The book, edited by Patricia L. Scharer, is authored by educators affiliated with The Ohio State University Literacy Collaborative, many of whom are also Reading Recovery trained. They illuminate in precise detail high-quality classroom literacy instruction, individualized according to student needs, using the very best children's literature across a language and literacy framework.

The book is organized around the six essential components of comprehensive literacy:
• Section One: Professional Learning
• Section Two: Organizing for Learning
• Section Three: Reading
• Section Four: Writing
• Section Five: Building Blocks of Language
• Section Six: A Learning Community: Students, Teachers, Principals, and Families

Throughout the six sections, you'll find the principles of learning and teaching that define comprehensive literacy.

Every day, comprehensive literacy teachers:
• Build upon students' strengths
• Use embedded formative instruction to inform precise, responsive instruction
• Marshal the full force of integrated language
• Respect and honor the child's first language and cultural background
• Surround students with the richest children's literature possible
• Use a gradual release of responsibility to scaffold literacy instruction
• Provide time, choice, and access to independent reading and writing
• Engage families and encourage a home reading life
• Nurture children's social emotional well-being
• Engage in continuous, collaborative professional learning
• Promote informed leadership