Don Vu

Life, Literacy, and the Pursuit of Happiness is the first professional title dedicated to addressing a school’s reading culture with a focus on the needs of immigrant and refugee students and families―including learning their target language, English. Dr. Vu presents the research-informed six conditions of culture―Commitment, Collection, Clock, Conversation, Connection, and Celebration―that create a school environment where immigrant and refugee students can thrive. Additionally, Dr. Vu provides practical strategies that most effectively support students who are new to this country.

A call to action for building a culture of literacy for all students in their pursuit of the American Dream.Award-winning principal and literacy advocate Don Vu examines six conditions of a school’s culture of literacy (Commitment, Collection, Clock, Conversation, Connection, and Celebration), showing how to create an environment where all students—especially immigrant and refugee children—can thrive. Vu’s work is a testament to the transformative power of reading—a key to opening the door for all to realize the American Dream.