AFT Teach

Beyond Excerpts
Teaching with Whole Books Boosts Comprehension and Engagement
By Natalie Wexler

Students today are reading fewer whole books, and the consequences are showing up in classrooms from elementary school to college. As education writer Natalie Wexler explains in the Spring 2026 American Educator, brief excerpts and skills-focused instruction have replaced the deep, sustained reading that builds knowledge, vocabulary and learner engagement. Immersing students in whole books strengthens their comprehension and confidence, and many discover the pleasure of getting lost in a story. Whole books don’t just improve academic outcomes; they help build empathy, community, curiosity and joy.

READ MORE: aft.org/ae/spring2026/wexler