This article reports on a study that examines the effects of metacognitive reading strategy instruction on reading performance of adult ESL learners with limited English and literacy skills. The strategy instruction was implemented over a period of four months with a group of 18 learners who were enrolled in a high beginning literacy course in an adult learning program. Their reading gains over the instructional period were compared with those of a comparison group. Interview data were also collected and analyzed to explore learners' awareness and perceptions of the strategies. The findings indicate that metacognitive reading strategy instruction can be effective for adult ESL learners with limited English and literacy skills. (Contains 4 tables.)