This Reader considers the complexity of literacy difficulties, showing how research into literacy difficulties has to be multi-faceted and multi-disciplinary and involve a range of research approaches and methods. The chapters show that this is necessary to accommodate the wide range of issues that can, potentially, explain literacy difficulties and suggest strategies and interventions to ease those difficulties. Starting from the point that literacy is a contested concept and that acquiring literacy is a complex process, this Reader goes on to consider literacy development in relation to: theoretical understandings, implications for practice; assessing literacy difficulties; pedagogy and planning; and, interventions in different contexts. This Reader is relevant to all postgraduate students of Literacy, as well as educators, professionals and policy makers.