The following are recommended books for parents and educators on the cognitive science of reading, best practices in reading and writing instruction, reading motivation, and the benefits of reading aloud to children. This list is a good starting point for increasing your knowledge about the science of reading and how to support lifelong readers.

Teaching Reading

Find books about the foundations and science of reading instruction — print awareness, phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and assessment. We've also included books about how to help children with reading disabilities become successful readers.

The Cognitive Science of Reading

Learn from neuropsychologists and linguists on what we know (and are still learning) about how the brain learns to read — and how to use the science to improve literacy instruction. Authors also explore what is happening to the reading brain as it changes to adapt to new digital mediums.

Reading Motivation and Reading Aloud

Discover the benefits, rewards, and importance of reading aloud to children (at all ages), how allowing children to choose their own books strengthens reading motivation, and what parents and educators can do to nurture lifelong reading habits in kids.

Teaching Writing

Learn about research-based strategies for teaching all phases of the writing process, from brainstorming and goal-setting to revising and publishing. Find out about the use of digital tools, connecting reading and writing instruction, teaching students with writing difficulties, and using assessment to inform instruction.