“One of the 10 Books Every Teacher Should Read”

—The Guardian


“Bringing Words to Life is, without doubt, one of the best and most influential books ever published on the topic of teaching and developing vocabulary. The second edition is even better than the first—it addresses recent issues such as the Common Core and RTI; provides a greater number of helpful, practical examples; addresses vocabulary and writing; takes on the challenge of providing effective vocabulary instruction for struggling readers and English learners; and offers guidance for teaching math, science, and social studies vocabulary in the intermediate grades. This book should be required reading for anyone seeking teacher or reading specialist certification.”

—John Pikulski, PhD, Department of Educational Development (Emeritus), University of Delaware


“This is a book teachers will read, reread, and refer to many times to nurture a love of language through joyful, robust vocabulary instruction. The authors' research-based insights and advice about selecting words and systematically presenting them to learners from all backgrounds are both practical and manageable. Teachers will delight in nurturing a language-rich classroom where students revel in language, read better and deeper, speak effectively, and write with purpose and clarity.”

—Mary Anne Rossbach, MEd, sixth-grade teacher, Fairfax County (Virginia) Public Schools


“It's hard to believe, but the second edition of Bringing Words to Life is even more comprehensive than the first. Beck, McKeown, and Kucan have outdone themselves. Containing real-life examples and easy-to-implement strategies, this book is a 'must have' for vocabulary instruction. It will help teachers greatly as they work to meet the Common Core Standards.”

—Nancy Betler, EdD, Talent Development Facilitator, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, North Carolina; Adjunct Professor, School of Graduate and Continuing Education, Wingate University


“Perhaps the most distinctive feature of this book is its personal touch—reading it is like having a conversation with the authors about robust vocabulary instruction. The authors share their decision making, offer warnings about potential challenges, encourage thoughtful planning, and insist on follow-through. Teachers are amply supported in their learning by the 'Your Turn' and 'You Try It' features, whether working on their own or in a course on literacy instruction. This is a book designed by teachers for teachers.”

—Joanne F. Carlisle, PhD, School of Education, University of Michigan


“The book offers elementary, middle, and high school teachers concrete suggestions for choosing words and teaching them to students. New chapters in the second edition provide important updates for teachers who are data driven, who have students of varying ability levels and language backgrounds, and who focus on the reading-writing connection. Like the first edition, this book will make a significant contribution to teacher preparation and professional development. Specific recommendations for practice are illustrated with detailed examples of teachers implementing robust vocabulary instruction in their classrooms.”

—Rebecca Silverman, EdD, College of Education, University of Maryland, College Park