Books for the times we are living

“An education capable of saving humanity is no small undertaking: it involves the spiritual development of man, the enhancement of his value as an individual, and the preparation of young people to understand the times in which they live.”

— Maria Montessori, Education and Peace

We are experiencing a global pandemic and, in the United States, a reckoning with racism and inequality. We have been searching for books that might help our Adolescent Communities dive into these issues.

Here is a collection of books recommended by seasoned Montessori adolescent guides. It is an eclectic collection touching on themes of isolation, racism, inequality, and pandemics.

If you have books to recommend (for ages 12-15 or 15-18) please email us at contact@montessoriadolescence.com. We will happily add them to the list.

  • Revolution, Deborah Wiles

  • Farewell to Manzanar,  Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James D. Houston

  • The Rent Collector, Camron Wright

  • Crossover, Kwame Alexander

  • Brown Girl Dreaming, Jacqueline Woodson

  • The Doomsday Book, Connie Willis

  • Fever Year, Don Brown

  • Anne Frank, the Diary of a Young Girl

  • Stella by Starlight, Sharon M. Draper

  • The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Sherman Alexie

  • The Martian, Andy Weir

  • Refugee, Alan Gratz