Written for teachers who are moving toward a greater use of literature for reading and writing instruction, this book discusses planning and implementing a reading and writing program for pupils that uses literature as a major component in teaching children how to read. Chapters in the book contain boxed sections with practical suggestions for applying theory to practice, along with special sections that offer "food for thought" and resources such as book lists. Suggestions for in-class and field-based assignments follow each chapter. Chapters in the book are: (1) Literature and Literacy in the Elementary Classroom; (2) The World of Children's Literature; (3) Organizing and Managing a Literature-Based Program; (4) Early Literacy; (5) Word Study: Vocabulary and Learning to Read; (6) Reading Comprehension: Understanding Narrative Text; (7) Literacy across the Curriculum: Comprehending Expository Text; (8) The Role of the Library in a Literature-Based Program; (9) Sharing Literature through Oral Reading; (10) The Reading-Writing Connection; (11) Reading Instruction for Atypical Learners; (12) Multicultural Literature: Working with Diverse Learners; and (13) Assessing Literacy Development. A list of children's trade books and a list of cumulative references are attached. (RS)