Academic Literacy: A Holistic Approach covers the essentials of college-level reading skills to prepare students to successfully read, comprehend, analyze, and retain information. The book features college-level readings from across the disciplines, and prepares students to engage with textbooks, academically-oriented journals, and other reading materials commonly used in college classrooms. 

After an initial introduction to academic literacy, the anthology is organized into chapters that cover the skills of previewing and reading actively, strengthening comprehension through vocabulary work, and identifying main ideas whether clearly stated or implied. Students will also learn about concept organization to retain information, how to read for critical thinking, and the importance of information literacy. The skills and strategies are paired with high-interest authentic reading selections on a wide variety of academic topics. 

Academic Literacy explicitly targets academic literacy and teaches common academic tasks, including effective note-taking and study-reading. The book is designed to meet the needs of community college courses in reading or integrated reading and writing, and can also be used in bridge courses.

Molly Maynard earned her master's degree in English at California State University, San Jose and went on to receive a certificate in post-secondary reading and learning at California State University, Fullerton. She is currently a professor and the English Department coordinator at Truckee Meadows Community College. Professor Maynard has contributed to several textbook reviews, most recently Reading Across the Disciplines. She is a member of the College Reading and Learning Association, the National Council of Teachers of English, and the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers.