A comprehensive review of research on reading comprehension strategies of learners reading in English-as-an-additional language

•This review reveals characteristics of EAL readers’ use of comprehension strategies.•EAL readers use various comprehension strategies to facilitate their reading in L2.•EAL reader use their two languages as their comprehension strategies in L2 reading.•EAL readers activate advanced comprehension strategies in reading tasks with specific goals.•More research is necessary to understand K-12 EAL readers’ comprehension strategies.