"In Growing Readers, Kathy Collins helps teachers plan for independent reading work-shops in their own classrooms. She describes the structure of the independent reading workshop and other components of a balanced literacy program that work together to ensure young students grow into strong, well-rounded readers. Kathy outlines a sequence of possible units of study for a yearlong curriculum. Chapters are devoted to the individual units of study and include a sample curriculum as well as examples of mini-lessons and reading conferences. There are also four Getting Ready sections that suggest some behind-the-scenes work teachers can do to prepare for the units."

Creating classrooms for learners, thinkers, and talkers -- Experiences in literacy throughout the day -- Units of study in a primary reading workshop -- Readers build good habits -- Readers use strategies to figure out words -- Readers think and talk about books to grow ideas -- Readers pursue their interests in books and other texts -- Readers make plans for their reading lives.