Buddy Reading

For over twenty-two years, Mary Pippitt has been teaching elementary grades, primarily in multilingual, multiethnic settings. As a reading specialist, a teacher consultant, and a mentor teacher, she has conducted numerous workshops for teachers and teachers in training. At present, Pippett is an ELIC facilitator for the Oakland Unified School District. Katharine Davies Samway is Professor of Education at San Jose State University, where she teaches courses in reading/language arts, assessment, writing, and multicultural literature for children and young adults. Her research focuses on the literacy development of English language learners (particularly their writing development and processes), and influences on teachers' beliefs and practices. Her previous books with Heinemann include Myths and Realities (1999) and Buddy Reading (1995). She also cowrote Literature Study Circles in a Multicultural Classroom (1996). Gail Whang has been teaching in multilingual, multiethnic elementary schools for over twenty years. She has taught in the teacher credential program at Holy Names College and is a leader in school restructuring and curriculum innovations. Whang is currently a conflict resolution trainer for the Oakland Unified School District.

In this book the authors describe their experiences in establishing and maintaining a cross-age reading program in a multiethnic, multilingual inner-city school in Oakland, California.