This resource explores how mutual friendships and diversity of social contacts influence literacy learning (such as in reading and writing workshops) in the primary grades. The strengths of friends working together seem to be a function of the cycle of conflict, resolution, and reflection that occurs. This cognitive decentering and the metalanguage that accompanies it is also facilitated by diverse social contacts. Collaborative literacy learning experiences, with friends and with diverse others, support the reflective talk that promotes literacy learning. Contains 12 references. (Author/RS)