How to reference a book in AMA
A book reference in AMA has 5 parts. See them labelled on an example, then build your own and copy it.
- In your essay: A raised number, like ¹
- Checked 21 October 2026
Pip tip: in KanBananza, right-click any page and choose “Save as a source”. Most of this is filled in for you.
The 5 parts
1. Author. Title. Edition ed. Publisher; Year.
1. . 2 · TITLEAttachment in Early Childhood. 3 · EDITION2nd ed. 4 · PUBLISHERNorthgate Press; 5 · DATE2023.
- 2 · TitleCapital letters for the main words (KanBananza adds them). In italics.On the title page, with any subtitle after a colon.
- 3 · EditionWritten like this: 2nd. Then “ed.”.On the title page or its back. Leave it out for a first edition.
- 4 · PublisherAs the source gives it.On the title page or the spine.
- 5 · DateThe year.On the back of the title page, by the © sign. Use the edition you read.
Two places, one source
Early bonds shape how children cope with new places.1
The source’s number.1. Okafor D. Attachment in Early Childhood. 2nd ed. Northgate Press; 2023.
The full reference, in the order you first cited each source.Build your reference
Fill in what you have. Anything still missing is highlighted. Nothing you type leaves this page.
What if…
Made by an organisation
Give the organisation’s name where the author goes.
1. Riverside Media Bureau. Attachment in Early Childhood. 2nd ed. Northgate Press; 2023.
In your essay: 1
Two authors
Give both names, with a comma between them.
1. Green A, Patel R. Attachment in Early Childhood. 2nd ed. Northgate Press; 2023.
In your essay: 1
Four or more authors
Name all four in the reference list.
1. Green A, Patel R, Okafor D, Lee H. Attachment in Early Childhood. 2nd ed. Northgate Press; 2023.
In your essay: 1
Easy to get wrong
The title not in italics
NOT QUITE1. Okafor D. Attachment in Early Childhood. 2nd ed. Northgate Press; 2023.
RIGHT1. Okafor D. Attachment in Early Childhood. 2nd ed. Northgate Press; 2023.
Check your university’s version
Some courses make small changes to AMA. Your course handbook always wins.
This guide follows the AMA Manual of Style, 11th edition.
Questions
How do I cite a book in the text?
Use the number the source has in your list: 1. The list is in the order you first cite each source, so the first source you cite is 1. To point to one place in it: 1(p81)
Is AMA the same at every university?
Some courses make small changes to AMA. Your course handbook always wins.
Referencing is easier as you go
Our step-by-step guides show how to keep your sources in order while you research and write, so the reference list is ready when you are.
Skip the typing next time
In KanBananza, right-click any page and choose “Save as a source”. The details are filled in for you, anything missing is flagged, and your reference list is made in your style. Harvard is free; the other styles come with Full Bananza.
These guides and KanBananza’s references are here to help, but they don’t replace your course’s own referencing guide: check your references against your handbook, and ask your tutor or library if you’re not sure. You’re responsible for your own work. Style names belong to their owners, who aren’t connected with KanBananza and don’t endorse it. See our terms.