Recommend books for reading and learning English

Here’s a list of book recommendations for English as a Second Language (ESL) students, organized by proficiency level: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. These books are engaging, accessible, and widely used to improve reading skills while building vocabulary and comprehension. This post contains affiliate links with the book titles. Using these Amazon links helps support this website.

Beginner Level (A1-A2)

For students just starting out, simple language, short sentences, and familiar topics are key.

  1. “Charlotte’s Web“ by E.B. White
    • A heartwarming story about a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider. The vocabulary is basic, and the narrative is easy to follow.
  2. “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown
    • A short, soothing bedtime story with rhythmic language and basic words, perfect for early learners.
  3. “Oxford Bookworms Starter Series” (e.g., “The Girl with Red Hair” by Christine Lindop)
    • These graded readers are designed for beginners, with controlled vocabulary (250-400 headwords) and simple plots.
  4. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle
    • A colorful, repetitive picture book about a caterpillar eating its way to becoming a butterfly. Great for learning numbers, days of the week, and food vocabulary.

Intermediate Level (B1-B2)

For students with a solid foundation, these books offer more complex sentences and richer stories while remaining approachable.

  1. “Animal Farm” by George Orwell
    • A short allegorical novel about farm animals rebelling against humans. The vocabulary is manageable, and it introduces symbolic thinking.
  2. “Cambridge English Readers Level 3 or level 4” (e.g., “The Lahti File” by Richard MacAndrew)
    • These graded readers (1,200-2,000 headwords) offer mysteries and dramas tailored to intermediate learners.
  3. “Holes” by Louis Sachar
    • An adventurous and humorous story about a boy sent to a camp where he digs holes. The language is straightforward, and the mystery keeps readers engaged.
  4. “The Giver” by Lois Lowry
    • A thought-provoking dystopian novel with clear language and a gripping plot about a boy discovering the truth about his society.

Advanced Level (C1-C2)

For students nearing fluency, these books challenge comprehension and introduce nuanced language and themes.

  1. “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling or the Harry Potter Box Set
    • A familiar and engaging story with a mix of everyday and imaginative language, ideal for building fluency and enjoying a modern classic.
  2. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
    • A classic about justice and morality in a small American town. The rich dialogue and descriptive prose help refine advanced reading skills.
  3. “The Lord of the Rings” Books Box Set by J.R.R. Tolkien
    • An epic fantasy trilogy that follows hobbit Frodo Baggins and his diverse fellowship as they embark on a perilous quest to destroy a powerful ring and defeat the dark lord Sauron. Set in the richly detailed world of Middle-earth, the series weaves themes of courage, friendship, and the struggle between good and evil.
  4. “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway
    • A short, powerful story of a fisherman’s struggle. Hemingway’s simple yet profound style suits advanced learners.
  5. “1984” by George Orwell
    • A dystopian masterpiece with complex ideas about surveillance and freedom. The language is sophisticated but clear.

Tips for ESL readers

  • Keep a dictionary handy. Look up unfamiliar words to expand vocabulary gradually.
  • Start with graded readers. Publishers like Oxford, Cambridge, and Penguin offer books specifically written for ESL learners at every level.
  • Use audio support. Pairing books with audiobooks can improve pronunciation and listening skills.