Must Read Science of Reading Books

With just one professional development conference (or, let’s be honest, with one scroll through social media) it’s clear to see that something called “the science of reading” is all the rage.  And although it might seem “trendy”, the science of reading is actually backed by years upon years of - yep, you guessed it - science.

So what exactly is the science of reading?  To answer this question, we also have to talk about what it is not. The science of reading is likely not how you and I learned to read years ago.  Initially,  children learned how to read through context clues, a text’s pictures, and memorizing sight words.  And although all of those things are certainly helpful in the reading process, it was missing one (very) important thing - phonics.

In short, the science of reading is a growing body of research (done by many disciplines all around the world) that shows us how a child learns to read, what skills they need, and how as educators we are to teach them.  It focuses on specific literacy components such as word recognition, vocabulary, comprehension, phonological awareness, and fluency.  The science of reading is, in short, best practice - plain and simple.

Now, we all would love to be kings and queens of the science of reading, but there’s a lot of information out there to learn - not to mention so many different mediums through which to learn it.  So I’ve gathered five books all about the science of reading that are worth the deep dive. 

Bridge the Gap, by Alisa VanHekken and Majorie Bottari

This book, published by the ever-so-popular (and ever-so-effective) Heggerty, primarily focuses on phonemic awareness skills for students receiving reading interventions.  This specifically focuses on phone isolation, blending and segmenting, and phoneme isolation.  Although VanHekken and Bottari normally provide instruction for whole groups, this book is best suited for 2nd grade and above to use in small groups or one-on-one students who are struggling to decode words.  

I particularly like this one because when it’s in your hands, you feel empowered and can implement it into your classroom right away.  Also, Heggerty is backed by years and years of scientific research and has helped countless students learn to read.

Shifting the Balance, by Jan Burkins and Kari Yates

If you’re looking for a book that guides you on how to teach by way of science of reading, this is it.  This book presents you with six ways you can use the science of reading within the walls of your own K-2nd grade classroom.  I love it because of its practicality and versatility.  In order to strengthen your reading instruction, this book covers areas in reading comprehension, phonemic awareness, phonics, high-frequency words, cueing systems, and text selection.  If you’re tired of doing all of the research on your own as to how to implement the science of reading into your lessons, this book is all you need in order to make that dream a reality!

Reading for Life, by Lyn Stone

Have you ever opened up a research book and weren’t sure exactly what you’re reading?  Reading researched-based books can be confusing, and most of the time, it doesn’t feel like it’s written for the person trying to learn.  One of the best aspects about this book is that it’s approachable and easy to read.  It explores the concept of why there are so many different ways to teach reading and why more people can’t do it.  

One of the more interesting aspects about this piece is that it also discusses the practices in schools that aren’t evidence-based, yet are still being used.  When you pick up this book, you’ll learn about the components of literacy (phonics, vocabulary, and fluency), the history of teaching literacy, how to have an effective literacy program, and more.  If you’re looking for a book that will help you decide upon which reading road to take, I highly suggest picking this one up!

Speech to Print, by Louisa Cook Moats

This book, recently printed in a third edition, includes so much goodness between its cover.  It has updated research and also an array of materials that you can use in your classroom.  Not to mention, it’s a best-seller, so it’s already been a hit with a plethora of educators.  When a method like the science of reading makes its way to headlines, it’s difficult to know which practices to take with you into your classroom.  This book helps K-12 teachers understand how language functions and how it’s structured.  When you have these tools, you’re able to successfully implement them into your reading instruction.  

By opening this book, you’ll learn about the history of the English language, syntax, meaning within language, and how to build a strong foundation of the language in your students.  Although this book works best for professional development courses, this book really is for any educator who wants to explore the nuances behind the English language.

Know Better, Do Better, by Meredith Liben and David Liben

I’m sure you’ve heard me say “When you know better, you do better” many times throughout my blog and Instagram stories.  Well - it’s true!  And this book proves it.  Meredith and David Liben say that it’s their “goal that every child in every elementary school in America can read fluently by the end of second grade.”  How inspirational is that?  This book sets out to do just that, and when you get it into your hands, it’s hard not to feel empowered.  

These two authors began a school called the Family Academy back in 1994.  Although the school had amazing resources and educators, it simply failed at reading.  But, as the authors would say - when you know better, you do better.  After poring over research and studying how kids best learn to read, they implemented science of reading practices within their school and saw reading skills soar to new heights.  This book will provide you with reading strategies they implemented so that you can implement right away into your classroom.  And that, my friend, certainly is doing better.

When you’re exploring the concept of the science of reading, there can be so many accounts to follow, books to read, papers to pore over. And honestly - it can feel a little overwhelming. But I’m happy to do the heavy lifting for you, and I hope that these books take you in the direction that you desire. These books will help empower you and encourage you to take the science of reading right into your classroom and implement its strategies. And any one of these books will do.