Esquith questions the ability of the basal readers to stimulate students' interest in reading.

It is a safe bet that no one will ever turn to today's basal readers that way.

"Our citywide approach does not have basal readers," she said.

Reading, for example, is taught through the whole-language system, in which literature replaces basal readers.

The enthusiasm of a child inspires his classmates much more than a teacher ever could by using a basal reader and manual.

A primer is a first textbook for teaching of reading, such as an alphabet book or basal reader.

During the school year, the reading program progressed from basal readers to novel studies and independent projects, she said.

I packed away my own basal readers over 10 years ago.

"I was very into phonics and basal readers," she added.

Every grade uses basal readers in addition to several sets of novels.