezing and fighting! So Cousin Joan tells them two stories about Light-foot and Quick-foot, a pair of quarrelsome little alligators who are always fighting and biting. Just like Willy and Rosa!"-Harper and Row
Minarik, Else Holmelund. No Fighting, No Biting! New York: Harper and Row, Publishers, 1958.
A Peaceable Kingdom by The Shaker Abecdarius
"This alphabet verse created by the Shakers over 100 years ago is an incongruous world of animals created for the practical purpose of teaching reading. The rhyme and meter helped students to learn and turned a chore into a pleasurable activity."-Richard Meran Barsam
The Shaker Abecdarius. A Peaceable Kingdom. New York: Viking Press, 1978.
Cooking
Cookbooks
My First Baking Book by Rena Coyle
"Put on your oven mitts- here's a tasty helping of sweet and savory recipes for all occasions. Invite Bialosky the Chef Bear into your kitchen and learn to bake breakfast breads, teacakes, after-school snacks, dinner popovers, luscious deserts, and an all-American Fall Harvest Apple and Cheddar Pie."-Workman Publishing
Coyle, Rena. My First Baking Book. New York: Workman Publishing, 1988.
I'm the Chef: The Young Chef's Chinese Cookbook by Ellen Rodger
"This cookbook teaches you how to make Chinese dishes such as spring rolls, dim sum, fried rice, and many others. Step-by-step photographs and text help to explain all 15 recipes. This book also examines one of the most important Chinese festivals- Chinese New Year."-Ellen Rodger
Rodger, Ellen. I'm the Chef: The Young Chef's Chinese Cookbook. New York: Crabtree Publishing, 2001.
I'm the Chef: The Young Chef's French Cookbook by Ellen Rodger
"French food is so good that it has become famous all over the world. Despite its reputation as a complicated cuisine, there are many dishes that young chefs can prepare successfully. In this book, there are 15 classic recipes with step-by-step photographs. There's also a section on the Feast of the Kings, a festival that children in France celebrate."-Ellen Rodger
Rodger, Ellen. I'm the Chef: The Young Chef's French Cookbook New York: Crabtree Publishing, 2001.
I'm the Chef: The Young Chef's Italian Cookbook by Ellen Rodger
"Italian food is not only delicious, it is also easy to prepare. This makes it especially suitable for young chefs. In this book, there are 15 popular recipes with step-by-step photographs. There's also a section on Carnevale, showing the fun, and the food, that Italian children enjoy at that time of the year."-Ellen Rodger
Rodger, Ellen. I'm the Chef: The Young Chef's Italian Cookbook. New York: Crabtree Publishing, 2001.
I'm the Chef: The Young Chef's Mexican Cookbook by Ellen Rodger
"Mexican food is a mixture of Spanish, French, Italian, and Native American recipes. Corn, chilies, tomatoes, beans, peppers, and avocados are all basic ingredients in Mexican cooking. The 15 recipes in this book are some of the most common dishes. Step-by-step photographs help to explain each of them."-Ellen Rodger
Rodger, Ellen. I'm the Chef: The Young Chef's Mexican Cookbook. New York: Crabtree Publishing, 2001.
American Heart Association Kids' Cookbook by Mary Winston
"Kids love to cook, and the American Heart Association Kids' Cookbook is the best way for parents to get them going in the kitchen and start them off on a good heart-healthful diet of foods they like most. The book includes more than 30 original easy-to-follow recipes, a complete glossary of cooking terms, guide to kitchen safety, and much more."-Random House
Winston, Mary. American Heart Association Kids' Cookbook. New York: Random House, 1993.
Books about Food or Cooking
Everybody Bakes Bread by Norah Dooley
"In this companion to Everybody Cooks Rice, Norah Dooley evokes the warmth of a friendly, international neighborhood and includes seven types of breads the families bake. The illustrators' cozy pictures capture the faces found in the multiethnic neighborhood, and together make a rainy Saturday seem special."-Carolrhoda Books
Dooley, Norah. Everybody Bakes Bread. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books Inc., 1996.
Everybody Cooks Rice by Norah Dooley
"Carrie travels from one house to another, looking for her brother at dinnertime. Each family invites her in for a taste of what they're cooking. Yes, everybody cooks rice, and everybody eats rice- these commonalities do bring us together, a lesson worth repeating again and again. "-Carolrhoda Books
Dooley, Norah. Everybody Cooks Rice. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books Inc., 1991.
Food by Fiona MacDonald
"Food is essential for life. We need to eat to stay alive but food is also an important part of how we celebrate our culture. Learn why different foods are popular in different parts of the world due to climate, cooking methods, and religious practices. Discover why people still go hungry when there is more than enough food produced to feed everyone on the planet."-Crabtree Publishing Company
MacDonald, Fiona. Food. New York: Crabtree Publishing, 2001.
For My Family, With Love, Allie by Ellen B. Senisi
Allie's relatives from out of town are coming for a big family party. Allies wants to do something for them, but can't think of anything to give them because she isn't grown-up. Then, she comes up with a great idea to make food for everyone. Allie makes peanut butter treats, but will her family have enough room left to eat the tasty treats?
Senisi, Ellen B. For My Family, With Love, Allie. Morton Grove: Albert Whitman and Company, 1998.
Jalapeno Bagels by Natasha Wing
"Pablo can't decide what to take to school for International Day. He wants to pick something form the bakery his parents own, something that represents his heritage, but what? There are the pan dulce and chango bars his Mexican mother prepares, but the bagels and challah made by his Jewish father are equally tempting. Then, when Pablo begins to help his parents prepare the Sunday morning baking, he comes up with the perfect choice."-Atheneum Books
Wing, Natasha. Jalapeno Bagels. New York: Atheneum Books, 1996.
Counting
Diez Pequenas Catarinas by Melanie Gerth
This colorful, slightly3D book teaches children how to count in Spanish by using tiny caterpillars and other animals they meet to help them.
Gerth, Melanie. Diez Pequenas Catarinas. Mexico: Publicaciones, 2000.
I Can Count the Petals of a Flower by John and Stacey Wahl
This book helps children enjoy the pleasures of counting by using the petals of a flower. The book introduces or reinforces the counting experiences children enjoy at an early age. The book also leads to new and different mathematical concepts.
Wahl, John and Stacey. I Can Count the Petals of a Flower. Virginia: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 1976.
Cultural History
Children's Songs from Japan by Kazuo Akiyama and Florence White
"This book constitutes an outstanding achievement in the field of international understanding. The collection opens up a world, which, though externally remote, it is actually quite akin to that of our own children. For those who enjoy singing and teaching authentic music of various ethnic groups, here is a collection for you."-Edward B. Marks Music Corporation
Akiyama, Kazuo, and Florence White. Children's Songs from Japan. New York: Edward B. Marks Music Corporation.
Keepers of the Night: Native American Stories and Nocturnal Activities for Children by Joseph Bruchac and Michael J. Caduto
"This book offers eight carefully selected Native North American stories and activities for the outdoors. Perfect for anyone teaching children about nature and the outdoors, Keepers of the Night offers unique ideas about understanding the natural world, by looking at night."-Fulcrum Publishing
Bruchac, Joseph, and Michael J. Caduto. Keepers of the Night: Native American Stories and Nocturnal Activities for Children. Golden: Fulcrum Publishing, 1994.
The Biographical Dictionary of African Americans by Philip J. Koslow and Rachel Kranz
"This book profiles more than 230 of America's important, influential, and fascinating black figures, past and present. Each entry includes essential biographical data as well as concise, highly readable assessment of the subject's life and achievements."-Checkmark Books
Koslow, Philip J., and Rachel Kranz. The Biographical Dictionary of African Americans. New York: Checkmark Books, 1999.
Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions by Margaret Musgrave
"In this collection of vignettes the author introduces the reader to twenty-six African peoples by depicting a custom important to each. Some of the customs are unique and relate only to particular people. Others are shared by many peoples, but all reflect African values or philosophies. This book explains the vastness of the African continent and the variety of the peoples and also the place that tradition holds at the very heart of African life."-Margaret Musgrave
Musgrave, Margaret. Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 1977.
Black Books Galore! Guide to More Great African American Children's Books by Toni Trent Parker and Donna Rand
"This book includes the latest reviews along with other exciting new materials. This easy-to-use, illustrated reference guide features the best-written, most positive books starring African Americans. This book also includes a calendar of great books to match the holiday season, age specific guidelines, and profiles of selected authors and illustrators."-John Wiley and Sons Inc.
Parker, Toni Trent, and Donna Rand. Black Books Galore! Guide to More Great African American Children's Books. New York: John Wiley and Sons Inc., 2001.
Differences
This is the Way We Go to School by Edith Baer
"This book takes reader on a journey around the world, celebrating the many different ways children travel to the classroom. The book captures kids' enthusiasm and the different locales."-Scholastic Inc.
Baer, Edith. This is the Way We Go to School. New York: Scholastic Inc., 1990.
Whoever You Are by Mem Fox
"Everyday all over the world, children are laughing and crying, playing and learning, eating and sleeping. They may not look the same. They may not speak the same language. Their lives may be quite different. But inside, they are just like everyone else."-Harcourt Inc.
Fox, Mem. Whoever You Are. New York: Harcourt Inc., 2001.
We're Different, We're the Same by Bobbi Jane Kates
The Gang from Sesame Street teaches children in this book, that although people have different hair, mouths, noses, skin colors, and more, their differences are what make the world beautiful. And just because these things look different, in reality they're really the same.
Kates, Bobbi Jane. We're Different, We're the Same. New York: Random House, 1992.
Children Just Like Me by Anabel and Barnabas Kindersley
"This book is about children from all over the world. A Photographer and teacher traveled to more than 30 countries, interviewing children. Each child's remarkable story is recorded in this book. Extraordinary photographs bring to life the children's families and homes, their clothes and food, their friends and favorite games, and other aspects of their daily lives."-Random House
Kindersley, Anabel and Barnabas. Children Just Like Me. London: Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
All the Colors We Are by Kate Kissinger
"Using outstanding full-color photographs, this book showcases the beautiful diversity of human skin color. This special book offers young children a simple, scientifically accurate explanation for how we get our skin color. Understanding the human pigment melanin and how it works in our skin frees children from the myths and stereotypes associated with skin color."-Redleaf Press
Kissinger, Kate. All the Colors We Are. St. Paul: Redleaf Press, 1994.
Children of the World Say "Good Morning" by Herbert McClure
This book show how children from all over the world say good morning. This book helps get children learning about other cultures and languages.
McClure, Herbert. Children of the World Say "Good Morning." New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston Inc., 1963.
Someone Special Died by Joan Singleton Prestine
This book explores the emotions young children go through when someone they know passes away. The book will help children learn to understand and deal with death.
Prestine, Joan Singleton. Someone Special Died. Torrance: Fearon Teacher Aids, 1993.
What's Wrong With Timmy? by Maria Shriver
"This book will help children understand that kids with disabilities are not to be feared, pitied, or ridiculed, but are to be embraced, challenged, and included. It is one way to teach children that no matter how they are born, they are all God's unique children."-Maria Shriver
Shriver, Maria. What's Wrong With Timmy? New York: Warner Books, 2001.
Why Am I Different? by Norma Simon
"This book shows everyday ways in which children see themselves as different. Differences make our world more interesting, colorful, and richer than it would be if everyone were alike. This book helps children feel pride in the specialness of 'Being Me!'"-Norma Simon
Simon, Norma. Why Am I Different? Illinois: Albert Whitman and Company, 1976.
Different Aspects of Culture
Families and Neighborhoods by Alvis T. Harthern
"This book has seven chapters. In the first six chapters you will be learning how families meet their need for food, how clothes are made, why families need shelter, and many other things about how families live. In the last part of this book, you will learn about our country, the United States of America. You will learn about the many places families like to visit, about some of our country's symbols, and many other things."-Alvis T. Harthern
Harthern, Alvis T. Families and Neighborhoods. New Jersey: Silver Burdett Company, 1986.
Clothing and Jewelry by Fiona MacDonald
"People all over the world wear clothing to keep warm and jewelry to look attractive. What we wear and how we decorate our bodies also say a lot about our culture and our social class. Find out why people wear what they do and what special meaning it holds for different cultures."-Crabtree Publishing Company
MacDonald, Fiona. Clothing and Jewelry. New York: Crabtree Publishing, 2001.
Homes by Fiona MacDonald
"Shelter is a basic need and people everywhere build some kind of home to protect themselves from weather and other dangers. Homes can also have cultural meanings and traditions involving special shapes, windows, doors, and decorations. From nuclear to extended families, find out how people from different cultures around the world live."-Crabtree Publishing Company
MacDonald, Fiona. Homes. New York: Crabtree Publishing, 2001.
Music and Dance by Neil Morris
"People all over the world dance and make music to worship, to entertain, to tell stories, and to enjoy themselves. Discover the rich variety of music and dance celebrated around the world and the special meaning they hold for different cultures."-Crabtree Publishing Company
Morris, Neil. Music and Dance. New York: Crabtree Publishing, 2001.
Families and Neighbors by Ann B. Poole
This book explores the use of maps and globes by covering how to read them and learning about land and water. The book also covers family life as well as friends and neighbors. Two chapters also go over rules and choices that children have to follow and make in everyday situations.
Poole, Ann B. Families and Neighbors. Illinois: Scott, Foresman and Company, 1991.
Miscellaneous
The Kiss by Ashok Davar
"This story is a story for all ages. The book is a swift paced and captivating story of man's evolutionary climb to the pinnacle of technology; his present peril of tumbling headlong to a catastrophic end; the washing away of all hatred through the simple, spontaneous kiss of two children."-The Theosophical Publishing House
Davar, Ashok. The Kiss. Wheaton: The Theosophical Publishing House.
A Visit to Australia by Mary Packard
This book takes the reader to Australia to meet new friends. While visiting children from this country, readers learn about their culture, games, and even how they talk.
Packard, Mary. A Visit to Australia. New York: Golden Book, 1992.
What's the Most Beautiful Thing You Know About Horses? by Richard Van Camp
"Richard, our young, friendly guide invites us to accompany him on his playful search for the most beautiful thing about horses. He talks to his family, his friends, and even the artist. The answers he gets range from zany to profound: Horses can run sideways. They have secrets. They always know their way home. In this humorous and delightful book for children, the artist's paintings perfectly capture the author's playful vision of the world. Together, they inspire us to see the world- and ourselves-in entirely new ways."-Children's Book Press
Van Camp, Richard. What's the Most Beautiful Thing You Know About Horses? San Francisco: Children's Book Press, 1998.
Teaching Diversity: Resource Books
Cultural Diversity and Educations: Foundations, Curriculum, and Teaching by James A. Banks
"This book is designed to help educators clarify the philosophical and definitional issues related to multicultural education, derive a clarified philosophical position, design and implement effective teaching strategies that reflect diversity, and develop sound guidelines for multicultural practices. Cultural Diversity and Educations describes the actions that educators can take to institutionalize multicultural ideas, concepts, and practices."- James A. Banks
Banks, James A. Cultural Diversity and Educations: Foundations, Curriculum, and Teaching. Boston: Allyn & Bacon, 2001.
Human Diversity in Education: An Integrative Approach by Kenneth Cushner and Averil McClelland
"This book addresses the preparation of teachers and human service providers for the wide diversity of students they are certain to encounter in their classrooms, schools, and communities. In addition, the book addresses the knowledge and skills that are necessary for teachers to have if they are to provide a foundation that will assist young people to be better informed and be proactive in an increasingly interdependent, global, and multicultural society."- Averil McClelland
Cushner, Kenneth, and Averil McClelland. Human Diversity in Education: An Integrative Approach. New York: McGraw Hill, 2003.
Enhancing Professional Practice: A Framework for Teaching by Charlotte Danielson
"This book offers the type of guidance necessary to enhance teaching. It provides a road map to guide novice teachers through their initial classroom experiences, a structure to help experienced professionals become more effective, and a means to focus improvement efforts."-Frances Faircloth Jones
Danielson, Charlotte. Enhancing Professional Practice: A Framework for Teaching. Alexandria: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 1996.
On the Net 2002: Multicultural Education by Colleen Finegan and Ronald G. Helms
This book is a guide for using the Internet for multicultural education. The book includes tips for researching online, Internet activities for multicultural education and documentation for MLA and APA style in an easy step-by-step process.
Finegan, Colleen, and Ronald G. Helms. On the Net 2002: Multicultural Education. Boston: Allyn & Bacon, 2002.
Starting Small: Teaching Tolerance in Preschool and the Early Grades edited by Maria Fleming
"This book profiles seven classrooms in which teachers are helping young children build inclusive, equitable, caring communities across differences that too often divide. Their approaches are as varied as their faces and names, yet they share three crucial habits: reflecting continually on their own assumptions, goals and behavior; talking with their peers about how these factors conflict as well as coincide; and practicing social skills as diligently as mental or physical ones."- Maria Fleming
Fleming, Maria, ed. Starting Small: Teaching Tolerance in Preschool and the Early Grades. Alabama: The Teaching Tolerance Project, 1997.
Arts and Learning: An Integrated Approach to Teaching and Learning in Multicultural and Multilingual Settings by Merryl Goldberg
"This book is about children and teachers in some of their most imaginative and creative moments. It is about creating a learning community committed to educational equity. It is about access to knowledge and it is about the journeys of individuals as they seek adventures in learning. Arts and Learning focuses on the multiple roles of the arts as languages of learning and methods for teaching in the multicultural and multilingual classroom."- Merryl Goldberg
Goldberg, Merryl. Arts and Learning: An Integrated Approach to Teaching and Learning in Multicultural and Multilingual Settings. San Marcos: Addison Wesley Longman, Inc., 2001
The Multicultural Resource Series: Resources for a Multicultural Classroom edited by Martha Green
"This book helps teachers develop creative ways to integrate multiculturalism into every curriculum, from science to literature. This annotated resource guide helps K-12 teachers chose the best print, film and video, and electronic resources for their students."- National Education Association of the United States
Green, Martha, ed. The Multicultural Resource Series: Resources for a Multicultural Classroom. New York: National Education Association of the United States, 2000.