Within a clear conceptual framework, this book explores ways that teachers, reading specialists, administrators, and teacher educators can provide more effective literacy instruction to US K-9 students from diverse ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds. Cutting-edge theory and research is interwoven with detailed case studies that bring to life the complexities of teaching in today’s multicultural and multilingual classroom. Topics covered include: * how and why culture matters in literacy instruction * drawing on students’ multiple literacies in the classroom * motivating and engaging English-language learners * steps that teachers can take to heighten their cultural awareness and skills * tapping into family and community resources for literacy learning. Top scholars team up with classroom teachers to create this much-needed, practical and accessible book.