“This updated second edition provides an accessible yet thorough overview of how children develop critical language and literacy skills and why these skills are so important. Particularly important is the strong review of how early development fosters skilled reading comprehension later on. Byrnes and Wasik are recognized experts who translate current research in a meaningful way to help transform readers’ understanding of the remarkable task of language and literacy acquisition in children.”

—Laura M. Justice, PhD, EHE Distinguished Professor of Educational Psychology, The Ohio State University


“Once again, Byrnes and Wasik provide an incredibly readable summary of the latest research on language and literacy development—and, at the same time, they make strong links to the implications for classroom instruction. This is a unique volume that appropriately merges the literatures on oral language and literacy skills, while successfully bridging the divide between psychology and education. It is an essential book for graduate students who plan to be teachers, for current educators and administrators, and for psychology students with applied interests. I highly recommend this volume as a course text! It is ideal for graduate-level classes on language and literacy development. My graduate students appreciate the 'relevance' portions of the chapters, which help motivate their learning; and the main ideas that frame each chapter help me to organize class discussions. The increased focus throughout on English language learners is relevant and timely. What was already an indispensable classroom text is even better in this updated second edition.”

—Meredith L. Rowe, EdD, Saul Zaentz Professor of Early Learning and Development, Harvard Graduate School of Education


“The developmental perspective presented by Byrnes and Wasik is unique and important. The notion of 'education as a developmental mechanism' frames literacy learning as a pathway along which we need to recognize milestones and guide students accordingly. This book's message is that all students can achieve if we determine where they are and where they need to go—and offer experiences that are effective to help them get there.”

—Margaret G. McKeown, PhD, Senior Scientist, Learning Research and Development Center, University of Pittsburgh