One of the most effective ways to develop your English skills is through reading. Nothing better than these 12 books to improve your English and comprehension while having fun.
Reading in English helps you expand your vocabulary, sharpen your reading comprehension and gain confidence in your skills. However, it is important to choose the best books for language improvement that suit your level in order to feel motivated.
Below, we recommend these 12 books to improve your English, according to your level:
Level A1-A2: Beginners
Starting to learn the language is always a challenge, but with the following books to study English everything will be easier, as they have basic vocabulary and simple grammatical structures:
“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle.
Although this is a children’s text, its simplicity and the use of images to complement the story make it an excellent tool for learning English. The story follows a caterpillar who eats different foods and each page allows you to practice vocabulary about food, colors and days of the week.
E.B. White’s “Charlotte’s Web”.
Although a bit more advanced, this English study book uses simple, repetitive language. The story tells of the friendship between a little pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte, presenting an accessible and easy-to-follow story.
Penguin Readers series (Levels 1 and 2)
The books in the Penguin Readers series are designed especially for English language learners and each level offers a selection of books adapted to different levels of practice– the stories are divided into levels!
Level B1: Lower intermediate
At this level, students can already understand main ideas in more complex texts and sentences. Therefore, the recommended English practice books for this level offer a mix of everyday vocabulary and more complex sentences.
“The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
This literary classic is world-renowned and has been translated into numerous languages. The story for English practice is simple yet profound, telling the life of a young prince who travels to various planets, encountering unique characters and learning profound lessons of life, love and friendship. This narrative allows students to tackle more advanced words and abstract concepts without being overwhelmed.
“Wonder” by R.J. Palacio
The story of August, a boy with facial differences who enters school for the first time, is ideal for practicing and improving language skills. The language is accessible and aimed at a young audience, with themes of inclusion, courage and friendship making it an entertaining and motivating book.
Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling
From the third book onwards, the Harry Potter series introduces more vocabulary and complex structures, but the first and second books are ideal for intermediate level students. The story is known worldwide.
Level B2: Upper intermediate
At the upper-intermediate level, students are able to read more complex texts and need to have English practice books with rich vocabulary and varied grammatical structures to challenge their skills.
“The Giver” by Lois Lowry
This dystopian book is an excellent choice. The narrative deals with the story of Jonas, a young man who lives in a seemingly perfect society, but after being elected Receiver of Memories discovers the dark truths and deep emotions of his community. The language used is accessible, but contains complex vocabulary that expands comprehension skills.
Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”.
This classic of American literature explores themes of justice, race, and morality in the American South. Although it uses idioms of its own, the book is one of the best for language practice. The context helps to understand the culture and history of the English language.
“Animal Farm” by George Orwell
This political allegory uses simple language and narrates the rebellion of farm animals against their human oppressors, reflecting the corruption and abuse of power in totalitarian systems. It is ideal for students to analyze and practice English texts.
Level C1-C2: Advanced
At advanced levels, students can read with relative ease, even complex texts. At this level, we recommend the following best books for language improvement.
“1984” by George Orwell
This classic of dystopian literature examines themes of social control and freedom, ideal for English practice. Its narrative tells of a dystopian future where a totalitarian regime, led by Big Brother, exercises absolute control over people’s lives and thoughts. For advanced learners, this work offers an important vocabulary and grammar challenge.
Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”.
With a complex narrative and ancient vocabulary, this book is ideal for advanced readers interested in classic English literature. The novel presents complex relationships and misunderstandings between Elizabeth Bennet and the proud Mr. Darcy, set against a backdrop of 19th century English society.
“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
This masterpiece of American literature offers prose rich in description and symbolism, recommended for English practice and comprehension. The story tells of the tragic pursuit of the American dream by Jay Gatsby, a mysterious and wealthy man, and his obsession with regaining the lost love of Daisy Buchanan in the 1920s.
12 books to improve your English, a good strategy
With these 12 books to improve your English, your level will improve and your language skills will continue to grow. There is always a book to help you improve your English in a constant and entertaining way, so start reading again today!
