About the Author

Julia B. Lindsey, Ph.D., is an expert in early literacy development, curriculum, and instruction. She has worked with teachers, districts, curriculum developers, and other organizations to help translate reading research into practice. Her previous partnerships include collaborating with the Boston Public Schools and the District of Columbia Public Schools to create content-connected decodable texts, working with the Center for Black Educator Development to design and pilot a new Freedom Schools model focused on early literacy, and advising publishing companies on research-based reading instruction. Dr. Lindsey holds a BS in Psychology from Davidson College, a MAT from Relay Graduate School of Education, and a Ph.D. in Educational Studies, specializing in Literacy, Language, and Culture, from the University of Michigan. She is a proud former elementary school teacher. She is currently the Early Literacy Manager for Reading Reimagined, an inclusive research and development program.

Reviews

"Reading Above the Fray is a wonderful resource, a book I read from cover to cover. The scholarship is impeccable, citing the central and most impactful studies surrounding foundational skills and their importance to reading acquisition. Authored by a passionate educator, the book is rich in stories, lessons, activities, and ideas. It is a joy to read and will become a well-worn guide for teachers and students of reading!"

-- ANNE E. CUNNINGHAM, Professor, Learning Sciences and Human Development, University of California, Berkeley; author of Book Smart: How toDevelop and Support Successful, Motivated Readers
"Accessible, timely, and easy to use, this is a book that needed to be written for teachers, literacy coaches, and school administrators looking to develop efficient and effective literacy instruction. Dr. Lindsey simplifies the complexities of foundational skills instruction, synthesizes research by bridging it to practice, and provides routines that can be implemented the very next day. I predict it will become a primary resource that educators return to time and again."

-- REBECCA MILES, Early Literacy Consultant and Coach Coordinator, Berrien Regional Educational Service Agency

"Elementary teachers have been waiting for this one! Dr. Lindsey explains not only the 'why' behind the essential elements of decoding, but also provides explicit guidance and routines to help any teacher swap out ineffective practices for more effective and efficient research-based ones. She makes it easy to align instruction to reading science
and teach 'above the fray.'"

-- KATHARINE NOONAN, English Language Arts Instructional Coach, District of Columbia Public Schools

"If you think a professional book about decoding and foundational skills can't be engaging, think again! Dr. Lindsey artfully combines wit, wisdom, and classroom realism with evidence-based routines that we can implement immediately. Most important, she centers each chapter on children, calling us to value and build upon the strengths, perspectives, and cultural assets they bring. This book is a win for educators and, by extension, the children and families they serve!"

-- ANNIE PETROZZELLI SPEAR, Literacy Specialist, Consultant, and Author

"In Reading Above the Fray, Julia masterfully connects the deep research base on how kids learn to read to what teachers can do tomorrow in their classrooms. What I love even more about the book is her focus on the joy of helping students develop the tools they need to achieve reading success."

-- SUSANNE NOBLES, Chief Academic Officer, ReadWorks

"One of the best books I've read on decoding and phonics. With passion for teaching, Dr. Lindsey interprets reading science in ways that are directly transferable to the classroom. Her book is chock full of techniques, activities, and strategies--a veritable 'go-to' resource. This is exactly the kind of translational work the field needs!"

-- HEIDI ANNE MESMER, Professor of Literacy Education, Virginia Tech; author of Letter Lessons andFirst Words: Phonics Foundations That Work
"This book speaks to something near and dear to my heart--the power of early literacy to lead to lifelong learning and immeasurable opportunities. With clarity and precision, Dr. Lindsey cuts through the distracting noise around reading instruction. Her book should be required reading in preservice and inservice programs. With it, we can chart a course forward to literacy for all."

-- SHARIF EL-MEKKI, Chief Executive Officer, Center for Black Educator Development