Little has been discussed about the factors that contribute to reading underachievement in black boys in early childhood and elementary grades, the subject taken up in this article. Black boys are unique in that they are members of two groups that have historically underachieved in reading--boys and blacks. Gender and racial/cultural issues affect their ability to learn to read in their earliest efforts. But there are many steps educators can take to get them and keep them started on the right track. (Contains 2 figures.)