This original and engaging book makes the case that extensive reading provides essential practice in learning to read. This original and engaging paperback edition makes the case that extensive reading - the reading of large quantities of easy material - provides essential practice in learning to read. Extensive reading also develops a positive attitude toward reading so often missed in second language reading classrooms. The authors provide a theoretical foundation for this approach by examining the cognitive and affective nature of reading. They also offer a wealth of practical suggestions for implementing extensive reading, including integrating it into the curriculum, establishing a library, selecting reading material, and record-keeping evaluation. It contains a wide variety of classroom activities to supplement individualized silent reading, and a valuable bibliography of the best books written for English language learners.