Allen, Janet (2000).
Yellow Brick Roads: Shared and Guided Paths to Independent Reading 4-12.
Portland, ME: Stenhouse.
Allen's number one rule for her reading classes is "Enjoy reading." Teachers who pick up this book will have little trouble following the rule. Allen writes in an easy to read style; weaving theory, experience, and case studies effortlessly through the text. As an experienced teacher and author Allen has a rich background of resources to bring to her writing. She mentions her own and others previous work and in the process suggests some of the best ideas from the past couple of decades.
Much of the author's work is with students who have experienced a bump or two in the road to reading and literacy. The insights that their problems provide will be useful to all reading teachers. Chapters focus on read-aloud, guided reading, providing independent options, reading texts, reading to improve writing, assessment, and evaluation. The book might be a good overview for new teachers or an enjoyable way to take a step back and reflect for more experienced teachers who feel a bit of burn out. Multiple appendices offer reading suggestions for both teacher and students.
