Most instructional efforts in literacy education are aimed at helping learners acquire literacy skills and strategies that will enable them to deal with any text. Readers learn to read by reading, however, so it is important that readers have successful experiences with reading. Success can be fostered by careful selection of reading materials. Principles to consider in selecting texts for adult beginning readers include the readers' interests and backgrounds, the text language, contextual support, and text format. A variety of texts can be used in instructional settings, such as picture books; juvenile chapter books; poetry and songs; texts written by students themselves; Bibles, prayers, and other culturally relevant texts; newspapers and magazines; scripts; "how to do it texts"; personal communications such as journals; and captioned television and videotapes. A wide variety of materials can be used for literacy instruction. Making the texts readable and inviting for the students enhances their chances of successfully mastering reading. (KC)