Kuhn’s new book explores ‘science of literacy perspective’

Publication Title

Handbook on the Science of Literacy in Grades 3–8

Author

Melanie R. Kuhn and Susan B. Neuman (eds.)

Publisher

Guilford Press

Publication Date

August 2025

About the Book

From foremost authorities, this needed work demonstrates the importance of a science of literacy perspective for teaching and learning beyond the primary grades. Contributors present cutting-edge research on reading and writing development in grades 3–8 and review evidence-based classroom practices and professional learning frameworks. The Handbook explores how to support upper elementary and middle grades learners in improving morphological knowledge and vocabulary, understanding text complexity, and building comprehension. It describes effective ways to meet the instructional needs of struggling readers and writers, including multilingual students and those with learning disabilities. Timely topics include multi-tiered systems of support, student motivation and engagement, adaptive teaching, digital and multimodal literacies, and culturally responsive and sustaining practices.

About the Author

Dr. Melanie R. Kuhn is the Jean Adamson Stanley Faculty Chair in Literacy in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the Purdue University College of Education. Her research builds on a belief in the importance of reading as fundamental to learner success. She focuses on instructional approaches designed to close the achievement gap between struggling readers and their more successful peers. Currently, she is looking at the relationship between reading fluency, vocabulary, conceptual knowledge, and comprehension as well as the development of methods that will ensure students access to challenging texts.