This study explores the relationship between reading attitudes, self-perceptions and reading achievement among second and sixth graders. The sample consisted of 84 second graders (39 females, 45 males) and 71 sixth graders (32 females, 39 males). Participants responded to the Estes Attitude Scales for reading, math and science and the "About Myself Scale" (a measure of self-perception). As predicted, second grade students displayed more positive attitudes on all scales administered than did the sixth grade students. In addition, below grade level readers scored more negatively on all scales than on grade level readers. Implications and intervention strategies are discussed. Appendixes contain 2 survey instruments, a figure of data, and 4 tables of data. (Author/RS)