The bestseller in its market, this text's popularity is rooted in its even-handed clarity and its abundance of activities, strategies, examples, and study devices for novice, preservice teachers. The book balances new, major approaches to reading with traditional ideas such as strong skills and phonics coverage.

The Eighth Edition is completely updated and includes an abundance of material on special needs students, balanced approaches, and second language learners—the specialty of new co-author Sandra Smith.