Living in an age of communication, literacy is an extremely integral part of our society. We are impacted by literature during our infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. This four volume set includes information from specialists in the field who discuss the influence of popular culture, media, and technology on literacy. Together, they offer a comprehensive outline of the study and practice of literacy in the United States.


The first volume, Early Literacy, covers infancy and early childhood. Topics such as oral language development, phonics, beginning writing, storytelling and drama, and instruction for second language learners and special needs children are all addressed.



Volume two, Childhood Literacy, includes information on popular approaches to reading instruction, children's literature, spelling, computer and instructional technology, book clubs, and after-school programs.



Adolescent Literacy, the third volume, covers supplementary literacy programs for at-risk adolescents, literacy tutors, young adult literature, gender issues, digital literacy, and blogging.



Finally, volume four, Adult Literacy, offers chapters on adult basic education, programs for English language learners, and workplace literacy.