When your child struggles with learning to read, it can feel overwhelming. What causes reading difficulties? How can you support your child on the road to a rich and rewarding literacy life? Drawing on her dual expertise as a literacy specialist and a psychotherapist, Diane Tracey takes a unique and holistic approach to supporting children's health and emotional well-being along with their reading skills. In this straightforward, knowledgeable guide, she explains exactly how the reading process works and what you can do to foster literacy development every step of the way. Filled with checklists, fun activities to do with kids, and insightful stories, this compassionate resource gives you tools to help a struggling reader of any age become an avid book lover.

“Dr. Tracey has written a winner! This is an essential guide for any parent whose child has difficulties with reading. It has a strong research and practical base, plentiful examples, and hands-on activities at the end of each chapter. For me, this book is the best on the market.”--Patricia A. Edwards, PhD, University Distinguished Professor of Language and Literacy, Michigan State University

"I love this book. I'm not a teacher by trade, and I had no clue about how to help my daughter with reading. Dr. Tracey provides suggested books and engaging activities that make learning fun."--Lisa K., parent

"I read this book with great interest as both a parent and an educator, and came away inspired with ideas to help my own children and share with colleagues. Dr. Tracey takes us inside the life of the developing reader and provides a positive roadmap for joining children on their literacy journeys. The book offers stories of real kids and families alongside practical tools, resources, and easy-to-implement activities. A 'must read' for all parents who want to support the developing readers in their lives!"--Heather Kenyon Casey, PhD, Department of Teacher Education, Rider University-

Diane H. Tracey, EdD, is a retired Professor of Education at Kean University. She has written and presented widely on topics related to literacy achievement. Dr. Tracey has served as Secretary of the Literacy Research Association and on the editorial review boards of the Journal of Literacy Research, The Reading Teacher, the National Reading Conference Yearbook, and Education and Urban Society. Dr. Tracey is a recipient of Kean University’s Presidential Scholars Challenge Award. Prior to her work at the university level, she was an early childhood educator and a research assistant on a large, federally funded grant project studying children’s reading disabilities. She is currently a psychotherapist at the Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies, where she is training to become a psychoanalyst.