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The Power of Reading: Insights from Research (2nd ed.) Written by Stephen Krashen Libraries Unlimited, 2004, 180 pp., ISBN 1-591-58206-7
Just as the connections between literacy and literature are made evident throughout Vasquez's book, Krashen, in a new edition of his 1993 book, also discusses these connections and what educators, parents, researchers, policy makers, and curriculum developers might consider when questioning the role of literature in the lives of students. He provides a no-frills, research-rich discussion in three succinct chapters about the benefits of reading. He presents a compelling argument for spending increased time and resources on developing readers who read for the sheer pleasure of it-a refreshing viewpoint in an environment of prescriptive reading programs, mandates, and a fixation on high test scores. Similar to Vasquez, Krashen does not provide prescriptive lessons or formulas, but rather identifies what he asserts has been lost in many language arts programs: a focus on helping students to cultivate a love for reading first, which leads to increased reading followed by more highly developed literacy skills and eventually the high test scores with which many are concerned. He also addresses how the pleasure of reading benefits students who are learning English or another language, making his book timely and significant given the increasing percentage of school-age English Learners.
In the Introduction, Krashen begins with a quote listing the benefits of avid reading, then follows with a familiar question, "Is there a literacy crisis?" He argues that recent media portrayals of a "literacy crisis" are misleading. Few adults who have been through the educational system can not read or write at a basic level; in fact, literacy in the United States has steadily risen over the past hundred years. However, the complex literacy demands of modern society require skills beyond a basic third- or fourth-grade level. Rewording the question to specify the more advanced literacy skills needed to thrive in this society would spark a more relevant discussion of whether or not people are "literate."
The opening paragraphs prepare readers for the remainder of the book, which is essentially a lengthy and convincing literature review of the advantages of incorporating free voluntary reading (FVR) in classroom practice from preschool to adult programs and with native and non-native language learners....