Intended for those involved in American social service and educational communities, this book addresses the widespread problem of illiteracy in the United States and the social consequences of this problem. Following an introduction, the chapters in the first section of the book discuss the growing crisis of illiterate America, specifically, the disenfranchisement of adult nonreaders, the future of their children, and the need for a national response. Chapters in the second section offer a plan to mobilize illiterate America--what can be done to alleviate illiteracy. Chapters in the third section redefine literacy beyond mere utility and discuss why such literacy is necessary. An afterword addresses the prospects for the generation now in public school, and the appendix discusses bilingual literacy. (HTH)