James Patterson tackles America’s reading crisis
March 10, 2026 at 11:08 AM EDT
Best-selling author James Patterson explores the current literacy crisis in America, highlighting evidence-based solutions from the Science of Reading.
8pm Wednesday READING REBOOT - Documentary
James Patterson explores how evidence-based strategies are transforming classrooms to address America’s reading crisis.
The Reading Reboot - A WLRN Original Presentation
Over the past half century, the statistics have been overwhelming: students in the earliest years of education have consistently underperformed in reading. Growing frustration among educators, after decades in which many children advanced through elementary school without reading at grade level, has sparked a renewed effort to transform how reading is taught. In this program, we go inside classrooms to see how the Science of Reading is reshaping instruction and giving children the tools they need to succeed in life.
James Patterson reading to Kindergarten Class at Cypress Trails Elementary (3000x2001, AR: 1.4992503748125936)
From struggling readers to confident learners, James Patterson highlights how this approach is changing the way children learn to read across the country. Featuring success stories from students, parents, and teachers, the program reveals a hopeful path toward transforming how we teach children to read.
WATCH WLRN ANYWHERE AT ANY TIME WITH THE PBS VIDEO APP.
Stream your favorite PBS shows, create the perfect watchlist, watch the WLRN live stream and so much more. Plus, WLRN TV members can access an extended on-demand library of incredible programming with WLRN Passport, available through the PBS Video App. Download the PBS Video App for free now!
James Patterson explores how evidence-based strategies are transforming classrooms to address America’s reading crisis.
The Reading Reboot - A WLRN Original Presentation
Over the past half century, the statistics have been overwhelming: students in the earliest years of education have consistently underperformed in reading. Growing frustration among educators, after decades in which many children advanced through elementary school without reading at grade level, has sparked a renewed effort to transform how reading is taught. In this program, we go inside classrooms to see how the Science of Reading is reshaping instruction and giving children the tools they need to succeed in life.
James Patterson reading to Kindergarten Class at Cypress Trails Elementary (3000x2001, AR: 1.4992503748125936)
From struggling readers to confident learners, James Patterson highlights how this approach is changing the way children learn to read across the country. Featuring success stories from students, parents, and teachers, the program reveals a hopeful path toward transforming how we teach children to read.
WATCH WLRN ANYWHERE AT ANY TIME WITH THE PBS VIDEO APP.
Stream your favorite PBS shows, create the perfect watchlist, watch the WLRN live stream and so much more. Plus, WLRN TV members can access an extended on-demand library of incredible programming with WLRN Passport, available through the PBS Video App. Download the PBS Video App for free now!