This is a text about the beliefs, issues and practices at the forefront of literacy education - language, ethnic, and academic diversity; authentic assessment; social construction of meaning and knowledge - explored through the lens of a cohesive instructional design, the Book Club Programme. As such, it provides a well-researched pedagogical model. Commentaries by eminent literacy scholars outside the project provide an expanded perspective on the many issues raised by the chapter authors. The resulting multiplicity of voices - including those of students (the authors of chapter 10) who are fifth-grade participants in the Book Club Programme - is a feature of this volume.