This book is addressed to all of those participants involved in the reading lives of children--parents, teachers, librarians, principals, superintendents, departments of education, publishers and writers. Using their own experiences, the book's authors have outlined what it takes for children to become confident and independent readers. The book offers readers helpful suggestions for creating literacy environments at home and at school, including suggestions for books to share. It urges parents to begin to read with children when they are small, sharing the heritage of out-loud rhymes with them, reading the picture books that ring with language and learning, singing, and telling stories. The book presents a well-researched and carefully-thought-out rationale for giving youngsters reading strategies and activities that will support authentic literacy development rather than practice exercises that never seem to connect to the actual reading of significant text. According to the book, as a society, people need to ensure that there are opportunities for everyone inside the reading culture, not for a select few who conquer the complete canon, but for each person who chooses freely what is wanted in a literate life. (Contains a 28-item professional bibliography.) (NKA)