This paper describes a qualitative study conducted over the course of one school year in an ethnically diverse school. Aimed at exploring the conditions under which parents of low socioeconomic status (SES) immigrant-background children will engage actively with the school, we involved parents and facilitators in story-telling sessions, sharing personal experiences and reading and writing stories about identity and diversity. An interactional space for these exchanges was created within the school where parents' linguistic and cultural talents were valued. We conclude, on the basis of interviews and group discussions with parents, that parental engagement will be productive in supporting student achievement only when their relationships with educators in the school are identity-affirming.