The manual begins with a compelling story about Clarence, a man who learned to read at the age of 93. The next section presents a list of ten principles for working with beginning readers. This section is followed by responses to three frequently asked questions: (1) Where do I start? (2) Do I need to teach skills in a particular order? and (3) What do I teach? The primary focus of the manual is dedicated to describing 20 instructional activities, many of which are geared towards educators who work in a one-to-one tutoring situation; however, the activities can be modified for classroom instruction. The manual concludes with sample lesson plans, a resource list, and glossary.