Even though Finnish students continually score at the highest levels on international reading tests, little attention is given to Finland's reading education programs. Dismissing Finnish attainments often is based on the attitude that the Finnish language is simpler, due to a close one-to-one sound/symbol match and that Finland is an isolated country that does not experience the same social complications as other countries. This study is based on direct observations of first-grade classrooms in Finland, as well as interviews of Finnish children, parents, teachers, and university professors. Results suggest that teacher autonomy and family attitude, along with their uses of reading, and the Finnish personality characteristic of "sisu" provide insight into their academic success.