These two books about family literacy have several common themes. Parents work on their own literacy goals separately from their children. Parents use literacy skills to solve problems at home and in their communities. Parents participate in their children's schooling. Parents seek help with their concerns about parenting.
Parents develop and convey pride in their home language and culture.
Despite these similarities, the books are different in scope and tone. The Survey is a reference guide for educators and policy makers. It provides brief program descriptions, which include focus on programs for children as well as programs for intergenerational participants. A list of addresses of agencies and organizations promoting family literacy enables interested readers to write for additional information. The Survey also summarizes the recent history of family literacy in the United States.