“This book places ELLs and their teachers at the center of instructional practice. Using powerful examples, Xu convincingly demonstrates how knowledge of theory and research can help teachers make informed instructional decisions. She explains how to modify literacy strategies that are effective with all students to address ELLs' diverse literacy and language learning needs.”

—M. Kristiina Montero, PhD, Faculty of Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Canada


“Xu gives teachers exactly what they need to assess, teach, and evaluate English language learners’ progress in all aspects of literacy. She speaks with knowledge and experience about the needs and feelings of the ever-growing population of language-minority students. This book is a 'must have' for preservice and inservice teachers.”

—MaryEllen Vogt, EdD, Distinguished Professor Emerita, College of Education, California State University, Long Beach; past president, International Reading Association


“Xu provides invaluable insights into the daunting task that ELLs embark on as they master everyday and academic English. Elementary teachers will be motivated by Xu’s sensitive, highly practical teaching strategies. The book addresses the barriers that ELLs may face and shows how to implement high-quality explicit instruction.”

—Rachael Sawyer Perkins, MA, fourth-grade teacher, Dolores Street Elementary School, Carson, California