When Kids Can't Read―What Teachers Can Do, Second Edition: A Guide for Teachers 4-12

by Kylene Beers

Dear Teachers,

This new edition of When Kids Can't Read-What Teachers Can Do , like the original edition, is based on my bedrock belief that reading, though not an innate ability for anyone, is a critical skill for all.

Reading changes us. It changes the way we think, the way we see the world, the way we process information and dream new thoughts. It allows us to discover more about ourselves and the world around us so that we might become better versions of ourselves, so we might fully participate in our communities and our nation, so that we might flourish intellectually, emotionally, creatively, and socially as passionate and compassionate beings.

And when we don't read, when kids can't read, all that is gone. We lose that ability to learn in this transformative way. We run the risk of being manipulated by others. We are diminished. And in that moment of being less, all around us might suffer, too. Our understanding of complex issues then becomes dependent on what someone else tells us. When kids can't read the result is far worse than lowered test scores. The result is an illiterate life.

This new and updated second edition recognizes that helping kids who struggle with reading means knowing how to help kids When Kids Can't Read recounts my journey with one student who changed the course of my professional career, and it is your guidebook for your own journey with your students as you discover What Teachers Can Do .

-Kylene Beers

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Adult, Professional Development

432 pages, Paperback

Published March 24, 2023

Reviews

[Veronique Melanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teachers!!! Read this book! Your students will thank you.

[Rachel B · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you can overlook the fiercely liberal politics in the intro and conclusion, and give grace for the many typos, this will be worth a read.

The book is very thorough and includes lots of activities (complete with templates) to incorporate into the classroom. The appendices are very useful. I loved the parts that depicted the activities being used in real classrooms and how kids responded.

The various worksheets can be photocopied, though I'd prefer to access a PDF (there was no mention of this option in the 2nd edition, but perhaps there are versions on the internet somewhere… I haven't checked yet).

I didn't like the letters to George that the author uses as an introduction to each chapter. I would have preferred that she speak directly to readers.

Note: There is occasional profanity.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

textbook boo but i actually had to read this cover to cover. Could def see myself returning to this when I am teaching because it actually has some great tools/resources

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knowledge. Skills. Disposition. Excellence.
The first edition of this text has been vital to the success of the literacy course that I’ve taught for pre-service ELA teachers for the past eight years. So when I heard that a new edition was being published, I was both excited and anxious—please, I thought, don’t fix what’s not broken.

As it turns out, my fears were unfounded. Kylene Beers has done the almost-impossible. She has made her amazing, accessible, useful, impactful text even more incredible. The new edition includes the progress and knowledge that we’ve gained over the past twenty years yet retains all the practicality and heart that made the original edition so valuable. Some chapters have been renamed, but all the good stuff is still there—clear explanations of the pedagogy behind the practice, useful examples of scaffolding and instructional strategies, the wisdom and support of an author who has been in the classroom and knows what her readers experience, and—of course—the heart and compassion that infuse the entire text with inspiration.

I am eager to include this new edition in the spring 2024 iteration of my literacy course. If you teach ELA or if you teach future teachers, this text is a must-own.

[Tim Chaffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I have desired my entire career as a middle/high school ELA teacher! Written by an expert who has ACTUALLY taught in public schools for many years? Yup! Plenty of practical tips that can be used immediately? Definitely! Reading comprehension strategies for students beyond elementary? Yes!!!


I have taught for over ten years. This book sang to my soul! Like the author, I have regrets about missed opportunities. I wish to be the best teacher possible using research-driven practices. This book delivers that and more!

It’s a must-have for any ELA or intervention teacher!

[Breanna Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A required text for my masters degree, but it taught me a lot and it was an easy read! I loved the letters to George at the end of every chapter, I feel like all teachers can relate to them.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a secondary teacher, it's always been relatively easy to tell when a student was struggling with reading comprehension, but the specific reasons for the struggle and the strategies that would be help them make sense of the text weren't in my toolbox. I had some generic reading strategies I would use, but rarely tailored these to specific student needs, and so many of the suggestions out there were really geared at elementary students and teachers. Beers clearly explains potential causes of reading difficulties and provides a myriad of suggestions for each (complete with reproducible templates!), all aimed at the adolescent learner. I highly recommend this book for middle and high school teachers in all subject areas. We were also fortunate to have Kylene Beers with us for a virtual PD at the end of the school year and look forward to incorporating her strategies into our PD sessions next year.

[Jamie Huston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for all teachers. Literacy materials are usually pretty exclusive to the primary grades, but as a high school teacher I still found a lot of value here. Are all of these ideas and materials relevant to me? Do I see myself using all of them? No, of course not, but I'm impressed by enough of them--and have ideas for using enough of them--that this was worthwhile and then some.

[Sara B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many great ideas and practical strategies that I’m planning to implement this next school year in my jr high English and Reading classes. It’s basically a whole new book, not just a slightly altered 2nd edition.

[Marisa Pierucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal! A resource all teachers need in their classrooms. I am rethinking my novel studies and how I’m going to really support my resource students this year with new strategies. Thank you Kylene!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was read for class. It was very informative and I genuinely enjoyed reading it. I’m excited to use the methods in my future career as an educator. This will be a textbook I keep on hand throughout my career.

[Renae Hebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great resource for new teachers to recognize and help struggling readers. I love the letters Mrs. Beers crafted to one of her first struggling readers, George. The letters changed my mindset and approach to help readers who struggle to develop a deeper understanding of texts.

[Gabriella Socio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a required read for my MAT program and it was SUCH a useful book! I have used so many skills and techniques in my subbing and student teaching. It was an easy read which made it feel like it wasn't a textbook and more of a fun read. I recommend this to all secondary teachers!

[Melissa Harrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a MUST read for teachers. It is a great handbook to have with reading lessons. Once again, Kylene Beers has hit it out of the park!

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for any teacher

[Sheila Hlibichuk]

Exceptional book for teachers of all ages.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kylene Beers, the woman you are

[Synthia Salomon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This version is better than the first.

I love learning that George was a real student, decades ago in her classroom.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent teaching book. I got tons of ideas.