Learning a new language can be hard, but books make it easier. Short stories and longer texts in a foreign language can help you get the hang of how this language works in different contexts, learn new vocabulary, and simply make the learning process a little more enjoyable.
However, many people find it difficult to start reading books in a foreign language. It’s a whole new skill that comes with time and practice – and in the very beginning, it can be more challenging than motivating. The key here is to find a novel that’s suitable both for your current reading skills and your interests so that it will keep you wanting to read more.
To help all the English language learners, we have prepared this short list of five English books suitable for beginners. We hope that regardless of your preferences, you can find something interesting here. And if you want to learn English online, don’t worry – all of these have electronic versions, so you can read them on your computer, phone, or tablet.
Now, let’s dive in.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
One of the best books for beginners that want to improve their English skills is Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. It is a modern classic for children and young adults and is perfect for those who are just starting to learn English.
The book is full of simple words and sentences which makes it easy to follow along, and descriptive language together with real-life speech can help boost your reading skills.
The story follows the adventures of young wizard Harry Potter as he attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, makes close friends and powerful enemies, and struggles against the evil forces that seek to defeat him and conquer the wizarding world. If you are into fantasy and magic, this story will definitely keep you hooked.
And, if you have already read Harry Potter in your native language, reading it once again in English will only increase your comprehension and boost your English reading skills.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
If you are looking for a simple book to start reading in English, The Little Prince is a great option to add to your reading list. The main character is a young boy who has fallen to Earth from a distant planet and recounts his amazing adventures with unusual characters he meets along the way.
What makes this book special is its minimalist style and philosophical undertones. The Little Prince is a perfect introduction for those who want to improve their English and are interested in exploring different topics such as love, loss, friendship, and what it means to be human.
Moreover, it is perfect for re-reading. Every time you decide to give this book another chance, you can find new, different meanings and interesting things in it – which is why this short novel will work great for all reading levels.
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemmingway
The Old Man and the Sea is a classic novel by American author Ernest Hemingway. It tells a simple story of an old Cuban fisherman who goes out on a long journey to catch a fish that will break the curse that has been upon him for many years.
This is one of the best American English novels for beginners as it is short and the vocabulary is easy to understand. Additionally, the story is full of symbolism and fulfilling life lessons, so it won’t only improve your language skills, but also give you some food for thought.
To sum up, if you are looking for a book that will make you think, The Old Man and the Sea is definitely worth your time. And if you like this one, Earnest Hemmingway is known for writing easy novels.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
To Kill a Mockingbird is Harper Lee’s first novel that is often read and discussed in English classes across the world – for both ESL and native English speakers.
This book is about a young girl named Scout who lives with her brother and father in the deep south of America. Scout and her brother are taught to view the world from a different perspective by their father, Atticus Finch.
The book is set in the 1930s and tackles difficult topics such as racism and prejudice. Despite its heavy subject matter, To Kill a Mockingbird is an excellent choice for beginners because it is written from the child’s point of view and has a pretty simple language. If you are looking for a book that will both educate and entertain, this novel is definitely worth a read.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time is a novel by Mark Haddon. The novel is narrated by Christopher Boone, a 15-year-old boy with Asperger’s Syndrome.
The story follows Christopher as he investigates the death of his neighbor’s dog, Wellington. Christopher’s lack of social skills and rigid adherence to rules hinders his ability to solve the mystery and leads him on a journey of self-discovery.
This novel is an excellent read for beginner English readers as it is written in a simple and straightforward style. Additionally, the novel introduces readers to the challenges faced by people with autism, which can help to promote understanding and acceptance.
Final Thoughts
This list of the best English learning books was created to help with your English language learning. Each of these books is written in a simple style and sometimes basic English, has pretty simple grammar and many short sentences, which makes them perfect for beginner English readers.
They also introduce learners to different genres, such as fiction, classics, fairy tales, and young adult fiction.
Nevertheless, these are just some of the fun books you can start your books-in-English journey with. There are numerous works for children and adults alike, so if you didn’t find anything from our list very engaging, don’t stop looking.
Find something that suits your interests and try to enjoy it. And even if the book seems too challenging, don’t give up – go at your own pace, use dictionaries, and try to understand what is going on. This will keep you motivated – and in the end, will help you learn English.
About The Author
Dan Taylor
Dan is responsible for content marketing and branding at GuestPostBlogging. He writes about topics related to startup naming, branding and entrepreneurship.
