At the heart of this innovative, evidence-based approach to literacy learning: treat words and pictures as parallel, complementary, and equal languages for developing and recording ideas. For students who struggle, whether native English speakers or English learners, this can make all the difference. Witness firsthand, via lively video, at-risk elementary students creating their own carefully crafted content-based picture books aligned with the English Language Arts Core Standards. Observe the power of this dynamic approach to deepen thinking, enhance vocabulary, and teach the magic of word choice. Experience for yourself how words can make a picture come alive. View compelling findings from a large federally funded evaluation that highlight a Title I school’s success story and statistically significant gains made by below benchmark readers, Special Education students, English Learners, and boys. This session promises to challenge and transform your thinking about literacy learning.