The Teachers as Readers (TAR) Project is a national program which helps teachers encourage children to become lifelong readers. TAR began as a pilot program in the state of Virginia in Spring 1992 as the Reading Initiative sponsored by the American Association of Publishers and the Virginia State Reading Association. The first TAR Project in Orange County, California was developed in spring 1993 in one Fullerton elementary school. The group included 10 members who met 6 times on a regularly determined schedule during 1 semester to discuss a total of 12 children's books and to keep response journals. Criteria for selection of books for TAR groups include: each original hardcover edition was reviewed and recommended in "The Horn Book Magazine"; each paperback costs less than $10; one-half of the books are targeted for student in grade K-3, the other half in grades 4-6; and picture books are given special consideration because those published in the 1990s meet the interest levels of most students. All participants maintain response journals in which they record reactions and questions in preparation for discussion of the reading material. Readers agree that the two key factors in beginning a successful TAR group are: (1) the inclusion of the building administrator as an active participant of the group; and (2) the careful choice of a facilitator who selects books prudently and is knowledgeable in the field of newly published children's literature. (RS)