Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
39(39%)
4 stars
30(30%)
3 stars
31(31%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 14,2025
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Love, love, love!

The data presented here is indeed quite good. However, I didn't always have a great affinity for the extrapolation of the data. In some of the conclusions, it seemed a bit of a stretch. Nevertheless, the numbers themselves managed to convince me.

Certain discussions about ebooks, along with other opinions, felt a bit outdated. But what truly overwhelms is the diverse range of persuasive methods employed to convince me to read to my kids. I realize that I definitely need a book basket in my living room!

I also love the treasury at the end. Obviously, I have a passion for reading. But I'm well aware that it's not a foregone conclusion that my children will share this love. This book serves as a really nice how-to-guide. I firmly believe that I can do it! I can nurture little readers. I can teach them to be good humans, assist them in doing well in school, and spend quality time with them engaged in something that I love, all thanks to reading.

It's truly an inspiring and practical resource that has given me the motivation and confidence to embark on this wonderful journey of sharing the joy of reading with my kids.
July 14,2025
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3.5 ⭐️ This is indeed a remarkable resource, with a particular emphasis on educators. I came across an old edition at a used book store and would highly recommend delving into the most recent edition.

I believe this book presents a wealth of valuable advice regarding the motivation and encouragement of kids to read. However, I found certain portions of it to be somewhat idealistic and, at times, even condescending in tone.

My personal preference for a book centered around cultivating a love of reading in the lives of children would be Sarah MacKenzie’s The Read-Aloud Family. That being said, the book list provided at the back still secures a definite place on my bookshelf. It offers a great selection of titles that can inspire and engage young readers, making it a useful addition to any collection.

Overall, while this book has its flaws, it still has much to offer in terms of promoting a love of reading among children.
July 14,2025
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I firmly believe that this book is truly amazing. I embarked on reading it because I had previously read The Read Aloud Family by Sarah MacKenzie and was so deeply enamored with it that I was eager to explore the book that served as its inspiration. There are countless aspects that I adore about both books. It seems that the need for people to engage in more reading - not only together but also aloud, for both pleasure and the acquisition of knowledge - is continuously on the rise.

Interestingly, the book lists in this particular volume actually constitute almost half of its content. In my 7th edition copy, the portion dedicated to writing ABOUT reading and reading aloud spans from page 1 to 172. Meanwhile, the book treasury extends from page 173 to 294. Additionally, the notes, bibliography, and author/illustrator index occupy approximately 55 pages towards the end.

This unique structure provides readers with a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the world of reading and the power of sharing stories aloud. It not only offers valuable insights and recommendations but also serves as a wonderful resource for those seeking to enhance their reading experiences and build stronger connections through the act of reading together.
July 14,2025
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My initial acquaintance with this book occurred when the family I was nannying for received it as their children began kindergarten. I was well aware that if the teachers at their private school were distributing it to all the parents, it was a book worth keeping in the back of my mind for the future. I browsed through the chapters that were suitable for B's age and jotted down some truly excellent tips.

Firstly, always read the author's and illustrator's names. This not only helps the child to familiarize with the creators but also adds an element of personalization to the reading experience.

Secondly, pause during predictable parts and see if the child remembers what comes next. This engages their memory and encourages active participation in the story.

Thirdly, the first time you read a book, look at the cover and ask what they think the book is about. This stimulates their imagination and allows them to make predictions before delving into the actual story.

Fourthly, let them turn the pages. This gives them a sense of control and involvement in the reading process.

Finally, occasionally read over their level. This challenges them and exposes them to more advanced vocabulary and concepts, thereby enhancing their language skills.

Every parent should at least read the Dos and Don'ts chapter and the treasury at the end. I'll be using the treasury lists to obtain books for B from the library, which I believe will be a great source of learning and entertainment for him.
July 14,2025
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I have perused a previous version of this book, and I am truly enamored with this updated 7th edition!

I firmly uphold my earlier assessment of this book, stating that "this is an absolute MUST read for every parent"!!

In fact, I would go so far as to assert that if you have children within earshot of you at any moment during the day, you are in desperate need of reading this book!!

This book offers a wealth of valuable insights and practical advice that can transform the way parents interact with their children.

It covers a wide range of topics, from effective communication strategies to dealing with challenging behaviors.

The updated edition incorporates the latest research and trends in parenting, making it even more relevant and useful.

Whether you are a new parent or have years of experience, this book has something to offer.

It is a must-have resource for anyone who wants to be the best parent they can be.
July 14,2025
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Another must-read for parents and caregivers!

I first came across The Read Aloud Handbook in The Read Aloud Family, and I instantly knew that I had to read it. The book provides research-based reasoning as to why reading aloud is so crucial. It offers valuable insights into the numerous benefits that children can gain from this simple yet powerful activity.

In addition to the compelling reasons, the handbook also includes a treasury of over 100 pages of read-aloud suggestions. This alone makes the book well worth the price. It gives parents and caregivers a wealth of ideas and resources to choose from, ensuring that they can find the perfect books to share with their children.

Whether you are a new parent or an experienced caregiver, The Read Aloud Handbook is a must-have resource. It will not only enhance your understanding of the importance of reading aloud but also provide you with the tools and inspiration to make it a regular part of your child's life. So, don't hesitate to pick up a copy and start reading aloud today!
July 14,2025
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I absolutely adored The Read-Aloud Family, so I knew without a doubt that I had to read the original Read-Aloud Handbook!

I delved into the eighth edition, which has been expertly edited and revised by Cyndi Giorgis.

I am a massive fan of reading out loud, and when I read all the statistics in favor of it, it was truly eye-opening!

She shared numerous captivating stories about kids who were so positively impacted by reading aloud, whether it was at home, in the classroom, or both!

It was truly heartwarming to see how reading aloud could make such a difference in their lives.

Moreover, I love the massive treasury of read-aloud books that this book contains too!

It's like a goldmine of wonderful literary treasures waiting to be discovered and shared with children.

This book has definitely further fueled my passion for reading aloud and has given me even more inspiration and ideas to incorporate into my own reading sessions.

I can't wait to explore more of the books recommended in this handbook and continue to create magical moments of shared reading with my family and those around me.
July 14,2025
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I absolutely adored this book.

It essentially confirmed for me, with solid statistics, something that I already wholeheartedly believed in - the importance of reading, and specifically, reading out loud.

A teacher of mine used to always say, "You should stop reading to your children when they leave the house." Of course, she was actually trying to stress the opposite. If your children live at home, then by all means, read out loud to them!

The book vividly shows that not only reading itself, but also listening to a loving parent read aloud, is the single most crucial thing for helping children succeed in school, in life, and in becoming life-long readers, which brings about numerous benefits.

Every parent and teacher simply must read this book. It reveals how disheartening it is that some American schools allocate so little time for children to read and, even worse, have teachers read aloud to their classes.

If you truly want your child's (or student's) brain to reach its full potential, then read to them!

Reading this book has provided me with a wealth of tips and ideas that I had never considered before. I have begun allowing Davey and Gordon to have 5 minutes of silent "reading" time (for them, it means looking at pictures) before lights out in bed. They stay in bed, are quiet (most nights), and when I come back to turn off the lights, they are pleading with me to let them continue reading their books for a longer time. Even at such a young age, I am delighted to start this wonderful tradition with my family.

July 14,2025
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Favorite quote so far:

"A father in New Jersey, after hearing me suggest reading to children separately, interjected, 'Excuse me, but doesn't that take longer?' Yes, it does, sir. Parenting is not supposed to be a time-saving experience. Parenting is time-consuming, time-investing--but not time-saving." Well said.

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I firmly believe that this would prove to be an extremely useful resource for teachers, librarians, and parents alike. It offers valuable insights into the process of finding outstanding books to read to their children. Additionally, it emphasizes the crucial importance of reading to children. In fact, it is the single most effective thing that parents can do to foster a love for learning and turn their children into lifelong readers. All in all, this resource is truly remarkable and has the potential to have a significant impact on the lives of many children and families.
July 14,2025
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I don't think you necessarily have to read this particular one. However, when it comes to a comprehensive recommendation, I would go for The Read-Aloud Family.

Personally, I have a great fondness for this subject, which is why I ended up reading both. The reason for choosing this one is that it delves into why reading aloud is beneficial for the academic aspect.

On the other hand, The Read-Aloud Family focuses more on establishing a connection with your children through the medium of books. It explores the various ways in which sharing stories can enhance the bond between parents and kids.

Both books offer valuable insights, but depending on your specific interests and needs, you might find one more appealing than the other.
July 14,2025
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A nice round-up of the research on the effects of reading aloud to children has been presented. It shows the numerous benefits that come with this activity. Reading aloud not only enhances children's language skills but also sparks their imagination and creativity. It helps them develop a love for books and reading from an early age.


Moreover, there is a long treasury of the best read-alouds organized by various aspects. They are categorized by topics, which allows parents and educators to easily find books that suit the interests of the children. The styles of the read-alouds are also diverse, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and more. This variety ensures that children are exposed to different literary forms and can expand their literary horizons.


Furthermore, the read-alouds are organized by reading level as well. This helps in choosing the appropriate books for children at different stages of their reading development. Whether it's for beginners or more advanced readers, there are plenty of options available to engage and challenge them.

July 14,2025
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I absolutely LOVED reading The Read-Aloud Handbook.

I already had a strong inclination to read aloud to Fox, and this book has only confirmed the crucial importance of doing so.

Reading, in all its forms - being read to, reading aloud, and reading silently - is one of the most significant predictors of success in school, across various subjects.

It helps develop vocabulary, enriches context, and provides children (and adults) with the opportunity to experience things that may be beyond their own lives.

Moreover, it builds empathy and allows us to step into someone else's shoes.

Here I am simply extolling the virtues of reading, which this book does very well. However, it also delves deeper into the reasons why these aspects are so essential for a child's educational and, dare I say, lifelong success.

EVERY parent should read this book. Every teacher should read this book. And every single politician should also read this book.

I am extremely excited to explore the suggested read aloud books that make up the second half of this volume. Some of them, of course, I have already read to him.

It's like a HUGE treasury that I can't wait to share with Fox through reading aloud.
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