Reading conferences are defined here as the one-to-one teaching that forms the backbone of reading instruction. Goldberg and Seravallo, both affiliated with the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project at Columbia University, show how to determine what readers have learned and what they need to practice, then describe explicit teaching methods for use in reading conferences. The methods focus on six specific purposes of reading instruction, including matching students to the right books, supporting students during whole-class studies, and holding students accountable for previous learning. Each of the specific purposes is bolstered by an appendix of conference transcripts that support teaching. The book also gives ideas for planning, keeping records of conferences, and conducting group sessions. There is no subject index. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)