Book excerpt: "The scope and nature of this account of the modern history of reading/literacy education (especially tied to the aspirational readers) are unique. Enlisting the metaphor of waves, it traces monumental shifts in theory, research and practice related to reading education and literacy that represent developments that verge on revolutionary changes. Each of these waves is accompanied with a discussion of the aspirational reader that sets the stage for contemplating these shifts and their significance. The discussions trace the research and theoretical developments in a fashion that exemplifies the origins of the shifts and their influences"--