Multicultural Books

The books recommended here were reviewed by students in the master of education program at Neuhaus in partnership with Southern Methodist University. The purpose of this project was to review multicultural literature for bias, cultural accuracy, and positive portrayal of characters within the cultures represented. These books can be used to develop metacognitive thinking by providing opportunities for students to see life from the point of view of a culture that is not one's own.
	This is a simply told book about about keeping in touch when separated from those you love. The illustrations and dialogue is culturally accurate and the book is relevant in classrooms today.
	With words and beautiful illustrations, Lainez draws the reader into this emotional story of a boy whose mother has been deported across the Mexican border. Originally from El Salvador, the author appears qualified to write about the immigrant experience, and portrays this family's struggles in a respectful way.
	This story of a young South African boy's passion for the game of soccer contains universal themes of friendship, cooperation, and dealing with obstacles like bullying. Characters are individual and the portrayal of the culture is authentic, giving students opportunity for discussion and empathy for the circumstances of others.
	Wangari Maathai of Kenya was the first African woman to win the Nobel Prize. Her work in veterinary medicine and courageous campaigning for peace between people and nature made her a leader in the field of ecology. Illustrations and portrayal of the culture are the result of the author's extensive research. This book is appropriate for older students and contains a glossary of vocabulary words in Kikuyu.
	A young girl's diary tells of the anxiety and wonder of moving from Mexico to the US. Written for children who are of reading age, the story and illustrations portray culturally accurate family experiences through the eyes of the author.
	Told by a native Tanzanian, this story from 1960's Tanzania tells of struggle, tenacity, and the value of hard work.
	A Koren girl learns to love herself and her name in this story of the joining of cultures within a modern-day classroom.
	Farah, a Muslim immigrant to the US, is the speaker in this sensitive narration of the curious differences in the two cultures she is forced to compare.
	This entertaining biography of Pele reveals a great deal about the struggles he overcame to become a successful soccer player. It is an inspiring story that shows how hard work and perseverance can pay off.
	Set in Chad, this story of starting school and beginning to read contains a concurrent themes of achievement and success in the face of adversity. Written by a former Peace Corp volunteer who was stationed in Chad, the book portrays the people and culture accurately, and the characters in a positive light. Word choices make this picture book appropriate for younger children to read, or as a teacher read-aloud.
	The exciting and engaging real-life story of Rosa Parks, highlighted by Collier's simple, beautiful, and authentic illustrations, is one that makes all children feel the pride of extraordinary courage.
	Based on a Jewish folktale, this charming story reflects some aspects of Jewish heritage in the small village where it takes place. Though the characters are somewhat stereotypical, the warmth of family love comes through this circular tale which would be useful for practicing fluency.
	The art form for Faith Ringold's illustrations is a patchwork quilt, adding rich color and emotion to this story of an eight-year-old African American girl dealing with injustice through her own fantasies. Cassie Louise Lightfoot's dreams of flying and righting all the wrongs her parents have to endure, sensitively and humorously address the particular positional concerns of the black female in America as of 1991.
	Although not about people, the age-old story about a young bull that was different from the typical is a story that addresses the subject of empathy.
	Written in 1995, this book about the strength and character of the young Ruby Bridges is very relevant today. The illustrations are authentic and non-stereotyped and help children to better understand events during the civil rights movement.
	Both boys and girls will find this story of the fastest woman engaging. Some pre-teaching of vocabulary might be necessary before reading this wonderful story of triumph over obstacles.