This session offers practical techniques for instructors to help their students improve their reading skills. Decoding texts that are culturally specific can be a daunting task for not only second language students, but for all students. By using several popular young adult novels (Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman, The Wave by Todd Strasser, Tunes for Bears to Dance To by Robert Cormier, The Lilies of the Field by William E. Barrett, The Pearl by John Steinbeck, and Anthem by Ayn Rand), the presenter will offer participants practical techniques to use in the classroom such as previewing, the traits of good readers, and vocabulary development. Schema building will be explored through activities aimed at the interaction of the “top down” and “bottom up” approach to comprehending texts. Participants will leave the session with a sample syllabus, some new activities, their current reading rate, and a checklist for better reading. (S. Krahsen, 1982; D.E. Eskey, 2002; J.M. Swales, 1990)