Although many factors lead students, particularly the culturally disadvantaged, to avoid reading, among the most significant reasons are an abhorrence of the kinds of readings contained in their English anthologies, and the physical characteristics of these books. If the schools are to encourage reading as a broadening experience, they must furnish students with interest-provoking materials which are easy to read at those places where their reading is normally done--on buses or at lunch counters, for example. One technique for improving the teaching of literature would be for the school to give each student, every year, 10 inexpensive paper back books of literary quality, yet of interest to them. These paperbacks are easily read in the student's natural reading situations, are comfortable to hold and transport, and could be marked by the student without fear of recrimination from the school. In addition, the student would begin to feel a pride in the ownership of books, and these books might become the first step in making reading a vital part of the life in culturally-disadvantaged homes. (DL)