Urges primary school teachers to avoid assuming that simply providing a reading environment will enable all children to understand the reading process, and to be aware of young children with reading or language difficulties early in their school years. Argues that no one method of reading instruction will work for all children. (RS)

Provides a list of picture books suggested for middle school libraries and presents methods of introducing these books in order to assure acceptance by less fluent and reluctant readers. (NH)

Argues that real books attract, intrigue, and illuminate their young readers, making them laugh, touching their feelings, and clarifying situations. Argues that real books provide many lessons about reading, about print, about text, and about life. (RS)

Suggests that some Australian schools in the 1980s took up too enthusiastically what may be called the Effortless Theory of Learning to Read. Describes how Paired Reading can work and what can go wrong with such instruction. (RS)

Presents methods for teaching reading using Paired Reading and "real books" to determine the ingredients necessary for a successful program. Factors discussed include (1) materials (choice of books); (2) parental involvement; (3) the teacher's role (as enabler, facilitator, supporter); and (4) within-child factors (such as motivation and…