People By Peter Spier

People

Author/Illustrator: Peter Spier
Genre: Nonfiction (multicultural)
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: 1-3 grade

This book informs readers about many different cultures, including their history, appearance, houses, diet, and even holidays.

The illustrations in this story are beautiful and showcase the diversity of each nation.

My first impression of this story was it's usefulness in an ESL classroom. Students would love finding their own culture in the book as well as learning about their classmates homes. Other classes can find value in the abundance of vocabulary and the emphasis on accepting diversity and celebrating our differences.

Families by Ann Morris

Families

Author: Ann Morris
Genre: Multicultural (Nonfiction)
Awards: NA
Grade level: 1-2nd grade

Everyone is part of a family, but each family looks different. Some children live with parents, grandparents, or foster parents. Some children have siblings. Some families have pets. Families are all different, but they all love and care for each other.

Although no photographer is listed, the photographs provide realistic images of different cultures around the world. The families includes in the pictures are diverse and interesting.

This story would be useful in social studies units about families, communities, or culture. Each student will have something to relate to as the book even includes special situations like step-parents and adoptions. 

Circle Unbroken by Margot Theis

Circle Unbroken

Author: Margot Theis Raven

Illustrator: E. B. Lewis

Genre: Multicultural
Awards: Children's Africana Book Awards (2005)
Grade Level: PK-2nd grade

This story is about a family who appreciates basketweaving. A young girl listens to her grandmother tell the story about how her grandfather learned to weave the baskets. He used the baskets to catch the rainwater. Then he gets captured and sold into slavery! He remembers his days basket weaving and passes down the tradition.

The illustrations in this story portray the emotions that this family has about their basketweaving traditions. The illustrations are detailed and soft, providing readers with an emotional and heartfelt experience.

This story contains important multicultural aspects to introduce to students. Teachers can use this story to teach pupils that each family has different traditions that are equally important. Classrooms can discuss the traditions that their family has passed down as well as the historical aspects of the story, such as slavery.