I never tell students they cannot read a book they pick up, but I do guide them toward books that I think would be a good fit for them. I think of myself as a reading mentor-a reader who can help them find books they might like.

A classroom atmosphere that promotes reading does not come from the furniture and its placement as much as it comes from the teacher's expectation that students will read.

Our children shouldn't have to wait for adulthood to become wild readers. For many, it will be too late.

Although I enjoy digging through the library to help students find books, my aim is to help them develop self-confidence in choosing books for themselves.

The purpose of schools should not be to prepare students for more school. We should be seeking to have fully engaged students now

I realized that every lesson, conference, response, and assignment I taught must lead students away from me and toward their autonomy as literate people.

When we meet and I discover that we have read and loved the same books, we are instant friends.