This issue presents eight essays all on the theme of how young children can become strong and successful lifelong readers. "Seeking Common Ground" (Lee Sherman) reviews the debate over how best to teach young children to read. "In the Beginning" (Catherine Paglin) suggests that by reading aloud to young children and filling their world with print, parents and preschool providers lay the groundwork for literacy. "For the Love of a Book" (Judy Blankenship) shares a second-grade teacher's passion for reading with her students. "Leading with the Heart" (Joyce Riha Linik) describes a multiage classroom of first-, second-, and third-grade students who exhibit a love of reading, delve into literature, and challenge themselves. "When Life and Words Collide" (Lee Sherman) describes how a teacher brings reading down to earth for her first graders. "Creating Eager Readers" (Melissa Steineger) discusses how informal assessments help students "mine text for meaning.""Book Buddy" (Teri Sherman Matias) describes a volunteer tutor's experiences in giving kids an extra boost in reading. "Peaceful Proposal" (Joanne Yatvin) suggests that teaching at its best includes instruction in all types of skills and an awareness of children's background knowledge and stages of development. (RS)