planting seeds cover

Planting seeds: Embedding critical literacy into your classroom programme (2nd ed.)

Authors
Publication year
2026
ISBN
978-1-991412-22-5
NZ$ 65.00
Digital versions will be available October 25

Available 10 October

Critical literacy involves interrogating the power of texts and their effects. We practise critical literacy to understand how texts work; develop an awareness of the power of texts to influence our feelings, thoughts and actions; take action by affirming, resisting, transforming, or creating new texts; and develop the practices necessary to participate in and contribute to our local, national, and global communities. 

Planting Seeds: Embedding critical literacy into your classroom programme

  • supports primary and secondary teachers to engage with the theories and practices of critical literacy, as developed by New Zealand research and informed by international literature; 
  • provides ways of thinking about the pedagogy and assessment of critical literacy that will support teachers to implement critical literacy practices across all curriculum areas; and 
  • avoids pre-prepared lesson plans and instead provides frameworks and exemplars to support teachers in developing their own lessons that are relevant to their level and context.

This second edition features an expanded working definition of critical literacy in the form of conceptual building blocks, updated literature, and new text exemplars. It presents case studies exploring connections between AI, eco-critical literacy, and information disorder. Each chapter features chapter focus questions, reflective interludes, and a full reference list to support individual or collaborative professional learning and development. 

Susan Sandretto, PhD, is a professor in Te Kura Ākau Taitoka (College of Education) at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka (University of Otago). An experienced teacher educator, researcher, and author, her work centres on critical literacy, multiliteracies, and educational policy. For more than two decades, Susan has collaborated with teachers and schools to explore how an expansive repertoire of literacy practices can help young people make sense of and shape their worlds.