Today I had the pleasure of speaking to graduate students at the Bank Street School of Graduate Education in New York City. I gave a brief talk entitled "Why 19th Century Americans Wanted Their Children to Read," and then we had a terrific conversation about how the literacy practices of the 19th century continue to shape the way that their students learn to read in 21st century classrooms. Thanks to Mollie Welsh Kruger for inviting me, and to the students for such an engaged and thought-provoking discussion.