"What a wealth of information is included in this book! It has so many resources, all pulled together in one volume. In addition to literacy coaches, administrators and classroom teachers will also find helpful information. Whether just beginning to initiate school reform and unsure of where to start, in the midst and trying to stay focused, or well on the way to ensuring that lasting changes are made, readers will find what they need in these pages. I will most certainly refer to this volume again and again."--Cece Tillman, MS, Literacy Coach, Davis Elementary School, Trenton, Georgia "A 'must read' for literacy coaches and administrators, this handbook defines the role of a literacy coach in a schoolwide, research-based reading improvement system. It not only describes what coaches need to know and do, but also provides guidance in how to do it. Valuable insights from practicing literacy coaches are provided, as well as practical suggestions for addressing the obstacles coaches may face in implementing and supporting change. This book has much to offer for use as a text in any degree program in reading, with particular value for graduate-level reading specialist programs.

"--Marie Mancuso, MEd, Director, Arizona Reading Initiative "It is with great pleasure and excitement for the reading field that I recommend Walpole and McKenna's book. Schools throughout the country are currently hiring coaches as part of their literacy reform efforts, yet relatively little is known about what a literacy coach does, and more importantly, how to be one. This unique book is filled with state-of-the-art research as well as practical and useful information about how to be a literacy coach. There is currently nothing like it in the field. It is an absolute 'must read' for all those involved in literacy reform at the school and district levels. As a text, the book can be used in graduate-level courses related to training reading specialists, and in graduate-level internships in reading and special education. It can also be used directly in the professional development of literacy coaches."--Janice A.

Dole, PhD, Department of Teaching and Learning, University of Utah.