This practical, teacher-friendly book provides indispensable guidance for implementing research-based reading instruction that is responsive to students' diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Structured around the "big five" core topics of an effective reading program - phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension - the book explains tried-and-true teaching strategies for fostering all students' achievement. Key topics include engaging diverse students in classroom discussion, involving families in learning, and assessing and teaching new literacies. Numerous classroom examples demonstrate a wide range of easy-to-implement lesson ideas and activities for students at different grade levels, including struggling learners. Issues specific to English language learners are woven throughout the chapters. This book will be invaluable for classroom teachers, reading specialists and coaches, teacher educators and students. It may also serve as a text in such courses as Elementary Reading Methods and Multicultural Education.