The field of reading is a compelling one, characterised by many debates and discussions. It is also amenable to investigations through a range of theories and research studies. In this book, eight leading authorities provide a ?state-of-the-art? overview of reading, using perspectives that have informed their work. There are overviews from linguistic, psychological, sociological and literary viewpoints, as well as more hybrid ones from investigations of digital literacy and multi-modality. This book celebrates what has already been achieved by bridging research, scholarship and practice; it also suggests what still needs to be done to bring the positive rewards from reading to greater numbers of young people. It also recognises that the benefits of reading extend beyond the personal. Accomplished reading skills empower people to meet the challenges of everyday life: making decisions, solving problems, and dealing with unexpected events.

The need to refresh and renew our knowledge of reading has gained further impetus in the ?information age?. New technologies for information and communication continually appear: manifestations of ?fake news?, disinformation and conspiracy theories spread rapidly across the globe. The book underlines the importance not only of reading, but also the fact that reading between and beyond the lines is more important than ever, in print and across multiple media platforms.

The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of Education 3?13: International Journal of Primary, Elementary and Early Years Education.

Table of Contents:

Introduction: Reading ? a personal and professional view 1. The linguistic base of initial reading and spelling in English: a tutorial review 2. How psychology helps us to understand word reading 3. Literacies and social practice: sociological perspectives on reading research 4. Perspectives on dealing with reading difficulties 5. Reading children?s literature 6. The reader, the text, the poem: the influence and challenge of Louise Rosenblatt 7. Reading with technology: the new normal 8. Exploring reading in social semiotics: theory and methods

Literature in general, reference works

Phonetics

Morphology, syntax

Further readings in linguistics

Foreign language literacy

English language and literature

Morality, religion

Organizational sociology

Politics in general, handbooks

Psychology theory

Applied psychology

Pedagogy in general

Nursery school

Higher education, adult education

Literature in general, reference works (charity campaign)

Phonetics (charity campaign)

Morphology, syntax (charity campaign)

Further readings in linguistics (charity campaign)

Foreign language literacy (charity campaign)

English language and literature (charity campaign)

Morality, religion (charity campaign)

Organizational sociology (charity campaign)

Politics in general, handbooks (charity campaign)

Psychology theory (charity campaign)

Applied psychology (charity campaign)

Pedagogy in general (charity campaign)

Nursery school (charity campaign)

Higher education, adult education (charity campaign)

Reading

In this book, eight leading authorities provide a ?state of the art? overview of reading, using perspectives that have informed their work. There are overviews from linguistic, psychological, sociological, literary viewpoints, and from investigations of digital literacy and multi-modality.