"Ruth Handel offers a readable, thoughtful, and comprehensive introduction to the field of family literacy with attention to programs, people, and policies. She highlights Family Reading workshops, where parents learn about children’s literature, improve their own reading skills, and delight in sharing books with their children. Handel’s message is important: Many schools could help two generations of readers by including family literacy as part of their comprehensive programs of school, family, and community partnerships."

–Joyce L. Epstein, Johns Hopkins University

In this groundbreaking volume, Ruth Handel offers educators and parents who work to forge authentic partnerships between home and school, crucial new insights based on her work with family literacy projects. During an eight year research study Handel delved into the experiences of adult participants in school-based family literacy programs and explored the following topics:

• What accounts for sustained interest on the part of teachers and parents?


• What are the benefits, limitations, misunderstandings, and unintended consequences of their participation?


• In what ways does a program mesh with personal history and out-of-school lives?


• What guidelines may be derived for family literacy practice and for the preparation of teachers as family educators?

In uncovering the many meanings of family literacy, this volume depicts the special nature of family literacy, locates programs historically, and points to future trends. This book provides a unique, accessible resource for initiating and improving family literacy programs.