This original and engaging book makes the case that extensive reading provides essential practice in learning to read. This original and engaging paperback edition makes the case that extensive reading the reading of large quantities of easy material provides essential practice in learning to read. Extensive reading also develops a positive attitude toward reading so often missed in second language reading classrooms. The authors provide a theoretical foundation for this approach by examining the cognitive and affective nature of reading. They also offer a wealth of practical suggestions for implementing extensive reading, including integrating it into the curriculum, establishing a library, selecting reading material, and record-keeping evaluation. It contains a wide variety of classroom activities to supplement individualized silent reading, and a valuable bibliography of the best books written for English language learners.