In this book, multicultural education, book selection criteria, racism in specific books, and methods of handling racist materials are discussed from Chicano, Puerto Rican, Asian, Black and Native American perspectives. The 26 selections were written by librarians, anthropologists, community planners and educators. All of the articles expose monocultural and biased practices in the educational system. In Part I, educators summarize the arguments against conformity, while the Council on Interracial Books for Children relates such arguments to the children's library profession. In Part II, members of the Third World, or those working in conjunction with them, talk about criteria and about specific books. Selected reviews illustrate the method of criticism employed by many Third World members. The final section deals with the complex problem of handling racist children's books. The readings show how librarians are taking specific action to increase cultural authenticity, reduce discrimination, and cope with the complexities of censorship and community participation. A culturally pluralistic orientation is advocated for libraries, based on a realistic assessment of cultural bias, the rights of the community, and the essential ingredients in the child's developing self esteem. A selected bibliography of additional readings on racism and multicultural education is also included. (Author/KR)