Diversity Resources

Anti-Racist, Anti-Bias Book Resources

Book Lists for Children & Youth

One of the best ways to broaden understanding is through the words we read. These lists offer diverse landscapes for young readers to explore.

• “Books for Peace: An Annotated Bibliography,” from AMS’s Montessori Life magazine, Spring 2016.
• “Children’s Books That Tackle Race and Ethnicity,” From the New York Times, September 23, 2016.
• The Every Mom blog shares 50 children’s books that celebrate diversity.
• A Feminist Book List for boys and girls, compiled by the New York Times. 
• The Guardian compiled a list of antiracist books for children and teens. Includes This Book Is Anti-Racist, by antiracist Montessori Elementary teacher, Tiffany Jewell. Illustratations by Aurélia Durand.
• Honoring Indigenous Peoples: 20 Recommended Reads from the New York Public Library provides an introduction to the rich and diverse heritage of fiction, nonfiction, history, poetry, memoir, and more written by and about Indigenous peoples in the United States.
• Looking for Excellent “Diverse” Books for Children? Embrace Race has compiled a list of children’s books with an eye toward diversity.
• Native American Children’s Book List. First Nations Development Institute compiled a recommended reading list for young people, broken down by age level. Also, 10 ways you can further your support of Native communities and literature.
• #OwnVoices: Kids Books by Indigenous Authors and Illustrators from the Seattle Public Library shares books for children by Native American and First Nations authors and illustrators.
• “Power Picture Books: Tools for Teaching Peace,” from Montessori Life, Winter 2008 – 2009.
• See What We See, a coalition of writers, scholars, educators, librarians, and activists created this guide for selecting anti-bias books for children.
• Social Justice Book List is an initiative of the National Network of State Teachers of the Year.
• “These Books Can Help You Explain Racism and Protest to Your Kids.” The New York Times compilation of diverse books broken down by age group.

Peace Education for Children

International Day of Peace

The International Day of Peace, observed every year on September 21, is an initiative of the United Nations devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.

• International Day of Peace Activities. Peace Day provides a powerful and inspiring opportunity to engage children and youth in diverse activities related to peace, unity, and making a positive difference in their world.
• “March for Peace” is an original song, dedicated to Dr. Maria Montessori, by Montessori music specialist and steel band director, Frank Leto. He encourages you to sing it with your students on the International Day of Peace—and throughout the year, too. You can find the lyrics here.
• Sing Peace Around the World invites Montessori students from around the world to sing “Light a Candle for Peace” on the International Day of Peace. Sign up (for free) to show your support.

For Adults:

Article/Book Recommendations

Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do by Jennifer L. Eberhardt, Phd.

Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?: And Other Conversations About Race by Beverly Daniel Tatum

Audio/Video Recommendations

Is My Skin Brown Because I Drank Chocolate Milk?  Beverly Daniel Tatum | TEDxStanford

Talking Race With Young Children NPR

Top 5  Powerful ABAR Podcasts (posted from AMS)

Be Antiracist with Ibram X. Kendi hosted by Ibram X. Kendi

“We’ll tie the past to the present, inviting listeners to consider what an antiracist future might look like,” Ibram X. Kendi, #1 New York Times bestselling author and professor, says in his podcast introduction. Filled with tangible tips, universal definitions, and honest conversations, Be Antiracist skillfully manages to make difficult topics enjoyable to listen to (not in the traditional sense of the word ‘enjoyable’).

Asian Enough hosted by Jen Yamato, Johana Bhuiyan, Tracy Brown, and Suhauna Hussain

Following the profound ups and downs of being Asian American, each episode features a variety of guests who share their unique lived experiences. (The title of each episode is the guest’s name, how cool!) From musicians, drag queens, sociologists, and chefs, the wide array of guests cultivate powerful stories of being Asian American.

In The Thick with Maria and Julio hosted by Maria Hinojosa and Julio Ricardo Varela

Co-hosts and journalists, Maria Hinojosa and Julio Ricardo Varela, dive into relatively untouched conversations about the intersection of race, identity, and politics. Their podcast highlights a variety of important topics that are either briefly mentioned or are missing from mainstream news. From human rights and climate change to imperialism and apartheid, Maria and Julio cover it all.

1619 hosted by Nikole Hannah-Jones

1619 is part of a larger project from The New York Times educating about the lasting implications of the 400th anniversary of the first enslaved Africans arriving in colonial Virginia. Nikole Hannah-Jones provides context and prior knowledge while also digging deep into the continuing aftermath of American slavery. This podcast is an excellent starting point to learn the historical facts that add up to the systemic issues in today’s world.

Code Switch on NPR hosted by a team of multiracial, multigenerational group of journalists

With a beautiful variety of topics between food and politics, Code Switch offers necessary and upfront conversations about race. I particularly like this podcast because it’s similar to an anthology. Each self-contained episode is 18 – 50+ minutes and paired with clear descriptions so the listener knows what’s in the conversation ahead. This is especially helpful when listening with children.