Continuing the case for free voluntary reading set out in the book's 1993 first edition, this new, updated, and much-looked-for second edition explores new research done on the topic in the last ten years as well as looking anew at some of the original research reviewed. Krashen also explores research surrounding the role of school and public libraries and the research indicating the necessity of a print-rich environment that provides light reading (comics, teen romances, magazines) as well as the best in literature to assist in educating children to read with understanding and in second language acquisition. He looks at the research surrounding reading incentive/rewards programs and specifically at the research on AR (Accelerated Reader) and other electronic reading products.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"One could term this book as a major cannon in the reading research wars. Krashen builds his case for wide reading by analyzing and presenting in a very readable text hundreds of research studies spanning a century. . . . Whether you read the first edition or missed it, this book is an essential read. And it can be read in one sitting if you just read the marginal notes that guide you through the principle ideas. It is a book to share, discuss, argue about, and use as evidence for strong library book programs and large budgets to purchase books that kids are interested in reading."
-Teacher Librarian/Professional Reading
"All teachers, librarians, and anyone interested in the reading development of children, young adults, and ESL students will benefit from reading this book."
-VOYA
"Krashen argues that FVR (free voluntary reading) has a dramatic effect on second-language learners, vocabulary acquisition, cognitive development, and writing style, and is the key to linguistic improvement."
-Curriculum Connections/School Library Journal
"This title will be of particular interest to language and linguistics professionals and educators concerned with equipping children to navigate their worlds. Highly Recommended."
-Library Media Connection
"Dr. Krashen continues to make the case for FVR. He explores new research since the book's original edition in 1993, discusses the role of libraries and the importance of reading, and considers the effects of television on reading."
-American Libraries
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
29 of 31 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This little book is a "must-read" for teachers and parents. Krashen reports on significant reasearch in reading and presents it in a very readable format. His conclusion is that if teachers or parents want to help their children's reading improve, we need to give them plenty of time to READ - not more workbook pages or exercises.
24 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
throw away all your phonics rules and worksheets and Hooked on's.
If you wish to read, then read.
If you want to teach others to read, give them something they will read.
Lower your standards. Read the cereal box, the soup can, Calvin and Hobbes, Incredible Hulk, Barefoot Gen, Maus, whatever absolutely they want to read. Just read. Just do it.
The great Dr. Krashen here shows you how.
Here in this second edition, updated to the latest research of 2004 which serves to confirm his earlier conclusions, Dr. Krashen gives us and our students permission to read whatever interests us, so long as we will read.
By reading we learn to read.
No brainer.
Few people know that the great American comedian of film and stage WC Fields began his vaudeville career as a fantastic juggler, manipulating cigar boxes and pool cues and balls, etc. with great skill and alacrity. After years of this someone gave him a manual of How to Juggle, which had so many rules and advice, including regarding breathing and concentration, that in his next performance he failed while he tried to remember and observe the rules of good juggling. He could no longer concentrate as he focused on concentrating. He later recovered his incredible skills when he could finally again forget the rules and just juggle.
Same with reading. Throw away those high priced "how to read" and phonics books. Just read. The industry gives you nothing to really read, just exercises with no benefit and little interest. Just read what you want and you will read.
Only the great publication houses with phonics programs and worksheets to sell at a high price tell us (and the big government that now runs our schools) otherwise. There is too much profit to be lost, and too much lobbying going on in the halls of our state houses and Congress, and the w White house.
By the way, why does the current Secretary of Education have absolutely no experience in any kind of education? Kind of like that FEMA guy, or Gonzo, etc., etc. Still she forces us to buy worksheets instead of letting us READ freely in order to learn how to read. Library funds are decimated while the industry reaps great profit and the government its lobbying bribes.
It is in reading that we read. It is in reading that our reading skills grow, no matter what you read. As you read lower level materials, your mind will automatically seek more challenging materials and reach for more. After Marvel you will want Tolkein. After Harry Potter you will hunger for James Joyce, forever. And then Dante and the Bible remain.
I have been a bilingual teacher and practitioner for many decades, as my grandmother before me. I recall from my first hearing of words and of speech my bilingual Church (Latin with occassional English, briefly), etc. Dr. Krashen's method here serves all students, especially our bilingual students developing reading skills in their most comfortable language which are applicable later to the target language (here ENglish) without even their being aware of it. They will wonder when you taught them to read in English.
This book is based on solid research and bursts most of the popular and powerful misconceptions and myths regarding teaching methods and politicians with profitable interests who would stop those strategies which are most effective.
Please study this book carefully for the scientifically proven truth, based on reliable research methodology.
In order to learn how to read, read. Whatever you choose, whatever interests you, but easy reading, within your frustration level, within your enjoyment level.
There's plenty of good stuff to read right here on the amazon. Check out my reviews for a few!
And then read to your family, too, in joy and in peace, and relearn the love of reading together. Turn off that television and just read already!
If you wish to read, then read.
If you want to teach others to read, give them something they will read.
Lower your standards. Read the cereal box, the soup can, Calvin and Hobbes, Incredible Hulk, Barefoot Gen, Maus, whatever absolutely they want to read. Just read. Just do it.
The great Dr. Krashen here shows you how.
Here in this second edition, updated to the latest research of 2004 which serves to confirm his earlier conclusions, Dr. Krashen gives us and our students permission to read whatever interests us, so long as we will read.
By reading we learn to read.
No brainer.
Few people know that the great American comedian of film and stage WC Fields began his vaudeville career as a fantastic juggler, manipulating cigar boxes and pool cues and balls, etc. with great skill and alacrity. After years of this someone gave him a manual of How to Juggle, which had so many rules and advice, including regarding breathing and concentration, that in his next performance he failed while he tried to remember and observe the rules of good juggling. He could no longer concentrate as he focused on concentrating. He later recovered his incredible skills when he could finally again forget the rules and just juggle.
Same with reading. Throw away those high priced "how to read" and phonics books. Just read. The industry gives you nothing to really read, just exercises with no benefit and little interest. Just read what you want and you will read.
Only the great publication houses with phonics programs and worksheets to sell at a high price tell us (and the big government that now runs our schools) otherwise. There is too much profit to be lost, and too much lobbying going on in the halls of our state houses and Congress, and the w White house.
By the way, why does the current Secretary of Education have absolutely no experience in any kind of education? Kind of like that FEMA guy, or Gonzo, etc., etc. Still she forces us to buy worksheets instead of letting us READ freely in order to learn how to read. Library funds are decimated while the industry reaps great profit and the government its lobbying bribes.
It is in reading that we read. It is in reading that our reading skills grow, no matter what you read. As you read lower level materials, your mind will automatically seek more challenging materials and reach for more. After Marvel you will want Tolkein. After Harry Potter you will hunger for James Joyce, forever. And then Dante and the Bible remain.
I have been a bilingual teacher and practitioner for many decades, as my grandmother before me. I recall from my first hearing of words and of speech my bilingual Church (Latin with occassional English, briefly), etc. Dr. Krashen's method here serves all students, especially our bilingual students developing reading skills in their most comfortable language which are applicable later to the target language (here ENglish) without even their being aware of it. They will wonder when you taught them to read in English.
This book is based on solid research and bursts most of the popular and powerful misconceptions and myths regarding teaching methods and politicians with profitable interests who would stop those strategies which are most effective.
Please study this book carefully for the scientifically proven truth, based on reliable research methodology.
In order to learn how to read, read. Whatever you choose, whatever interests you, but easy reading, within your frustration level, within your enjoyment level.
There's plenty of good stuff to read right here on the amazon. Check out my reviews for a few!
And then read to your family, too, in joy and in peace, and relearn the love of reading together. Turn off that television and just read already!
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I am the Library/Media Specialist for a school district in Alaska on a grant to increase literacy through literature. I heard Stephen D. Krashen speak at a school librarian convention and was so impressed that I read this book. The district has Silent Sustained Reading as its number one directive to all the teachers, but the idea is difficult for some teacher's to accept. I am hoping that by lending this book to teachers we can get fuller compliance. Having taught children's literature class at the college level for six years, I have read a lot and firmly believe in the work done by Krashen as presented in this book.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good Read
Quick Read, nothing to profound, but a great eyeopener for those that think reading in school should ONLY be at the student's grade level.
Published 6 months ago by grin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Review:
The Power of Reading: Insights from the Research is a great book in that it lends a different outlook on reading fluency. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Albert C. Calderon
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing!
The book "The Power of Reading, Second Edition: Insights from the Research" by Stephen Krashen absolutely blew me away. I had no idea reading for pleasure was so beneficial. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Terry
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Survey that Supports Free Voluntary Reading
Stephen Krashen's argument in this book is no different from his hypotheses on second language learning. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Elvin Ortiz
5.0 out of 5 stars
Effective Approach to Reading Education
Krashen advocates "Free Voluntary Reading" and provides quite of bit of evidence for its effectiveness. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Mr
3.0 out of 5 stars
Powerful research findings, but not a readable narrative
Packed with enlightening information and research that many teachers and scholars have cited, but it isn't very readable. Read more
Published on April 2, 2011 by Erika (YA Lit Crave)
4.0 out of 5 stars
Reading
Had to read it for a school assignment, must say quite informing. Though not sure, if I would have buy it just for reading pleasure.
Published on February 15, 2011 by Rozen
5.0 out of 5 stars
I made a change.
I teach ESL at the middle school level. This book was so powerful and convincing that I immediately changed my lesson plans to include SSR on a daily basis.
Published on January 5, 2007 by P. Garvin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Resource!
My friend casually slipped this book to me over the lunch table. She said I may find it helpful in my struggles teaching middle school and high school English to second language... Read more
Published on March 10, 2004 by Dawn M Marakby
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very Important Research
Stephen Krashen does a wonderful job of presenting an easy to read book on research concerning children and reading. Read more
Published on June 24, 2003 by Melanie A. Burton
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