Using Paired Text to Meet the Common Core

This practical guide offers educators a systematic approach to using paired texts—two books connected by theme, topic, or genre—to enhance reading comprehension and deepen content knowledge across the curriculum. William Bintz provides a clear framework for selecting and teaching these text pairs, complete with mini-lessons designed for grades K-8 that are directly aligned to Common Core standards for both literature and informational texts. The book moves beyond theory to deliver actionable strategies for making meaningful connections between related works.

What sets this resource apart is its immense practicality, featuring hundreds of specific text pair recommendations that save teachers the time-consuming work of curating their own. The cross-content area approach makes it valuable for language arts, social studies, and science educators looking to build students' analytical skills through comparative reading. For any teacher striving to meet rigorous literacy standards, this guide provides the concrete tools to transform paired text instruction from an occasional activity into a powerful, regular practice that builds critical readers.