Children's Literature in the Reading Program

This comprehensive professional resource provides essential guidance for educators seeking to enrich their K-8 reading programs with high-quality children's literature. The fifth edition thoughtfully addresses the practical aspects of book selection and classroom implementation, with a particularly strong emphasis on diverse and inclusive literature that reflects today's student populations. Leading literacy authorities contribute actionable advice on evaluating texts and building classroom libraries that engage all readers. This book serves as both a foundational textbook and a practical handbook for developing literature-rich literacy instruction.

What distinguishes this resource is its commitment to helping teachers identify books that mirror their students' varied backgrounds and experiences, presenting dozens of carefully vetted titles ready for classroom use. The updated edition maintains its focus on the "whats," "whys," and "how-tos" of literature integration while expanding its coverage of diverse authors and perspectives. Elementary and middle school educators, literacy coaches, and teacher educators will find this an invaluable reference for creating reading programs that foster both skill development and genuine literary appreciation. This guide ultimately empowers teachers to build classroom communities where every child can see themselves in the stories they read.