Noting that the task of increasing literacy around the world is far too massive for the schools alone to undertake, this book is intended as part of an effort to increase the role of parents and families in promoting the reading development of children. The six articles in the book discuss the following topics: (1) family contributions to reading attainment; (2) opportunities to use family resources for reading in the developing countries of Africa and of Southeast Asia; (3) family forces for preschool development of health, vocabulary, and perceptual skills; (4) family forces for early school development of language fluency and beginning reading; and (5) the role of families in curriculum planning and tutoring in reading and in developing cultural appreciation. (FL)