School Library Journal Review
This very complete book begins with the basics, the "first steps" that an ESL teacher should take with a new class. Reid makes it clear that English is a complex language, and that it takes from seven to nine years to achieve a "cognitive/academic language proficiency" to be able to understand textbooks, lectures, and other academic materials. From there, she segues into the hows and whys of using literature as a teaching tool, ranging from picture books for beginning speakers to simple novels and nonfiction titles to help teach history, math, and science. One of the approaches that she suggests is the "multiple-pass" technique, where the instructor first reads the book aloud, pausing and discussing words and concepts with students, and then reads it again without interruption. A chapter is aimed at "special" populations, such as children of migrant workers. The book includes a bibliography of titles for children and young adults, a selected annotated bibliography of resources for teachers, and an index, which includes titles recommended throughout the book. A clear and straightforward presentation for both novice and more experienced ESL teachers.-Marlyn K. Roberts, City of Long Beach Public Library, CA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.