This book describes how to set up a literature-based reading and writing program. In addition to exploring the rationale for a literature-based approach, the authors provide models, lesson plans, ideas, activities, and lists of books that teachers can use in their classrooms. the authors examine every aspect of teaching reading and writing with literature and poetry. By guiding the teacher or prospective teacher through the planning, teaching, and assessing stages, this book becomes a most useful tool for successful teaching.