By Elfrieda H. Hiebert & Misty Sailors
Until now, no single volume has comprehensively examined the crucial question of how to select the most appropriate reading material for beginning or struggling readers. From leading authorities, this book meets an important need by reviewing the best available research on the role of specific text features—including linguistic and conceptual content—in supporting the development of proficient reading. Also explored are ways that teacher scaffolding can help students who have difficulties with particular aspects or types of texts. The book considers approaches to adapting the design and selection of texts to reinforce reading skills and provide well-paced challenges for K–6 students at a variety of ability levels.

By Heidi Anne E. Mesmer
Selecting reading materials at the appropriate level for each student is an essential component of promoting literacy, and a number of tools for determining text difficulty are now available. This unique, much-needed reference helps teachers choose from a wide array of approaches and implement them effectively. Provided is a thorough, integrative review of recently developed applications such as Lexiles, as well as traditional readability formulas and systems for beginning readers. Detailed vignettes clearly illustrate how teachers have used these tools in real classrooms and provide tips and pointers for success. Rich with charts, tables, and resources, this practical guide includes an appendix on two electronic book matching programs, Accelerated Reader and Reading Counts.