5 book recommendations for English learners

Published on 6 March 2024 at 11:35

As noted in my other posts, I am a huge advocate for reading to further language acquisition. As someone who loves literature and as a language learner myself (Italian, German and French) I have put together a list of books that I believe are great for English learners, where the language isn't too tricky, the vocabulary useful and the story is one that has potential to carry the learner's interest.

 

 

 

What I have found when reading books in another language is that, although I do not understand every word, I can grasp what's happening enough that I almost forget I am reading in another language. This is highly motivating! It also really helps build vocabulary and grammar when you experience the language in context and is often repeated.

 

1. The Witches by Roald Dahl

 

Language level: A2 and up

 

Summary: The Witches is a British children's novel. The story is set in Norway and England and follows the experiences of a young English boy and his grandmother in a world where they come face to face with some terrifying witches. The witches gather from all over the world and all hate children.

 

"REAL WITCHES dress in ordinary clothes and look very much like ordinary
women. They live in ordinary houses and they work in ORDINARY JOBS. That is why they are so hard to catch."

The Witches Roald Dahl

This book is great as the language is simple, the story is entertaining and the illustrations that accompany the story are very evocative and work very well with the language Dahl uses to describe the characters.

 

2. Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding

 

Language level: B1 and up

 

Summary: Bridget Jones is an average woman with concerns about her age, her weight, her job, and her lack of a man. As a New Year's Resolution, Bridget decides to start writing in a diary in which she will always tell the complete truth.

 

"Sunday 8 January

 

128 lbs. (v. bloody g. but what is point?), alcohol units 2 (excellent), cigarettes 7, calories 3100 (poor).

 

2 p.m. Oh God, why am I so unattractive? Cannot believe I convinced myself I was keeping the entire weekend free to work when in fact I was on permanent date-with-Daniel standby. "

Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding

This book is great for English learners as the diary structure of the novel is repetitive, Bridget notes how many cigarettes she had that day and how many units of alcohol. In addition, the informal language she uses in her diary is a useful and more realistic use of British English.

 

3. The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman

 

Language level: B1 and up

 

Summary: Focussed on discovering the truth about what happened to her father, Sally finds herself on a dangerous adventure in the foggy streets of Victorian London. 

 

“She was a person of sixteen or so--alone, and uncommonly pretty. She was slender and pale, and dressed in mourning, with a black bonnet under which she tucked back a straying twist of blond hair that the wind had teased loose. She had unusually dark brown eyes for one so fair. Her name was Sally Lockhart; and within fifteen minutes, she was going to kill a man.”

 Philip Pullman, The Ruby in the Smoke

This is the first book of a trilogy but can be read alone, they are a thrilling set of books. They are written for early teens and up and although some of the vocabulary could be a little difficult for some the story is very clear and entertaining.

 

4. : The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

 

Language level: B2 and up

 

Summary: Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning. She looks out of the window and sees the same gardens, and the same houses every day. She begins to feel like she knows the people who live in one of the houses. “Jess and Jason,” she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. One day she sees something shocking. Rachel has a chance to become a part of the lives she’s only watched from afar.

 

Monday, 8 July 2013
Morning

It’s a relief to be back on the 8.04. It’s not that I can’t wait to get into London to start my week – I don’t particularly want to be in London at all. I just want to lean back in the soft, sagging velour seat, feel the warmth of the sunshine streaming through the window, feel the carriage rock back and forth and back and forth, the comforting rhythm of wheels on tracks. I’d rather be here, looking out at the houses beside the track, than almost anywhere else.

Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

This thriller is told from three different perspectives, the three women in the novel. It has some more advanced language as well as adult themes. The story is gripping and just like the other three novels I have mentioned there are films and tv shows that can be watched either prior to or post-reading to help with any confusing elements of the story.

 

5. The Lottery by Shirley Jackson

 

Language Level- B1 and up

 

Summary: Every year, a small town holds an event known as “the lottery” that everyone attends. During this event, someone from the community is randomly chosen…but for what reason?

 

"The morning of June 27th was clear and sunny, with the fresh warmth of a full-summer day; the flowers were blossoming profusely and the grass was richly green. The people of the village began to gather in the square..."

The Lottery by Shirley Jackson

This short story is often said to be one of the best short stories in American literature. This is a great story to read as it has a simple premise, the language is not too difficult and it has some big themes to consider about human behaviour.

 

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