This book suggests that, powered by the dynamics of the economy, the reading crusade of Americans, a blueprint for action, and unprecedented momentum, a significant reading breakthrough in reading achievement is within reach in the United States. By "starting early," the roots of reading take hold well before children go to school; and by "finishing strong," schools alone cannot do the job of teaching children to read--parents must stay involved, the community must help, and nothing is more important than a highly skilled, well-prepared teacher. After an executive summary that discuses how to help every child become a reader, and an introduction that addresses the "right kind of reading war," chapters in the book are: (1) Raising Readers: The Tremendous Potential of Families; (2) Ready to Read: Building Skills through Early Care and Education; (3) Read to Succeed: How Schools Can Help Every Child become a Reader; and (4) Every Child a Reader: How Citizens, Public Leaders, and Communities Can Help. Contains approximately 150 references; appendixes contain a 28-item annotated list of reading resources, and summaries of recent state laws on reading for children in grade 3 and younger. (RS)