Historically, many educators have felt that the number of children who read less effectively than they should is far too high. As long ago as the 1960's, authorities reported that about 18 to 25% of America's school-age children were suffering from some form of reading impairment. Recent NAEP results suggest unacceptably high failure rates (below basic proficiency) in the literacy skills of the nation's children. The achievement gap is widening, especially in urban areas and among specific ethnic populations. This article describes the Young Readers Art Project, which is a way to reach reluctant readers.