Nancy Young and Jan Hasbrouck, both premier educators and scholars, have provided the field with a masterpiece linking the science undergirding reading and writing development with the science of instruction. The organization of the information is clear and comprehensive. All the conditions that must be in place for evidence-based instruction to be successful are mapped out for a wide range of skilled and unskilled learners and different teaching environments. In my opinion, this is one of the most comprehensive and readable texts addressing the complex world reading development, reading difficulties, and reading instruction.

G. Reid Lyon, Ph.D.

Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Southern Methodist University Distinguished Scientist in Neuroscience and Cognition, University of Texas, Dallas Former Branch Chief, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health

If you are seeking a comprehensive guide to the science of reading and writing, look no further than Climbing the Ladder of Reading & Writing, an essential reference book to add to your professional library. This resource skillfully navigates the intricacies of literacy acquisition, offering insights, guidance, and practical tips for differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs of all learners, including older students, students with various disabilities, and multilingual learners. With a stellar roster of expert authors, this book combines cutting-edge research with hands-on strategies, ensuring teachers can provide an inclusive instructional approach that addresses the challenges that many of today’s students face when learning to read and write. Whether you are an educator, parent, or lifelong learner, this book will help you produce positive literacy outcomes for every student.

Nancy Mather, Ph.D.

Professor Emerita, University of Arizona

​Louisa Moats, Ed.D.

Literacy researcher, speaker, consultant, and trainer

As a literacy advocate and the mother of 5 children who do not acquire literacy skills effortlessly, I cannot recommend Climbing the Ladder of Reading & Writing more! Nancy Young and Jan Hasbrouck unravel the complexities of literacy instruction, remediation, and enrichment in schools, empowering families to actively participate in their children’s literacy journey. They make the often-intimidating world of literacy accessible to all. Climbing the Ladder of Reading & Writing goes beyond demystifying literacy jargon. It equips caregivers with the knowledge to comprehend research on literacy development and instruction and to understand the intricacies of various literacy learning profiles. This depth of insight enables parents to engage meaningfully with their children’s schools. No longer do families need to scour the internet or navigate educational labyrinths on their own. Young and Hasbrouck deliver the expertise directly to the reader, bridging the gap between educators and families. Nancy Young and Jan Hasbrouck crafted a literary guide that doesn’t just inform; it transforms families into advocates for literacy, making it an indispensable addition to every home’s library.

Kate Mayer

Educator, literacy advocate and co-founder of Everyone Reads PA

In this easy-to-read and useful book, Hasbrouck and Young have crafted a concise and informative resource in Climbing the Ladder of Reading and Writing: Meeting the Needs of All Learners. This compilation of works from experts in the field of research and education will serve novice to veteran educators as a comprehensive guide to understanding and meeting the needs of ALL learners. By going beyond the obvious academic essentials and including discussions about older students, variations of English, multi-lingual learners, socio-economic factors, home-school connections, technology, and teacher development, this book is an insightful reference for pre-and in-service teachers, as well as school administrators. Climbing the Ladder of Reading and Writing explains the basis of the needs of your students and will help you answer the “why” and the “how” to effective instruction. ​

Donna Hejtmanek

Retired Educator, Advocate and creator of the Science of Reading-What I Should Have Learned in College Facebook Group