This book was written for parents to assist them in becoming active participants in their children's literacy development. Each chapter presents frequently asked questions from parents, examples of student writing, strategies for home use, and parent's written reflections, as well as explanations of literacy based in research and theory. Chapters in the book are: (1) Listening and Speaking; (2) Readers and Reading; (3) Writing and Spelling; and (4) Where to Begin. Contains 22 references. Appendixes contain a 150-item annotated bibliography of children's literature, arranged by grade level; a 31-item glossary of terms; suggestions on how parents can help their children become better writers; and the National Council of Teachers of English Position Statement on Reading. (EF)