About Raising Passionate Readers
Weaving accessible language, humor, and real-world examples with current and proven scientific facts, Nancy Newman empowers parents by providing practical tips that even the busiest of parents can use to strengthen their children’s language skills and enjoyment of reading. She sheds light on how children process information, explains why raising a reader is easier than most people realize, and she presents five fun and easy-to-do steps that all families can adapt to their specific needs—without spending extra time or money. Along the way, Newman talks about what does and does not work, and considers the relationship between technology and reading. Newman’s uniquely joyful and inspiring approach makes learning how to read a treat—rather than a treatment—for children of all ages and abilities.
Book Description
In the 1980s, scientists cracked many of the mysteries behind literacy and how we learn to read. They pinpointed simple steps all parents could take to help their children become excellent readers. Tragically, this information still hasn’t spread from researchers to parents. As a result, many parents remain anxious about their children’s reading abilities and futures, yet they have no idea how to help them to become skilled readers.
Raising Passionate Readers bridges the gap between scientists and parents by translating the latest scientific research into plain English. No other book:
- Contains solid, proven scientific information but reads like a parent-to-parent chat
- Realistically addresses the time squeeze of contemporary family life
- Explains when the word “early” does—and doesn’t—matter in reading
- Debunks common myths about technology, teachers, and time
- Offers a bag of tricks that boosts literacy and instills a love of reading in all children—infants, toddlers, new readers, struggling readers, and those who can read but choose not to
- Emphasizes pleasure for parents and children
Early Praise for Raising Passionate Readers
“Nancy Newman has taken her years of experience as a teacher, mentor, and mother and developed an approach to raising readers that is brilliantly simple, eminently doable, and lots of fun. If every parent were to follow her advice, hundreds of thousands of children would be spared the pain of arriving at school miles behind their peers and would thrive in ways that last a lifetime. Even if you think you don’t have the time, skills, or patience to teach your child to love reading, Newman’s approach will change your mind–and your child’s life!”
Ann Pleshette Murphy,
Board President, Zero to Three; former Editor-in-chief, Parents Magazine; author, The Seven Stages of Motherhood: Loving Your Life without Losing Your Mind
“Nancy Newman translates neuroscience into common sense, dispels myths, and offers a bounty of joyful ideas for parents. She will make you passionate, eager, and confident about raising passionate readers!”
Robert Weissman,
President, Public Citizen, Washington DC
“Raising Passionate Readers is a perfect primer for parents looking to instill a love of reading in children. I regularly share her advice with families at my library and use her techniques with my own children.”
Carrie Silberman MLS,
Head of Children’s Library, New York Society Library
“Raising Passionate Readers owes its extraordinary force and unique authority to Newman’s combination of perspectives. Whether speaking as a professional, a teacher or a mother, her strategies are aimed at enhancing fun for parent and child. Ms. Newman is proposing an inspiring and irresistible ideal for parents: intelligent love.”
Thomas de Zengotita, PhD,
Contributing Editor, Harper’s Magazine; author, Mediated: How The Media Shapes Your World and the Way You Live In It
“Nancy Newman offers enjoyable ways to turn playful moments into meaningful learning experiences. Suggestions for parents of struggling readers are particularly helpful and inspiring.”
Carol Tomason EdS, MEd,
Learning Consultant, Reading Specialist, Chapel Hill, N.C
“Everyone can profit from Nancy Newman’s wealth of ideas, from talking to baby, to troubleshooting and advocating for elementary readers, to using technology to advantage. Her advice is sound!”
Mary Ellen Levin, EdD,
Middle School Principal, Reading Teacher, and Teacher Educator
