I seldom write more than once about a single resource, but I’m writing a second post today about a website that has become a huge favourite with me over the past few months.  As I visit classrooms and offer support for “emergent” readers, this is the one online resource that has garnered more enthusiasm recently than any other.  So, if you missed my post back on October 6th, here it is again.

Tar Heel Reader offers a rapidly growing online collection of accessible books that are suitable for emergent readers of all ages.  Each book consists of a photograph, with accompanying text that is usually a single sentence.  When I first wrote about this amazing collection three months ago, it contained just over 1,000 titles.  Now the total is closer to 2,000.  Once again, I’ll quote the site’s accurate description of what it offers.

…free, easy-to-read, and accessible books on a wide range of topics. Each book can be speech enabled and accessed using multiple interfaces (i.e. switches, alternative keyboards, touch screens, and dedicated AAC devices). The books may be downloaded as slide shows in PowerPoint, Impress, or Flash format.

Users are encouraged to contribute their own books, but they must register in order to do so.  This offers learners a meaningful opportunity to create and share digital stories or projects that demonstrate what they know.

Everything in Tar Heel Reader works as intended; and there are more options available than have been described here.  Please check out this incredible resource for yourself, and recommend it widely.