John R. Beech 
Learning to Read [PDF ebook] 
A Cognitive Approach to Reading and Poor Reading

Originally published in 1985, Learning to Read presents a balanced view of contemporary research into the reading process and theories accounting for reading and poor reading. The book focuses in particular on children who experience considerable difficulty in acquiring necessary reading skills. It considers how reading ability is assessed and the problematic subject of dyslexia. It also adopts a comprehensive approach to the cognitive factors behind poor reading, as well as possible developmental and environmental factors. Learning to Read will appeal to those with an interest in how children learn to read and the development of research on this subject.