Books

The Power of Reading Steven Krashen, Ph.D.
The result of decades of original research, this is an excellent and well-organized compilation of research in the field of childhood literacy and reading. Dr. Krashen is a member of the Book Trust board of trustees.

The Read Aloud Handbook, by Jim Trelease.
An engaging work on the importance of reading aloud to children and of reading in general, this handbook includes a wonderful master list with descriptions of great read-aloud books for every age group.

The Literacy Crisis: False Claims, Real Solutions
by Jeff McQuillan. Contrary to popular belief, reading achievement has not been declining over the past three decades [and] U.S. students are not among the worst readers in the world. The real problem, according to McQuillan, is a simple lack of books. "While instruction can profoundly influence children and their approach to reading," says McQuillan, "the best way to explain large-scale differences in reading achievement is first to focus on the access to reading materials."