I love this book. It is indispensible for secondary programs for English language learners. The book is focused on academic literacy in the middle grades as a bridge between learning to read to reading to learn in seondary content areas. Gibbons ties together language acquisition theory, functional grammar, and evidence based strategies for second language and literacy instruction. She identifies several key components to quality content based units for language learners, including experiential learning to build background knowledge, vocabulary development, oral language practice, comprehension strategies and scaffolded writing. Collaboration strategies are also embedded throughout each section.