The science of reading is the body of research that has been conducted on how we learn to read and write. This research has been conducted over decades, but only recently has much of it been introduced to today’s classroom teachers.
It’s important to note that as more research is conducted, we may need to revise our previous understandings. In addition, there is disagreement when it comes to translational science: how to apply this science to day-to-day teaching.
I say this to let you know that while I recommend all of these books, the authors do not agree with each other on all points.
Click a link below to jump right to the section you’re looking for!
- Easy to read books about the science of reading
- Other general books about the science of reading
- Books about phonics and word recognition
- Books about dyslexia
- Books about comprehension
- Books about fluency
- Books about teaching writing
- Books about how we learn
Easy to read books about the science of reading
Lindsay Kemeny
This is my new favorite book for people new to the science of reading – but veteran teachers will love it too! Lindsay Kemeny used to be a balanced literacy teacher. But when she realized that she didn’t know how to help her dyslexic son, she took a deep dive into effective literacy instruction for ALL kids. The book shares seven research-based actions that will help you meet the needs of all your students. QR codes will take you right into her classroom. The book is beautiful, easy to read, and oh so practical. Love!
Jan Burkins & Kari Yates
This is the book for balanced literacy teachers who want to learn about the science of reading. Burkins and Yates encourage them to begin their science of reading journey by making six shifts in how they approach beginning reading instruction.
For those passionate about the science of reading, this book will be too simple and not go far enough. But for those starting out, it’s the ideal first step.
For those passionate about the science of reading, this book will be too simple and not go far enough. But for those starting out, it’s the ideal first step.
David Liben & Meredith Liben
This was the first book I read as a balanced literacy teacher trying to understand the science of reading. I loved hearing how the Libens began a beautiful, well-funded whole language school in the 90’s. They were confident in their approach, but at the end of the year their students performed miserably on the reading assessment! When they switched to a more structured approach, their students succeeded (and they still learned to love reading). Such an enjoyable read! It’s currently out of print, but I heard that a new edition is coming in 2024.
Christopher Such
After reading this gem it’s now on my list as a must-read for both new and experienced teachers. Christopher Such is brilliant at explaining complex topics in simple ways, and even if you think you know everything there is to know about the science of reading, I guarantee that he’ll challenge you to think about something in a new way.
My favorite part of the book is the recommended reading schedules by grade level in the book.
Easy to read, easy to apply … can’t recommend it enough!
My favorite part of the book is the recommended reading schedules by grade level in the book.
Easy to read, easy to apply … can’t recommend it enough!
Lyn Stone
I’m hooked on Lyn Stone’s work – I take her courses, read her blog posts, and devour her books. I admit that I was a little off-put when I first read this book, because she’s pretty severe on balanced literacy. But a few years later, now that I am fully aware of balanced literacy’s issues, I’ve read it again and love it without hesitation. In addition to explaining how to give high quality literacy instruction, Stone walks us through the reading wars and gives us insight into what made many of us swallow three-cueing and other balanced literacy myths. I love this book; it reads like a novel.
Bill Honig, Linda Diamond, Linda Gutlohn
Not only does this book give you the big picture of teaching reading (with research to back it up), it also breaks down print awareness, letter knowledge, phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary and more.
I love the practical examples and the easy-to-read format. Don’t let the price tag scare you – it’s worth every penny.
I love the practical examples and the easy-to-read format. Don’t let the price tag scare you – it’s worth every penny.
Other books about the science of reading in general
Jeanne Chall
You will need to buy a used copy of this classic, but I urge you to put it on your list! Its editions were published in 1967, 1983, and 1996 – but the science that Jeanne Chall shared still hasn’t found its way into many American classrooms.
It took the author three years to write the first edition of this book as she combed over thousands of pages of relevant reading research. Chall’s conclusion? “Beginning readers learn better when their instruction emphasizes learning the alphabetic code, one that places first importance at the beginning on learning the relationship between letters and their sounds.”
Anyone serious about learning the science of reading should read this book. Grab a highlighter – you’ll find countless gems!
It took the author three years to write the first edition of this book as she combed over thousands of pages of relevant reading research. Chall’s conclusion? “Beginning readers learn better when their instruction emphasizes learning the alphabetic code, one that places first importance at the beginning on learning the relationship between letters and their sounds.”
Anyone serious about learning the science of reading should read this book. Grab a highlighter – you’ll find countless gems!
Lee Sherman & Betsy Ramsey
This was a fascinating, easy-to-read book about the reading wars and what really works. I love the stories scattered throughout – stories of people who struggled for years (sometimes decades) but finally learned to read through proper instruction. The authors are honest about why reading research is hard for teachers to get through (they compare reading a scientific report to eating a. bowl of cold sauerkraut), but also provide many reputable authors and resources that will help teachers learn the science in a digestible way.
(Side note – While I really enjoyed and recommend this book, the authors’ not-so-subtle derision of politically conservative values got old really fast.)
(Side note – While I really enjoyed and recommend this book, the authors’ not-so-subtle derision of politically conservative values got old really fast.)
Daniel Langenberg, et al.
In 1997, Congress convened the National Reading Panel to assess the effectiveness of different approaches used to teach children to read. The panel’s 14 members spent several years studying the research and submitted their report in the year 2000. Every teacher should read at least the summary report of the National Reading Panel; both the summary and the full report can be downloaded for free online. I store this book in the basement because my upstairs bookshelf is full, but I constantly find myself bringing it back up! This meta-analysis is incredibly useful!
Mark Seidenberg
Not gonna lie … I had this book on my shelf for a couple of years before I finally read it. And the only reason I finished it is because it was required reading for a course I was taking.
This book is on most “must-read” science of reading book lists, but it’s not easy to get through. I appreciate Seidenberg’s goal – to help teachers understand the research and how it can help us shape our teaching – but man, the book needs subtitles. If you have the patience to get through it, you’ll learn a lot. Seidenberg is brilliant, and I always enjoy hearing his perspectives. But to get a lot out of it you may need to read it twice.
That said, if you get a chance to hear Seidenberg speak online or in real life, I highly recommend it!
This book is on most “must-read” science of reading book lists, but it’s not easy to get through. I appreciate Seidenberg’s goal – to help teachers understand the research and how it can help us shape our teaching – but man, the book needs subtitles. If you have the patience to get through it, you’ll learn a lot. Seidenberg is brilliant, and I always enjoy hearing his perspectives. But to get a lot out of it you may need to read it twice.
That said, if you get a chance to hear Seidenberg speak online or in real life, I highly recommend it!
Marilyn Jager Adams
This 1990 classic is one that every student of the science of reading should read. Adams summarizes the research on beginning reading and recommends an initial focus on phonics (sound familiar?). She also describes the four-part processor, which is often incorrectly attributed to Seidenberg and McClellan. It’s important to know more recent research as well, but Adams’ book has stood the test of time.
Books about phonics and word recognition
Wiley Blevins
I recommend Blevins’ books every chance I get, and when I see he’s published a new one I buy it immediately. They are all easy to read and incredibly practical – yet still building on the science of reading. In this book WIley uses the data he’s collected to show which phonics approaches really work. Learn activities, routines, and lesson formats that will make your phonics lessons both engaging and powerful.
Louisa Moats
This book is on pretty much every science of reading book list, and it’s no wonder.
I love how the book breaks down everything teachers should know about the English language – with exercises (and answer keys) so you can make sure you understand.
You can even purchase an accompanying workbook!
If you’re like I was a couple of years ago – and don’t know a fricative from a liquid or a grapheme from a morpheme, this is the book for you!
I love how the book breaks down everything teachers should know about the English language – with exercises (and answer keys) so you can make sure you understand.
You can even purchase an accompanying workbook!
If you’re like I was a couple of years ago – and don’t know a fricative from a liquid or a grapheme from a morpheme, this is the book for you!
David A. Kilpatrick
This book has been many teachers’ entry point into the science of reading. Kilpatrick explains things in an easy-to-understand way; I credit his many online workshops for helping me grasp the concept of orthographic mapping. In this book he explains the importance of phonemic awareness and includes one-minute phonemic awareness drills to build this important skill. Note: There is a current debate in the SOR community about whether or not advanced phonemic awareness skills are necessary. I’m not going to weigh in on that here, but just keep that in mind as you read.
Wiley Blevins
If you’re making the switch from leveled to decodable books (or just want to do a better job of teaching with decodables), THIS is the book you need. In his trademark style, Blevins presents useful information in a conversational format with lots of helpful examples so you’re immediately ready to apply what you learned. Learn how to choose decodable books and how to develop before, during and after routines to make the most of them.
Frances Bloom and Nina Traub
This book is a “logically organized and successfully tested program for reading instruction.” While I have not used the lessons in order as described, I have used them as a reference when planning Orton-Gillingham based reading lessons. I love the lists of words and sentences for decoding and encoding practice. My copy is getting ragged; I’m guessing yours will, too!
Julia B. Lindsey
I’ve gotten the vibe that some science of reading advocates aren’t impressed with this book because it has a balanced literacy bent, but it didn’t feel that way to me. Research references fill the book, and Lindsey has given us a very easy-to-read, practical guide for teaching foundational skills, with a small nod to fluency and comprehension.
Wiley Blevins
True story: I jumped out of my seat when reading this book because my website is referenced on page 40 (just to mention my big list of alphabet books, but still). This is a book you’ll reference over and over because it includes word lists, powerful instructional routines, and sections about teaching phonics to struggling readers and English learners. It’s a classic that every reading teacher should own!
Denise Eide
It turns out that English isn’t so “crazy” after all. In fact, 98% of English spellings have a logical explanation.
This book is recommended reading for anyone who wants to become a stronger reading teacher.
I don’t recommend you teach ALL the rules … there are a lot! But the more you know, the more equipped you are as you help your students read and spell.
This book is recommended reading for anyone who wants to become a stronger reading teacher.
I don’t recommend you teach ALL the rules … there are a lot! But the more you know, the more equipped you are as you help your students read and spell.
Rollanda E. O’Connor
If you teach struggling readers, this book is a MUST-READ. The layout isn’t particuarly eye-catching, but once you get started you won’t be able to put it down. O’Connor’s book includes brilliant strategies for helping kids remember letters of the alphabet, learn to decode, and sound out multi-syllable words. It’s another one I want to take the time to re-read.
A treasure for sure!
A treasure for sure!
Isabel L. Beck & Mark E. Beck
I say this a lot, but this book really is a must-read (and must-own!). From the back cover: “This bestselling book provides indispensable tools and strategies for explicit, systematic phonics instruction in K-3. This volume is packed with engaging activities, many specific examples, and research-based explanations.”
It’s been a few years since I read it; paging through it makes me eager to read it again!
It’s been a few years since I read it; paging through it makes me eager to read it again!
J. Richard Gentry & Gene P. Ouelette
I’m still trying to figure out Richard Gentry, as my impression is that he walks the line between balanced and structured literacy. That said, I thought this book was mostly excellent. The authors call words that have been orthographically mapped “brain words,” and they’re clear that words become brain words when we begin with instruction in phonological awareness and phonics. They criticize whole language and other whole word approaches. The main emphasis of the book is a simple, step by step process for integrating reading and spelling with the goal of turning words into “brain words.”
I gave the book four instead of five stars because of the alignment of spelling development with early guided reading levels. Thankfully, the authors denounce three-cueing, but that’s the only way students can “read” those early levels.
I gave the book four instead of five stars because of the alignment of spelling development with early guided reading levels. Thankfully, the authors denounce three-cueing, but that’s the only way students can “read” those early levels.
Books about dyslexia
Jan Hasbrouck, Ph.D.
As both an experienced researcher and the mother of a daughter with severe dyslexia, Hasbrouck writes in a relatable and practical way. She writes about the signs of dyslexia, how to get a diagnosis, and how to teach students with dyslexia. I find myself referring to this book again and again … such an accessible read!
Kelli Sandman-Hurley
This book will tell you exactly what to do if you suspect your child or student has dyslexia. You’ll learn how to apply the IDEA (Individual with Disabilities Education Act), how to prepare for an IEP meeting, and a whole lot more. A must-own for teachers and parents of children with dyslexia!
Sally Shaywitz, M.D.
This is considered THE book on dyslexia, and it should be studied by anyone who wants to become an expert in this area. Be prepared: the book is fat and extremely comprehensive. The authors cover everything – from screening for dyslexia and possibly getting a diagnosis, to how to help people with dyslexia succeed in college and beyond.
I find the book most helpful in understanding dyslexia; while it does include several chapters about teaching readers with dyslexia, I didn’t find that section particularly useful.
I find the book most helpful in understanding dyslexia; while it does include several chapters about teaching readers with dyslexia, I didn’t find that section particularly useful.
Louisa Cook Moats & Karen E. Dakin
This guidebook from The International Dyslexia Association is a helpful guide for parents and teachers of children who are struggling to learn to read. Consider it your introduction to dyslexia. It includes signs of dyslexia, how to identify children at risk for dyslexia, how to provide expert teaching for children with dyslexia, and more.
Books about comprehension
Nancy Lewis Hennessy
The first time I tried to read this book, I gave up. It was over my head.
But I just finished reading it for a class I’m taking (Fluency & Comprehension – Mount St. Joseph University) – and I love it.
Hennessy helps us understand that comprehension is big and complex – but she breaks it down by giving us a blueprint for planning comprehension instruction.
This book is for teachers of any grade level … it’s definitely worth barreling through!
But I just finished reading it for a class I’m taking (Fluency & Comprehension – Mount St. Joseph University) – and I love it.
Hennessy helps us understand that comprehension is big and complex – but she breaks it down by giving us a blueprint for planning comprehension instruction.
This book is for teachers of any grade level … it’s definitely worth barreling through!
Natalie Wexler
In addition to walking us through the reading wars and providing a little primer on the science of reading, Wexler challenges us to change the way we teach comprehension. Instead of focusing on reading comprehension strategies and skills, she tells us to build our students’ knowledge. In her opinion, it’s the knowledge gap that is holding kids back. This book reads like a novel and will give you a lot to think about!
Jane Oakhill, Kate Cain, and Carsten Elbro
This book, though short, is not light reading. If you haven’t read much about the complexity of comprehension, I recommend watching a few workshops and webinars about comprehension before tackling it. The authors examine the skills required for comprehension, how these skills develop, and how to help children who struggle with them.
Books about fluency
Edited by Timothy Rasinski, et al
This is one of those wonderful books with chapters by many different experts. Chapters are written by experts such as S. Jay Samuels (a big one when it comes to fluency), Timothy Shanahan, Timothy Rasinski, and many more. My book is plastered with highlights and notes in the margins. A must-have if you want to learn more about teaching fluency!
Jan Hasbrouck & Deborah Glaser
I will be first in line to buy any book written by this brilliant pair! Inside Reading Fluency, Hasbrouck and Glaser define reading fluency (which isn’t as easy as you might think!), talk about how to assess it and teach it, and explain how to integrate skills in our lessons. Tip: Purchase from the exact link I share here; a smaller version of this book also exists, but you’ll want this longer version.
Timothy Rasinski
I’ve read every book I can find about reading fluency, and I find this one to be the one I go back to the most. In true Rasinski style, the ideas in this book are both backed by research and immensely practical. Learn how to do assisted reading, repeated reading, performance reading, and more. A must-have!
Melanie R. Kuhn & Lorell Levy
This book is very similar to The Fluent Reader, as it contains research-backed tips and tricks for building fluency. I especially appreciate the chapter on assessment and the tips for fluency instruction in any setting. Another great book for your library!
Books about teaching writing
Charles A. MacArthur, Steve Graham & Jill Fitzgerald
If you want a super practical book that will help you improve how you teach writing, this book isn’t it. If you want a scholarly, challenging book about what the research tells us, then this is what you want. I found this book very difficult to read, but useful as I work to gain a big picture understanding of what the limited research about teaching writing actually tells us.
Steve Graham, Charles A. MacArthur, & Michael Hebert
I think of this book as The Handbook of Writing Research’s practical cousin. Indeed, many of the chapters have the same title and at least one of the same authors. Most helpful were the chapters about handwriting, spelling, and sentence combining, and evidenced-based practices in teaching reading.
Books about how we learn
Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III & Mark A. McDaniel
I’ve read a lot of books about the science of learning, and this is one of the most readable. You’ll appreciate the interesting stories sprinkled throughout as well as the important learning principles repeated often: spaced repetition and interleaving. There’s a very interesting chapter about learning styles as well (hint: they’re not backed by research). I do wish there were more specific examples of how to apply this to teaching.
Stanislas Dehaene
Dehaene’s books are just plain tough to read, but I guess that’s what I should expect when reading a book by a cognitive neuroscientist! I found this book easier than Reading in the Brain and was able to grasp his big points after a fair amount of highlighting and underlining. Most useful were The Four Pillars of Learning: attention, active engagement, error feedback, and consolidation. This should not be your first science of reading book!
Daniel T. Willingham
In this book, Willingham uses basic science to describe the mind of a reader. I’m not gonna lie – the content is heavy at times, but Willingham has a beautiful way of organizing text with headers, bold print, and all the rest. The summaries at the end of each chapter are especially helpful. He also includes just the right amount of humor to keep you reading.
I recommend this book for someone who already has a good understanding of the science of reading but is looking for more. (Not for the beginner.)
I recommend this book for someone who already has a good understanding of the science of reading but is looking for more. (Not for the beginner.)
Yana Weinstein and Megan Sumeracki
I was surprised at how well this book about cognitive psychology kept my interest. The authors have created an easy-to-read guide for helping teachers implement research-backed strategies. They dispel common myths (such as learning styles and being right or left-brained) while emphasizing important findings. I think their classroom applications would work better for upper elementary, high school, and college, but they still gave me a lot to think about.
Anita Archer & Charles Hughes
There’s no better book about explicit instruction! This book is extremely practical and specific, showing you exactly how to provide explicit instruction across all grade levels. This book is required reading for many college classes – for good reason! A must-own.
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Cathy Munn
Thank you for sharing your list of recommended books. I am excited that I have already read/purchased most of the books in your list! There is one book in the photograph at the beginning of this page that I am interested in…”Explicit Instruction”. Could you share the author of this book? Thank you so much!
Anna Geiger
Yes, I need to get that book added here! It’s by Anita Archer and Charles Hughes.
Kelsey
What book would you recommend for a parent who just wants to understand more about how kids learn to read?
Anna Geiger
Good question, Kelsey! I think “The Reading Glitch” might be a good place to start.
Cara Schaffer
I LOVE this book list. I own a lot of books but none of them have been useful as I tackle this new journey I am on with teaching. Being a reading interventionist means that I need to be an “expert” in the teaching of struggling readers and students with dyslexia. I do believe I am good, but I still have a lot to learn. I own, and love the first two books on your list. I am now excited to get more of Wiley Blevin’s books and others. Thank you for your thoroughness!!!!
Anna Geiger
Thank you so much for your feedback, Cara – it’s always appreciated! I’m looking forward to adding more books!