The debate continues as to whether the underachievement of boys has reached "crisis" levels. Therefore, in an effort to increase the achievement of male readers, this article provides five teacher recommendations from the perspective of Derek, a sixth grade struggling reader. Derek is a soft-spoken, amiable African American who has consistently experienced difficulty with school literacy. After reviewing field notes of his weekly tutorial sessions, five top suggestions were selected and compiled into this list of teacher recommendations. Above all else, these recommendations reveal the importance of teachers, students and parents working together as a team to reinforce home and school literacy practices.