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Know Better, Do Better: Comprehension

Fueling the Reading Brain with Knowledge, Vocabulary, and Rich Language

In this companion to their bestselling first book, David and Meredith Liben move beyond foundational skills to explore how the mind comprehends texts.

They translate research in clear terms to help teachers understand what students truly need to read deeply for pleasure and with purpose. 

Focusing on vocabulary, knowledge building, and language structures, they provide cutting-edge instructional ideas and ready-to-use tools to help teachers put their understanding into action immediately.

  • “With all that’s going on in the world regarding reading, Meredith and David cut through the noise by bringing together decades of knowledge and experience in developing students’ literacy skills. They offer a way for educators to think critically about what to do and how to do it so every student can become highly literate.”

    TANJI REED MARSHALL, PH.D., CEO/Principal Consultant, Liaison Educational Partners

  • “I love this book and can’t wait to use it with the students and teachers I work with. The authors provide a clear, accurate overview of research and theories of comprehension, reminding us of the importance of centering text in instruction. They show us how to prepare for and teach the essential aspects of comprehension.”

    SARAH M. LUPO, PH.D., Associate Professor of Literacy Education, James Madison University

  • “In this outstanding book, the Libens clearly and coherently presents the complexities of reading comprehension. They describe the interaction of elements required for deriving meaning from text, with logic and evidence. And their examples of classroom applications can be implemented in every subject. An invaluable resource for practicing and preservice educators.”

    JUDITH C. HOCHMAN, ED.D., creator of the Hochman Method of Writing; coauthor, with Natalie Wexler, of The Writing Revolution: A Guide to Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades

  • “A triumph! Fueled by research and steeped in deep classroom experience, the Libens show us how to tap into processes at work in children’s brains to unlock the wonders of skillful reading. What distinguishes this education book? The authors lived it—full-time—in public schools for decades—and it shows!”

    SUSAN PIMENTEL, cofounder of StandardsWork; lead author of the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts

  • “Once again, the Libens strike literacy gold with a book that will elevate every classroom and help us boost student achievement. They work their magic by offering fresh thinking on comprehension, based on current research, and strategies to improve comprehension for all kids. I’m excited to elevate my practice with this book!”

    KYAIR BUTTS, 2019 Baltimore City Teacher of the Year; Goyen Literacy Fellow; Wit & Wisdom Facilitator

  • “David and Meredith Liben’s passionate commitment to comprehension for all students jumps off each page of this accessible book! As longtime educators, they share stories that beautifully illustrate how learning comes alive. They also offer so many useful ideas for promoting comprehension through vocabulary and knowledge building, all while placing the student at the center of instruction.”

    SONIA CABELL, PH.D., Associate Professor, Florida State University; coauthor, with Tricia Zucker, of Strive-for-Five Conversations: A Framework That Gets Kids Talking to Accelerate Their Language Comprehension and Literacy