English Books for Beginners: Easy English Books to Read

Check out these English books for beginners that are ideal for English learners. Have some fun with these English reading books, including some classics, as well as newer literature.

English Books for Beginners: The Top 15

If you’re looking for an English reading book for beginners, you’re in the right place! Check out this list of easy English books for beginners, including some classics, as well as new novels.

“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho

Santiago, a shepherd, dreams of finding a treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. He embarks on a journey, meeting various characters who teach him important life lessons. The novel explores the themes of destiny, personal legend, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

Set in the racially charged American South during the 1930s, the story is narrated by Scout Finch, a young girl. Her father, Atticus Finch, is a lawyer defending a black man accused of raping a white woman. The novel explores themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and empathy.

“The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway

An aging Cuban fisherman, Santiago, engages in an epic battle with a giant marlin. Despite his physical struggles, Santiago demonstrates resilience and determination in the face of nature’s challenges. The novella explores themes of endurance and the indomitable spirit of the human condition.

“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Set in the Jazz Age, the novel follows the mysterious Jay Gatsby’s pursuit of wealth and love. Narrated by Nick Carraway, the story explores themes of decadence, the American Dream, and the consequences of obsession.

“The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton

The novel revolves around Ponyboy Curtis, a teenager from the wrong side of the tracks, and his struggles with social class and identity. It delves into the challenges faced by “Greasers” in their rivalry with the wealthier “Socs.”

“Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck

Two migrant workers, George and Lennie, navigate the challenges of the Great Depression. Lennie’s mental disabilities add complexity to their dreams of a better life as they encounter various characters while seeking work.

“The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

The narrator, a pilot stranded in the Sahara Desert, encounters a young prince who shares his adventures and observations about life and human nature. The novella is a philosophical and whimsical exploration of the essence of being human.

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Mark Haddon

Christopher Boone, a teenage boy with Asperger’s syndrome, investigates the mysterious death of a neighbor’s dog. The novel provides insight into Christopher’s unique perspective and his journey toward understanding the complexities of human emotions.

“The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate

Narrated by Ivan, a silverback gorilla in captivity, the story explores themes of friendship and freedom as Ivan forms a bond with a young elephant named Ruby. The novel is based on a true story and offers a poignant look at the lives of animals in captivity.

“The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd

Lily Owens, a young girl with a troubled past, runs away with her caregiver, Rosaleen, to search for information about her deceased mother. The two find refuge with three African-American sisters who keep bees and impart lessons about love and forgiveness.

“Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman

This contemporary novel features a unique and endearing protagonist, and the language is accessible for adult readers.

“The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Written in an epistolary format, this novel is both charming and easy to follow. It’s an ideal English book for beginners.

“The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini

Despite dealing with heavy themes, the language in this novel is accessible, and the story is emotionally powerful.

“The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” by John Boyne

This novel, set during World War II, is written in a simple style and offers a thought-provoking narrative.

“Wonder” by R.J. Palacio

Written for a younger audience, this novel’s simple language and powerful message make it suitable for adult beginners.

English Books for Beginners FAQs

There are a number of common questions that people have about books for English learners. Here are the answers to some of the most popular ones.

What’s a good tip for building a reading habit?

Start with short reading sessions and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable.

How can beginners improve their vocabulary through reading?

Keep a vocabulary journal to note and learn new words encountered while reading.

What’s the importance of choosing the right book for beginners?

Select books that match your interests and reading level to stay engaged and motivated. This list of English books for beginners is a nice place to start!

How can beginners improve comprehension while reading?

Pause occasionally to summarize what you’ve read and ensure understanding before moving on.

Why is it beneficial for beginners to read out loud?

Reading out loud helps improve pronunciation, fluency, and overall reading skills.

What should beginners do if they come across a challenging word?

Try to understand the word from the context first and then look it up for a precise definition.

What’s a simple strategy for remembering what you read?

Summarize the main points or write a short review after finishing a reading session.

Teachers: Check out these Resources

If you’re a teacher, you may want to have a look at these reading resources:

ESL Reading Activities and Games

Reading Lesson Plan Template for Teachers

Post-Reading Learning Activities

 

Easy English Books: Join the Conversation

Do you have any English books for beginners that you’d like us to add to the list? Leave a comment and let us know. We’d love to hear from you!

Last update on 2022-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API