“Nancy Akhavan has provided a much-needed, comprehensive approach to small-group literacy and language development for multilingual learners. She skillfully weaves research, theory, and application throughout the text while educating the reader about the unique needs of multilingual learners. This book values the assets multilingual students bring to the classroom and acknowledges the relationship between language and literacy development. Small Group Reading With Multilingual Learners provides an excellent resource to teachers, instructional coaches, and teacher educators seeking to enhance their understanding of small group literacy instruction for multilingual learners.”

Norma Carvajal Camacho, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Azusa Unified School District

“While there are many books on how to teach literacy to multilingual learners, few are as detailed and approachable as Nancy Akhavan’s framework. As I read this book, I felt like I was being mentored by a highly skilled educator who patiently models how to turn principles of reading into practical actions for teachers of multilingual learners. I predict that this will be an invaluable resource for many who want to provide responsive, assets-based approaches to teaching MLs to read.”

Tan Huynh, English language development specialist, author, podcaster, blogger

“Nancy Akhavan began working with our district in 2020. She worked with . . . two pilot schools that were both willing and open to examining and changing their practices that would reduce the number of students qualifying for special education as well as realigning practices to concentrate on good first instruction. We have benefited from Nancy Akhavan’s expertise and look forward to reducing overidentification of students as having a disability. Small Group Reading With Multilingual Learners can help districts, schools, and teachers to start this important work, too.”

Rebecca McHaney, Director of Special Services, Madera Unified School District

“In Small Group Reading With Multilingual Learners, Nancy Akhavan provides practical strategies for teaching foundational reading skills to multilingual learners at different stages of language development during small group reading instruction in just 20 minutes a day! An extensive menu of easy-to-implement strategies for each foundational reading skill makes this book especially practical for all elementary educators.”

Beth Skelton, Multilingual consultant

“Nancy Akhavan provides a fresh look at supporting multilingual learners. She provides educators with research-based, easy-to-understand educational practices. She provides implementation guides that help leaders of schools and classroom teachers systemize instruction. I’ve seen firsthand the shifts that can be made in classrooms when using Nancy Akhavan’s recommendations and guidance. I highly recommend her book for any educator who wants to improve their practice.”

Janet Samuelian, Curriculum Administrator, Clovis Unified School District