This paper discusses the use of a teacher-designed text of authentic reading materials (such as a university catalog, grocery store catalog, and tourist information brochures) in place of a commercially-produced textbook in the English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom. It is argued that such materials provide ESL students with greater access to American culture, allow adjustment of content to the students' proficiency level, and are motivating to students. Activities accompanying use of the text are designed to be interactive and authentic and to correspond to current second language teaching theory. Pre-reading, reading, and post-reading activities are described. Finally, an eclectic approach to ESL instruction instead of the conventional grammar-translation method is advocated, for both instructional purposes and for purposes of classroom management. Activities for each unit of the teacher-developed text are appended. Contains 21 references. (MSE)