The dreaded Basal reader talk! I think the Tompkins book does a good job of trying to show the positive and the negatives of basal readers. Basal readers are so improved from what they were when I was young. The programs are much more inclusive and attempt to explore a greater variety of subject matter. These are used very infrequently in my placement. Most of the reading that I have observed is free reading and chosen by the students. There are some unintended consequences to his. Often a student can spend weeks "reading" the same book which will consist of them looking at pictures (for example the Guinness book of world records) Students can also pick books that are two hard for them to read and become frustrated or pick up books that are too easy and provide no challenge. This chapter does end with a really helpful review list: How effective teachers use basal reading textbooks.