Given the reality of the changing demographics in today's classrooms, it is imperative that teacher candidates leave their teacher education programs prepared to teach in culturally diverse classrooms. Research shows that using multicultural literature can be an effective approach to teaching about diversity. Research also shows that the majority of teachers neither know much about multicultural literature, nor do they use it regularly in today's classrooms. This study sought to explore the efficacy of pedagogical practices that help teachers and teacher candidates acquire the knowledge, skills and professional dispositions necessary to identify and select authentic multicultural literature, and explore its use as part of a culturally relevant approach to teaching. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]