Recommended Reading Here are some great books that will provide more insight in to the origin of the Montessori Philosophy. Lillard, Paula P. (1996). Montessori Today. New York: Random House. Order through NAMTA or from your local bookstore. ISBN 0-8052-1061-X, 207 pages, bibliography, index. Describes Montessori theory and contemporary American Montessori schools serving ages ranging from birth to adulthood. Lillard, Paula P.; Jessen, Lynn L. (2003). Montessori from the Start. New York: Schocken. Order through NAMTA or from your local bookstore. ISBN 0805211128. 304 pages. What parents can do to help their youngest children in the process of self-formation. Montessori, Maria. (1948). To Educate the Human Potential. Madras, India: Kalakshetra Publications. Order Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company edition through NAMTA. Describes the needs of the elementary-aged child in the process of acquiring culture. Montessori, Maria. (1949). The Absorbent Mind. Madras, India: Theosophical Publishing House. Order Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company edition through NAMTA. U.S. edition can be ordered online through Amazon.com. Discusses the development of infants and young children from birth to three years. Gives a clear explanation of the basis of Montessori theory and method. Montessori, Maria. (1956). The Child in the Family. Chicago: Henry Regnery. Order Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company edition through NAMTA. A series of short essays about the child, the family, and the school, with a philosophical emphasis. Montessori, Maria. (1973). From Childhood to Adolescence. New York: Schocken. Order Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company edition through NAMTA. Discusses the development and education of the child from age seven through adolescence. Includes Dr. Montessori's thoughts on university education. Standing, E. M. (1957). Maria Montessori: Her Life and Work. London: Hollis and Carter. Order through NAMTA. Covers Maria Montessori's life, how she developed Montessori education, its theoretical basis, and the worldwide growth of the Montessori movement.