ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book helps educators and families provide the optimal conditions for raising real readers. It describes how teachers can support an inquiry-based program using trade books while building from the questions children and young people have about topics of interest. According to The Literacy Dictionary, "trade books" are books "published for sale to the general public" or "commercial books, other than basal readers, that are used for reading instruction". Pieces of children's literature are "writings specifically intended for children, or that children have made their own". Frank Smith argues that in every language event there are a number of demonstrations to which participants can attend, based on their interest, experience, and focus. In literature-rich classrooms, children's and adolescent literature are cultural resources that permeate the entire curriculum.
