This handbook is designed for tutors who will be working with children, adolescents, or adults. In most instances the principles, practices, and materials described are directed to the junior high and senior high school student or dropout who requires special reading help; however, application of techniques can be made to adults or to youngsters who are in the intermediate grades. The beginning chapters include a discussion of the principles of good reading instruction and of the tutor-student relationship. Subsequent chapters provide information on the diagnosis of reading difficulties, including an informal reading inventory; basic teaching procedures, particularly detailed descriptions of the language experience approach and the directed reading activity; the teaching of word-recognition and comprehension skills; and organizing the volunteer tutor program. The final chapters are lengthy annotated bibliographies of materials for the elementary and secondary level and for adult basic education. (Author/TO)