Skip to content
Free to Be Learning

Books by Mary Ellen Maunz

Two books exploring the depth and joy of Montessori education — written for teachers, parents, and all who care deeply about children.

Cover of Free to Be, Maria Montessori's Essential Message

Free to Be, Maria Montessori's Essential Message

Mary Ellen Maunz

Paperback · 202 pages · $18.95

Mary Ellen Maunz with 50 years of Montessori experience behind her celebrates this new book on the topic of education. Free to Be delves deeply into vital topics of what education is and can be, the deep significance of the child's work, the absorbent mind, the sensitive periods in development, the prepared environment, the balance between liberty and discipline, the spiritual preparation of the adult and much more. Includes dozens of colored photographs of beautiful children at work and several interesting charts demonstrating stages of development and the sensitive periods.

Cover of The Golden Thread - The Life and Legacy of Elisabeth Caspari, Montessori Pioneer

The Golden Thread - The Life and Legacy of Elisabeth Caspari, Montessori Pioneer

Mary Ellen Maunz

Paperback · 192 pages · $18.99

Based on twenty-two years of friendship and collaboration, author Mary Ellen Maunz shares the legendary story of a life that spanned three centuries, from 1899 to 2002. Elisabeth Caspari became a student and friend of Maria Montessori during their four years together in Adyar and then in Kodaikanal, India. Among the early pioneers of Montessori in the United States, Caspari started Wee Wisdom Garden Montessori in 1951. After fifteen years in bed during her childhood and teen years in Switzerland, her remarkable will and deep compassion made her a world traveler, co-founder of the Pan American Montessori Society and a beloved Montessori trainer to thousands of students across the United States, Mexico and Europe.