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," it addresses the fact that the roots of reading take hold well before children go to school; and by "finishing strong," it notes that 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 discusses 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)