This paper discusses six factors which can be used to successfully examine, evaluate, and select reading instructional materials; it also examines the appropriate characteristics of an objective evaluation instrument. Evaluation of reading instructional materials should be based on a sound philosophy of reading instruction as practiced in the school district; take into consideration the intellectual, social, oral, and legal standards of community and state; utilize all available information regarding the construction and effectiveness of materials being considered; be both subjective and objective; and deal primarily with instructional design characteristics, and only secondarily with physical characteristics. Evaluation instruments should be objective, contain descriptions to reinforce ratings, utilize multi-point rating scales, and provide mechanisms for comparison with subjective ratings. (TS)