New Family Literacy Handbook
Integrates Overlapping Fields
The emerging field of family literacy, which cuts across early childhood education, early literacy
development, parent education, adult education, and parent-child literacy interactions, now has a
comprehensive volume that pulls together and integrates its many interacting components.
Edited by Dr. Barbara Wasik of the FPG Child Development Institute, The Handbook of Family Literacy provides scholars, students,
policymakers and practitioners (both inside and outside the field) with a valuable snapshot of its current boundaries and rapidly
growing content. With contributions from experts in each of its component fields, the 704-page handbook provides an up-to-date
picture of existing family literacy programs, of the research and theories that guide these programs, of current issues, and of likely
future directions.
FPG Snapshot
#18 July 1, 2004
Key features
Scope
Whereas many books deal with various components of this broad field, this handbook profiles and integrates
the field’s overlapping component areas.
Recommendations for practice
Information essential to the development of curriculum and instructional strategies is integrated throughout
the book. Practical guidance is offered in such diverse and intersecting areas as early literacy, the role of
literature and storybook reading in literacy learning, adult learning needs and strategies, and professional
development.
Cultural and family influences
The book examines cultural and family influences on literacy practices and provides effective ways of
responding to family diversity including the needs of bilingual and immigrant participants
Program Implementation
Program recommendations cover such distinct topics as integrating the curriculum, enriching early childhood
classrooms, enhancing parent-child literacy interactions, and coordinating with other agencies.
Assessment
To promote future research and evaluation, attention has been focused on ways of assessing children, adults, the
educational setting, and implementation strategies.
This book is aimed at professionals (directors and staff) and graduate students in family literacy,
early childhood education, child development, parenting, and adult education, as well as researchers and
policymakers in child development and family literacy.
The Handbook of Family Literacy (ISBN: 0-8058-4307-8) is published by Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 10 Industrial Ave., Mahwah, NJ
07430-2262. 800-9-BOOKS-9. <www.erlbaiun.com/> The book is also available through book retailers such as Amazon.com.
