Teachers recognize that frequent independent reading increases student knowledge on a wide range of topics, enhances vocabulary, and improves comprehension. How can we then nurture and deepen these reading experiences for our students?

This passionate book argues that the main purpose of reading assignments is to encourage rather than discourage reading. It inspires us to go beyond the narrow and analytical view of book reports by exploring the potential of oral and visual activities. It offers response assignments that are more closely aligned with the reasons people read -- to explore personal interests, to make emotional connections, and to enjoy themselves.

This remarkable resource offers more than 20 specific assignments that will engage students, and persuade them to respond to their reading in innovative ways, including book talks, alternate covers, talk-show interviews, diary entries for characters, letters to authors, and more. Each assignment includes its own rubric written in student-friendly language, along with student response exemplars from real classrooms. Tips to help teachers launch and manage an independent reading program complement this timely book.