This book brings together the newest research on parent involvement and family literacy--two strands of research that rarely exist in conversation with one another. The discussion highlights how race, class, gender, and history serve as potent factors that shape children's school experiences. Each chapter offers portraits of real families and schools that illustrate parents' awareness of their children's school progress, their perceptions of teachers, and their involvement in teaching their children life lessons that extend beyond school achievement. Translating theory into action, this resource: (1) Extends conversations about parent involvement and family literacy across time and multiple spaces--home, school, church, and community; (2) Challenges accepted notions by listening to parents' counter-stories of how they are involved with their children both in and out of school; and (3) Highlights the significance of race, class, gender, religion, sexual preference, and history in literacy learning and schooling.