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 assessment
- Books about oral language
- Books about phonics, spelling, and word recognition
- Books about dyslexia
- Books about teaching students with reading difficulties (not dyslexia-specific)
- Books about comprehension
- Books about fluency
- Books about vocabulary
- Books about differentiation
- Books about morphology
- Books about MTSS
- Books about teaching writing
- Books about how we learn
Easy to read books about the science of reading
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.
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!
If you have a question about the science of reading – including how to teach high frequency words, what to think about the speech-to-print and print-to-speech controversy, when to transition students out of decodable books, etc. – it’s likely addressed in this book – with research references.
The only problem for us Americans (and it’s a big one!) is that this book must be shipped from Australia. It’s not inexpensive, but you have my word that it’s worth every penny. Your other option is to purchase a less expensive ebook, which is also available at the above link through Vital Source.
I love the practical examples and the easy-to-read format. Don’t let the price tag scare you – it’s worth it.
YOU’LL LOVE THIS PRACTICAL BOOK!
Looking for an easy-to-read guide to help you reach all readers? If you teach kindergarten through third grade, this is the book for you. Get practical ideas and lesson plan templates that you can implement tomorrow!
Other books about the science of reading in general
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!
(Side note – While I really enjoyed and recommend this book, the authors’ not-so-subtle derision of politically conservative values got old really fast.)
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 find his perspectives interesting (even if I don’t agree). But to get a lot out of it you may need to read it twice.
One challenge I had with this book is that the format, while colorful, includes many different fonts and layouts – making it a bit distracting. Once I got past that I got a lot out of this book. One to read and reread!
Books about assessment
Books about oral language
Books about phonics and word recognition
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!
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.
A treasure for sure!
It’s been a few years since I read it; paging through it makes me eager to read it again!
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.
Once we understand that English spelling is about the intersection of phonology, orthography, morphology, and etymology, we’re much better prepared to teach it to ALL students – including those with dyslexia. This is a quick read – highly recommended!
Books about dyslexia
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.
Books about teaching students with reading difficulties
Spear-Swerling describes the three profiles of struggling readers (Specific Word Recognition Difficulties, Specific Reading Comprehension Difficulties, and Mixed Reading Difficulties), and then shares specific intervention activities (with sample schedules so teachers can see how they might schedule the intervention session).
I recommend this for anyone who is responsible for providing reading intervention for students in grades 1-9.
PLUS, they offer ways to intensify an intervention if it’s still not getting the job done.
I recommend this book for any reading teacher, and especially for reading specialists and interventionists.
Books about comprehension
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!
Books about fluency
Books about vocabulary
Tanya Wright is the co-author of All About Words, with Susan Neumann – another fantastic book about building vocabulary (and I need to add it to this post!). In this book, Wright offers a lot of practical advice for teaching vocabulary in K-3, with TONS of helpful research references – including research she conducted herself.
While I don’t recommend many books from Heinemann, this one is a winner.
Books about differentiation
Books about morphology
Books about teaching writing
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Books about MTSS
Books about how we learn
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.)
Amy glavin
Hi! I can’t order all of the books that you recommended- I can’t afford them all. I’m a reading specialist k-12, elementary education 1-6, and English 5-12 certified. It’s appearing that I “present” more middle school/secondary (although I taught 3rd and 1st for 20 years ) this is my 5th as a reading specialist/coach. Can you tell me your top five out of all of the above books based on what I just told you?
Anna Geiger
What are you looking to learn more about? The SOR in general, teaching word recognition, teaching comprehension, planning interventions? All of the above? 🙂
Anna Geiger
Based on what you shared on Instagram (sorry, I have no way of saving comments on there and don’t know where it went!), here are my top picks for you:
1- Word Recognition: Teaching Word Recognition
2- Comprehension: Teaching Skills for Complex Text
3- Morphology: Backpocket Words
4- Writing: The Writing Revolution (they just released a new edition)
5- All in one book about SOR: Reach All Readers (my book, which you told me you’ve already preordered)
Allison
Any thoughts on the book: “Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Days” by Siegfried Engelmann, Phyllis Haddox, and
Elaine Bruner?
Anna Geiger
I have not read it myself, but Zig Engelmann is well known for his Direct Instruction program, which was shown to be highly effective in the Project Read experiment. Based on everything I know about him and his work, I would recommend this book.
Jennifer Starkey
I love this list and the visuals are great for a visual learner like me, but do you have this as a list of just titles and authors so I could have an easy reference when I am going to a book store or checking off what I have read and what I want next. This a lot to scan through.
Anna Geiger
Hi Jennifer!
No, I don’t, because I am constantly adding to this list. 🙂 So the list would get out of date very quickly!
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!