About a year ago, I published an article in the Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy about re-reading books with students.  (Click here for the abstract.) In essence, I argue that students don't really read for English class and that over time whatever joy they might have found in reading gets trumped by analytical readings for exams.  I challenge the notion of linear scope and sequencing of texts by suggesting we periodically give students a chance to re-read books from their pasts while guiding them to reflect on who they were as readers, are as readers, and wish to be as readers. 

I put this website together to accompany my presentation at the 2009 NCTE conference in Philadelphia.  It includes links to useful web sites and a bibliography of related readings.  Also, under "Other Sites", you'll find some important links, including one to a group on the English Comapnion Ning site where teachers can gather to discuss their own experiences teaching re-reading, as well as a link to my blog where I post frequently about issues related to adolescent literacy, new literacies, and literature. 

Thank you for visiting and for exploring with me the possibilities of re-reading.

My hope is that you find this web site useful in your own classroom.  Please share your experiences or questions with me at tom@tomliamlynch.org.