When neuroscientists cracked the mystery of reading in the 1980s, they pinpointed the simple steps parents can take to help all children become skilled, avid readers. Yet this information still hasn't spread from the research community to the general public, leaving a huge gap between what scientists have learned and parents know about raising readers. Though many parents are concerned about their children's reading abilities, they have no idea how to help their children become readers. And they commonly believe that it is impossible to raise readers because of competition from technology. Bridging the gap between scientists and busy parents by combining the latest scientific research with what she has learned as a teacher and mother, author Nancy Newman offers a simple, practical, and joyful approach that boosts children's literacy skills and instills an enduring love of reading. Using accessible, parent-friendly language, realistic examples of family life, and humor, this indispensable guide translates neuroscience into common sense, and provides easy, effective, everyday strategies that can be adapted to a wide range of families, personalities, and schedules. Everyone who wants to encourage children to become lifelong fans of the written word-parents, grandparents, teachers, librarians, and learning specialists-will be inspired, informed, and empowered.