Multicultural Books: Titles & Series Guide

A complete listing of the multicultural reference series profiled on this site — what each set covers, how the volumes are organized, and where it fits in a library or curriculum collection.

Encyclopedia of Latinos & Latinas in the United States

This landmark scholarly work offers comprehensive, reliable, and accessible information about the fastest-growing population in the United States. With unprecedented scope and cutting-edge scholarship, it draws together the diverse historical and contemporary experiences of Latinos and Latinas from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Central America, South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Details: 4 deluxe hardcover volumes — appendix, bibliography, glossary, index; approximately 2,344 pages. See full series profile

Reference Library of Black America

The five-volume Reference Library of Black America contains biographical data on an imposing roster of historical and contemporary personalities in the African American community. Historical narratives, statistical tables, and graphs present nearly 500 years of history in great detail. Based on the African American Almanac, it is widely considered among the finest sets of Black history reference books available anywhere.

Details: 5 deluxe hardcover volumes — appendix, bibliography, glossary, index; approximately 1,500 pages. See full series profile

Reference Library of Hispanic America

Based on the Hispanic American Almanac, this four-volume series is a superb resource for learning the history and accomplishments of Hispanic Americans. It describes all major aspects of the culture and civilization of Hispanics living in the United States, with subject-specific chapters covering women, religion, literature, landmarks, art, business, and more.

Details: 4 deluxe hardcover volumes — appendix, bibliography, glossary, index; approximately 1,000 pages. See full series profile

Reference Library of Native North America

This four-volume series is a truly remarkable resource for studying Native American life and history, offering authoritative information on the culture and civilization of the indigenous peoples of the United States and Canada. In its pages you will find brief biographies, signed topical essays, annotated directories, excerpts from important documents, and much more.

Details: 4 deluxe hardcover volumes — appendix, bibliography, glossary, index; approximately 1,360 pages. See full series profile

Reference Library of American Women

A wonderful resource for learning about 650 famous American and international women, featuring both contemporary and historic figures across a wide range of fields. Included are such renowned figures as poet Maya Angelou, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and artist Maya Ying Lin, alongside historic figures including Queen Elizabeth I, Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, Pocahontas, Marie Antoinette, and Marie Curie.

Details: 4 deluxe hardcover volumes — appendix, bibliography, glossary, index; approximately 1,320 pages. See full series profile

Reference Library of American Men

The companion set to the Reference Library of American Women provides a unique, comprehensive look at the lives of 650 men who gained international recognition for their enduring contributions to culture and society — from Muhammad Ali, Bob Dylan, and Cesar Chavez to Thomas Jefferson, Edgar Allan Poe, and Frank Sinatra.

Details: 4 deluxe hardcover volumes — appendix, bibliography, glossary, index; approximately 1,300 pages. See full series profile

Reference Library of Arab America

A tremendous resource for learning the history and accomplishments of Arab Americans. Essays offer substantial treatment of the lives of prominent persons and thoroughly analyze each subject's contribution to society and culture. Cultures and Ethnic Groups chapters feature essays on countries with significant Arab populations, and three indexes — name, nationality, and occupation — facilitate research.

Details: 4 deluxe hardcover volumes — appendix, bibliography, glossary, index; approximately 1,400 pages. See full series profile

Reference Library of Jewish America

A tremendous resource for studying the history and accomplishments of Jewish Americans. Essays offer substantial treatment of the lives of prominent persons, both contemporary and historical, and three indexes facilitate research. The series is a perfect fit for lesson plans involving Jewish American history and culture.

Details: 2 deluxe hardcover volumes — appendix, bibliography, glossary, index; approximately 700 pages. See full series profile

Reference Library of European America

A remarkable resource on the “Ellis Island experience” of European American immigrants. Ethnic essays include information on countries of origin and the circumstances surrounding major immigration waves, focusing on each group's experience in America — acculturation and assimilation, family and community dynamics, religion, employment, politics, and significant contributions. Also featured are detailed profiles of 45 countries of origin, highlighted by numerous photos, maps, flags, and national emblems.

Details: 4 deluxe hardcover volumes — appendix, bibliography, glossary, index; approximately 1,250 pages. See full series profile

The Complete 31-Volume Multicultural Collection

All eight reference library titles — African American (5 volumes), Arab American (4), European American (4), Hispanic American (4), Jewish American (2), Native American (4), Famous American Women (4), and Famous American Men (4) — gathered as a single collection. Whether you are developing a multicultural curriculum or strengthening an existing library, the complete collection remains the most comprehensive single acquisition in this field. Read the collection overview

Finding These Books Today

Most of these series remain available through library systems nationwide. To locate a set near you, search a union catalog such as WorldCat by title or ISBN (each series profile on this site lists its ISBN), or ask your local librarian about interlibrary loan. School librarians evaluating reference acquisitions may also find the collection-development resources of the American Association of School Librarians helpful.