Hudson Country Montessori School

Students from 8 Weeks to 8th Grade

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
DANBURY, CT
203-744-8088
NEW ROCHELLE
914-636-6202
  • Danbury
    • Quick Facts
    • Our Staff
    • Calendar
    • After School Enrichment
    • Summer Camp
    • 2023 Open House Schedule
    • Schedule a Tour
    • Applications & Forms
      • Student Visit Form
      • Elective Studies
    • Danbury Newsletter
    • Class Directories
    • Parents’ Handbook
    • Lunch Menu
    • COVID Operation Plans
    • Contact Us
  • New Rochelle
    • Quick Facts
    • Our Staff
    • Calendar
    • After School Enrichment
    • Summer Camp
    • Lunch Ordering
    • Testimonials
    • Schedule a Tour
    • Applications & Forms
    • Parents’ Handbook
    • Contact Us
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Welcome Statement from the Headmaster
    • Danbury
      • Quick Facts
      • Our Staff
      • Calendar
      • After School Enrichment
      • Summer Camp
      • 2023 Open House Schedule
      • Schedule a Tour
      • Applications & Forms
        • Student Visit Form
        • Elective Studies
      • Danbury Newsletter
      • Class Directories
      • Parents’ Handbook
      • Lunch Menu
      • COVID Operation Plans
      • Contact Us
    • New Rochelle
      • Quick Facts
      • Our Staff
      • Calendar
      • After School Enrichment
      • Summer Camp
      • Lunch Ordering
      • Testimonials
      • Schedule a Tour
      • Applications & Forms
      • Parents’ Handbook
      • Contact Us
    • Our Mission Statement
    • History of HCMS
    • Why Choose Hudson Country Montessori School ?
    • Montessori in the HCMS Classroom
    • What is a Montessori education?
    • Employment
    • School Uniforms
    • Blog
  • Admission
    • Request a Brochure
    • Schedule a Tour
    • How to Apply
    • Tuition Schedule & Fees
    • Tuition Assistance
  • Academics
    • Infant (Danbury Only)
    • Toddler (18 – 36 months)
    • Preschool (Ages 3, 4, 5)
    • Kindergarten Program
    • Lower Elementary (Grades 1-3)
    • Upper Elementary (Grades 4-5)
    • Middle School (Grades 6 – 8)
    • Physical Education
  • Camp
  • After School
    • Danbury After School Enrichment Programs
    • New Rochelle After School Enrichment Programs
  • Contact Us

Books Supporting Diverse Cultures and Black Authors

You are here: Home / Blog / Books Supporting Diverse Cultures and Black Authors

As we write this, and as you read it, our world is on the precipice of change. For centuries we have seen people of color in the United States and around the world trying to exist in a society that actively works against them. Across the generations there have been layers of work in an attempt to overcome these problems, and what we are experiencing now is yet another layer being peeled back in the struggle toward true justice and equality.

We know that many families are looking for ways to help. Some of the most important things to be done are listening, learning, and following the lead of people of color. But another important task is to teach our children about diverse cultures.  Hudson encourages our students to learn more about the ways that different cultures have coexisted. We strive to demonstrate what effects the geography and biology of various parts of the world have on being able to meet the basic needs that all humans have in common.  One concrete way we can do this is to read books written by black authors.

Below is a list of just some of the incredible work available to families. We know you’ll enjoy the stories, and we would love to hear if there are any more you would add to the list!

Anna Hibiscus’ Song by Atinuke and Lauren Tobia

This sweet picture book is perfect for children in the primary years, although some lower elementary-aged children may enjoy it as well. Anna Hibiscus is a young girl living in Africa with her family. On this particular day, she is feeling so full of happiness that she doesn’t know quite how to express it. After asking each member of her family what they do when they’re happy, she discovers her own way to show how she’s feeling.

Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke

The original Anna Hibiscus book, this early chapter book is the first in a series of three. In it we learn about Anna’s daily life with her family, follow her along on a family vacation, learning an important lesson about privilege and helping others, and get excited with her as she prepares to visit Canada and see snow for the first time!

Going Down Home with Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Daniel Minter

This is a book about a family reunion, but it’s so much more than that. Rising before the sun, two children and their parents make the long drive to their grandmother’s house. When they arrive, they soak in the familiarity and enjoy the time with their relatives. There’s traditional family food, family memories, solemn talks about ancestors, and a special sharing of talents.

Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa by Veronica Chambers, illustrated by Julie Maren

Once upon in a time in Havana, Cuba, there was a young girl who sang like a bird. She grew up poor alongside her family and the others in her neighborhood, but everyone agreed there was something special about her voice. This beautiful book (with equally beautiful illustrations) teaches readers the true history of acclaimed singer Celia Cruz and how she spread a love of salsa music across the globe.

The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

The Undefeated is the winner of the 2020 Caldecott Medal, A Newbery Honor book, and this year’s Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award. Alexander’s poem, coupled with Nelson’s artwork, takes readers through the history of early enslaved African Americans, while also highlighting the incredible contributions of some of history’s most significant heroes.

Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Virtual Virtuosa by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney

This creative picture book is divided into “tracks”, rather than chapters, and it follows the life of jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald. From a young girl dancing with her friends on the sidewalk in Harlem, to teaming up with the Chick Webb Orchestra to play at Yale, to an infamous battle of the bands at the Savoy Ballroom, Ella’s story is enchanting for both children and adults.

Duke Ellington by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney

Another jazz biography brought to us by the Pinkney couple, Duke Ellington was the recipient of the Coretta Scott King Award. Her writing is almost lyrical, and his artwork dances across the pages. Every book they create together is outstanding. For a peek into their process, check out this great article.

Remember by Toni Morrison

Remember is a book that will stand the test of time. In words that read like a picture book, it recalls the moments in history during the time before, during, and after segregation and school integration. The history is powerful enough on its own, but Morrison’s words are accompanied by actual photographs from the 1950s. Sometimes sweet, sometimes shocking, but always an important part of our collective past.

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E.B. White

Another Coretta Scott King Award winner, as well as a recipient of the Jane Addams Peace Award, this is a story about bullying, and it is not a story with a happy ending. Told from the perspective of the child who is unkind, we learn about a new girl at school who is repeatedly rejected and outcast. Once the narrator realizes her error and the opportunity, she has to form a positive relationship, it’s too late. The new girl never returns to school. Powerful and important, this is a great read.

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Another book by Woodson (who, by the way, has won so many awards we’ll just link to a list here), Brown Girl Dreaming is a poetic memoir. She shares her experiences growing up in ways that are relatable to children – especially for children of color and children who are seeking their place in the world. Though they shed light on her struggles, they are filled with hope as well. This book is best for children ages ten and up.

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn

Related posts:

Default ThumbnailReading Comprehension in Lower El The Power of a Story – 150 years, Part 3 Why We Want to See Your Happy Dance (And Your Children Do, Too!) Default ThumbnailRelationships Development from a Three Year Education Cycle

Filed Under: Blog

Interested in Montessori for your child?

Come Visit Us at an Open House or Schedule a Personal Tour

Schedule a Tour


Learn more about our campuses


danbury-campus


new-rochelle-campus

Get a Brochure

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Download "How To Find a Great Montessori School" Ebook

Checklist to evaluate your child's preschool

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Danbury Montessori School

44A Shelter Rock Road
Danbury, CT 06810

203-744-8088

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Schedule A Tour

Contact Us

Privacy Policy

New Rochelle Montessori School

340 Quaker Ridge Road
New Rochelle, NY 10804

914-636-6202

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
Copryright © 2021 Hudson Country Montessori School Log in
Elementary In-Person New Rochelle Tour

Ages 6 – 12 | 1st – 5th Grade


Summer Camp In-Person New Rochelle Tour

Summer Camp for all ages


Middle School In-Person New Rochelle Tour

Ages 11 – 13 | 6th – 8th Grade


Schedule a Tour of Danbury Montessori


Danbury Open House

Come to a Saturday Open House

Our Open House is a great time to see our facility, visit the classrooms and meet with our admissions people, all in a clean and socially distanced manner. Our Open Houses are between 10am to 2pm on Saturdays. Plan to spend around an hour with us. Registration is required.


Danbury Virtual Tour

Meet Us Virtually!

If you have questions, or just want to walk through oir programs with us, schedule a Zoom meeting


Primary In-Person New Rochelle Tour

Ages 3, 4 & 5 | Preschool – Kindergarten


Toddler In-Person New Rochelle Tour


Schedule a Tour of New Rochelle Montessori


Montessori in New Rochelle NY
Montessori in Danbury CT

Contact Us

Please use this form to contact one of our campuses

  • To select multiple programs, please hold the Ctrl button and click to select
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.