This document summarizes and discusses several studies and research on readers: - A 1950s study found that kids disliked required classics and preferred books by authors of their own gender. - Research found that access to real books and viewing reading as pleasure rather than instruction leads to stronger reading skills. - Studies show that who carries meaning in texts, choice in reading materials, and balanced book collections impact student engagement. - Additional research highlighted the importance of daily independent reading time, reading accuracy and comprehension, peer discussion of reading, and read alouds for student literacy development.