As multicultural education is becoming integral to the core curriculum, teachers often implement this aspect into their courses through literature. However, standards and criteria to teach and promote active discussion about this literature are sparse. This book introduces pre-service and experienced teachers to the use of literature to promote active discussions that lead students to think about racial diversity. More than just an annotated list of books for children, the authors provide systematic guidelines that teachers can use throughout their careers to evaluate multicultural literature for students in grades K-8. At the same time, the text leads the reader to a deeper understanding of how to use multicultural literature throughout the entire curriculum and not just during specially designated months or time periods. With the example unit plans and extensive annotated bibliography, this book is a valuable resource that pre-service teachers will utilize when they begin teaching, and in-service teachers will reference repeatedly during their planning periods. Contents include: (1) Why Do We Study Multicultural Literature?; (2) Defining Literary Standards; (3) Picture Books; (4) Folktales, Fairy Tales, and Tall Tales; (5) Historical Fiction; (6) Nonfiction: Biography, Informational Texts, and Autobiography; (7) Realistic Fiction; (8) Poetry; and (9) Creating the Climate for Success. A preface, appendix (Additional Cultural Resources and Unit Plans), bibliography, and index are also included.