Center (education, Macquarie U., Sydney, Australia) offers a text for those interested in research-based data about effective literacy instruction processes, including teacher-educators, practicing classroom and resource teachers, literacy consultants, student teachers, policy makers, and parents. The material is divided sequentially into sections covering literacy theory and practice for the first, second, and third years, followed by discussion of assessment and intervention and appendices containing sample materials. Each chapter includes discussion of relevant research, practical classroom strategies, and guidelines for lesson planning. The text employs a balanced approach to teaching reading, combining phonological, semantic and syntactic processes, which supports at-risk students in regular classrooms. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)