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.
Enjoy studying them for yourself!
*This list will continue to grow as I complete particular books. While I have read portions of countless books, I am choosing to include only the books I have read in their entirety.
I hope you will share this post with others on their science of reading journey!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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 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.)
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!
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!
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!
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. But to get much 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. But to get much 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!
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.
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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!