Small Groups, Big Results is exactly the kind of professional book that teachers can pick up and immediately see how it might change their classroom practice. Julia Lindsey takes a research-based approach to one of the most challenging parts of literacy instruction—making small groups purposeful, targeted, and responsive to what individual students actually need. Rather than grouping students simply by reading level, Lindsey encourages teachers to identify specific “sticking points” and use focused, evidence-based routines to address those needs. The result is a practical approach that connects the science of reading with what small-group instruction can realistically look like in a busy classroom.

What I particularly appreciate about this book is that it doesn't leave teachers with theory alone. Lindsey provides specific routines, assessment ideas, teacher prompts, and instructional moves that can be put into practice right away. The approach is also flexible enough to address readers across the developmental spectrum, from foundational skills such as decoding, segmenting, and blending to vocabulary and comprehension. The book's emphasis on using data to determine what students need next—and then providing short, purposeful instruction—is especially valuable for teachers working with diverse learners. Small Groups, Big Results is a practical, accessible, and highly relevant addition to a teacher's professional library, particularly for educators looking to make their literacy small groups more intentional and aligned with the science of reading.

Why I think it's worth reading:
This is not a book that asks teachers to completely reinvent their literacy block. Instead, it gives teachers a clearer purpose for the small-group time they already have. Lindsey's model emphasizes data, specific student needs, targeted instruction, and routines that can sometimes be delivered in just a few minutes.