This paper argues that the most appropriate books for elementary education are those that are the best that children can learn to read. The author suggests that many schools have problems teaching students to enjoy reading because the teachers too often attempt to teach from inferior school texts rather than from books that are worthy of study that is, books which are worth re-reading and which inspire reflective thought, within a course of study that should be enjoyable in itself. The author states that too often school textbooks cheapen and sully the students' learning, that only an education based on the great books provides the substance of a real education. Schoolbook culture, it is contended, offers no valid entry into the real world because it too often excludes the study of serious works of literary art. A genuine education would not only expose children at an early age to the great books but it would also treat writing as an art rather than as a set of mechanical skills to be mastered. (Author/DI)