From School Library Journal
The newest addition to Scholastic's "Science of Reading" collection is an early literacy handbook written by a teacher for teachers. This book is about decoding and phonics. Lindsey uses her impeccable body of research to create a powerful translational work interpreting reading science. She employs a scaffolded approach to teaching foundational skills, starting with decoding and oral language, moving through phonemic awareness and sound-spelling knowledge, and ending with fluency. Of particular value is the focus on bridging to practice: activities and lessons presented here can be used immediately in the classroom. The book is predicated on the "Essential Instructional Swap" of substituting ineffective activities for more effective, evidence-based routines. For example, "Fewer Rhymes, More Phonemes" and "Less Pointing to Text in Predictable Books, More Engaging in Shared Reading." The depth of research backing this text cannot be overstated. Lindsey refers to the findings of meta-analyses throughout, and the book sports a beefy and current reference section. VERDICT This title can be used as a handbook for professional educators; its clear organization and focused language will be useful for early literacy teachers.-Jennifer Townesα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review
“Reading Above the Fray is a wonderful resource, a book I read from cover to cover. The scholarship is impeccable, citing the central and most impactful studies surrounding foundational skills and their importance to reading acquisition. Authored by a passionate educator, the book is rich in stories, lessons, activities, and ideas. It is a joy to read and will become a well-worn guide for teachers and students of reading!”
— ANNE E. CUNNINGHAM, Professor, Learning Sciences and Human Development, University of California, Berkeley; author of Book Smart: How toDevelop and Support Successful, Motivated Readers
“This book speaks to something near and dear to my heart—the power of early literacy to lead to lifelong learning and immeasurable opportunities. With clarity and precision, Dr. Lindsey cuts through the distracting noise around reading instruction. Her book should be required reading in preservice and inservice programs. With it, we can chart a course forward to literacy for all.”
— SHARIF EL-MEKKI, Chief Executive Officer, Center for Black Educator Development
“One of the best books I’ve read on decoding and phonics. With passion for teaching, Dr. Lindsey interprets reading science in ways that are directly transferable to the classroom. Her book is chock full of techniques, activities, and strategies—a veritable ‘go-to’ resource. This is exactly the kind of translational work the field needs!”
— HEIDI ANNE MESMER, Professor of Literacy Education, Virginia Tech; author of Letter Lessons andFirst Words: Phonics Foundations That Work
“In Reading Above the Fray, Julia masterfully connects the deep research base on how kids learn to read to what teachers can do tomorrow in their classrooms. What I love even more about the book is her focus on the joy of helping students develop the tools they need to achieve reading success.”
— SUSANNE NOBLES, Chief Academic Officer, ReadWorks
“Accessible, timely, and easy to use, this is a book that needed to be written for teachers, literacy coaches, and school administrators looking to develop efficient and effective literacy instruction. Dr. Lindsey simplifies the complexities of foundational skills instruction, synthesizes research by bridging it to practice, and provides routines that can be implemented the very next day. I predict it will become a primary resource that educators return to time and again.”
— REBECCA MILES, Early Literacy Consultant and Coach Coordinator, Berrien Regional Educational Service Agency
“If you think a professional book about decoding and foundational skills can’t be engaging, think again! Dr. Lindsey artfully combines wit, wisdom, and classroom realism with evidence-based routines that we can implement immediately. Most important, she centers each chapter on children, calling us to value and build upon the strengths, perspectives, and cultural assets they bring. This book is a win for educators and, by extension, the children and families they serve!”
— ANNIE PETROZZELLI SPEAR, Literacy Specialist, Consultant, and Author
“Elementary teachers have been waiting for this one! Dr. Lindsey explains not only the ‘why’ behind the essential elements of decoding, but also provides explicit guidance and routines to help any teacher swap out ineffective practices for more effective and efficient research-based ones. She makes it easy to align instruction to reading science
and teach ‘above the fray.’”
— KATHARINE NOONAN, English Language Arts Instructional Coach, District of Columbia Public Schools
About the Author
Dr. Julia B. Lindsey, Ph.D., is a literacy expert, author of Reading Above the Fray: Research-Based Routines for Developing Decoding Skills, and sought-after speaker and consultant. She partners with districts and educators to translate research into classroom practice by building teacher knowledge, supporting implementation of high-impact practices, and encouraging use of evidence-based materials, ensuring all students become successful, empowered readers. Dr. Lindsey is also the author of knowledge-building decodable texts used by hundreds of thousands of educators around the globe. Dr. Lindsey holds a BS in Psychology from Davidson College, a MAT from Relay Graduate School of Education, and a Ph.D. in Educational Studies from the University of Michigan. She is a proud former elementary school teacher.
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