Includes bibliographical references (p. 227-234) and index.

Moving toward a reader-centered classroom -- Looking at student reading -- The dimensions of the reader's response -- Using drama to extend the reader -- Reading is seeing -- Expanding concepts of reading, response, and literature.

Through textured case studies of engaged and reluctant readers, "You Gotta Be the Book" addresses the following issues: What do highly engaged, adolescent readers DO as they read? What is it about traditional schooling, reading instruction, and literary instruction that deters engaged reading and serves to disenfranchise young readers? How can interventions like dramatic and artistic responses to literature be used in classrooms to help all readers, especially reluctant ones, to take on the strategies and stances of more expert readers - and to reconceive of reading as a personally meaningful, pleasurable and productive pursuit? --From publisher's description.