This book investigates the cognitive and linguistic mechanisms underlying reading comprehension difficulties in children who do not fit traditional diagnostic categories for learning disabilities. Authors Cesare Cornoldi and Jane Oakhill, both established experts in educational psychology, synthesize current research to address why many students struggle with text comprehension despite adequate decoding skills. The text provides a comprehensive framework for identifying these diverse profiles and offers evidence-based strategies for classroom intervention.

Experts in the field of educational psychology recognize this work as a foundational resource for understanding the complexity of reading comprehension beyond basic literacy. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which makes it a primary reference for clinicians, researchers, and specialized educators.