Ready to read level 1 books

The Best Level 1 Reading Books For Your Budding Reader

Parenting

July 19, 2021

Amazon / Scary Mommy

The best level 1 reading books can help your future bookworm fall in love with reading. But before you fill that bookcase full of your childhood favorites, it’s important to know that there are levels this -ish, mama. Yes, literal levels. When shopping for books for new or learning readers, you don’t want anything too easy or too difficult. You also want to be sure that it’s something that will actually hold their attention and get your LO interested in books (hopefully enough to want to continue reading on their own). It’s a lot to take into consideration! While filling up a bookshelf with the classics may be an understandable first instinct, it’s important to get what you’re child will both enjoy and learn from.

“Let your child’s library be determined by what they want to read. Building reading fluency is all about practice. And if your child is reading what appeals to them, they will want to read more and more,” advised Rachel Matson, the associate editor at Scholastic. “Passion for the book is more important than if your child is reading above or below level.”

That’s right. It doesn’t matter if the book is about ponies, pirates, or Olaf the Snowman — as long as they want to read it!

What is a level 1 reader?

Generally, there are five different categories (I Can Read, Ready to Read, Hello Reader, Step into Reading, and Brand New Readers) and four easy reader levels (Levels 1-4), each with various subcategories for different ages. Level 1 readers are usually around five or six years old, the age most children begin kindergarten. Unfortunately, there isn’t one set of industry standards across publishers that categorizes level 1 reading books. (Which makes this hella confusing for us parents). However, all the best level 1 reading books have the same characteristics: a simple vocabulary with familiar high-frequency words, repetition, and illustrations that support the text on every page. Shira Stein, a New York-based literacy specialist and tutor, gave Scary Mommy a little insight:

“Most publishing companies issue some version of early leveled readers. And these books can be very helpful in supporting your child learning to read because they are written with this specific audience in mind,” recommends Stein.

The Five Finger Rule

But how do you know if that level 1 reading book is right for your reader? Stein recommends using the Five Finger Rule! “If your kiddo opens a book and runs into 5+ unfamiliar words, that book is too hard. But zero unknown words is too easy,” Stein explains. So, it’s best to find a sweet spot in the middle. A book that has 2-3 new words per page is perfect for your learning reader.

I know that seems like a ton of info, mama — but don’t worry. We’ve sifted through all the leveled easy reading books from different publishing houses to collect the best level 1 reading books that are actually easy to read. Check them out below!

The Best Level 1 Reading Books

'Hello, Hedgehog: Let’s Have a Sleepover!' by Norm Feuti

Scholastic Books’ Associate Editor Rachel Matson recommends “this cute-as-can-be sleepover story which is all about having empathy for your friends,” as one of her top level 1 books. Part of the Scholastic early reader line Acorn, Hello Hedgehog: Let’s Have a Sleepover! is the second of the five book series. The Acorn book line features easy to read text, a short story format, and captivating tales illustrated in full color. “Perfect for kids just learning to read. They have age-appropriate humor (no crude/gross humor), good grammar, and are relatable for young kids. Three to seven year-olds will enjoy them (and their parents). The hide-and-seek part is a big favorite” said one happy Amazon customer.

$4.99

'Jump' by David McPhail

Jump into reading with this high quality, guided reading level A book by David McPhail. Part of the award winning early reading series from Holiday House, the book features acclaimed author-illustrators that create compelling narratives with simple text and gorgeous original artwork. McPhail uses cozy watercolor illustrations to depict kids and animals leaping in the air with this beginner book perfect for early kindergarten. “Awesome book,” reviews one happy customer on Amazon. “I love how even though these books are for beginning readers the illustrations and books are just as rich as higher level ones!”

$7.99

'Go Dog Go!' by P.D. Eastman

This classic beginner’s book written by P.D. Eastman—edited by Dr. Seuss—features silly dogs zipping around town in everything from a car to rollerskates. With so many fun-loving characters, it’s no wonder why this beloved book has been a favorite for generations. One Amazon customer reviews, “from colors and numbers and locations, to the time of day, basic temperature, and size comparisons, there are lots of learning moments in this book. But I think it’s the fun illustrations and simple humor that has kept us coming back to Go, Dog, Go!” Kids of all ages (and reading abilities) will giggle when they hit the classic line “I do not like your hat” (which is so humorously met with a frosty “goodbye”). And parents will rarely tire of sharing this classic with their kiddos.

$4.99

'Frog Meets Dog' by Janee Trasler

Chosen as a best book of 2020 by the Chicago Public Library, the Frog and Dog series is guaranteed to elicit giggles from the whole family. The first story in the series, Frog Meets Dog, tells how the two characters first encounter grows into friendship while also highlighting the importance of showing kindness. Perfect for fans of Hop on Pop, the simple text features repetitive rhyming texts allowing early readers to quickly recognize the cadence of the book while sounding out words. “We love this book!” said one Amazon customer. “Such a fun, easy reader that also shows kids it’s important to be kind. The fun and silly illustrations are perfect for all kids learning to read!”

$4.99

'Soccer Time!' by Terry Pierce

What’s more exciting than scoring a goal? Finally reading a book all on your own — obviously! That is exactly what author Terry Pierce captures in this truly beginner book for the sports-loving kid. Simple sentences chocked full of alliterations and word families makes this a book little learners will enjoy reading again and again. “This is a cute book with easy to learn words and nice illustrations. Definitely coming back for more of this brand,” raved an Amazon customer. This Step 1 book from the Step into Reading series is ideal for a 4 to 6 year old who knows their alphabet and can’t wait to start reading!

$4.99

'Elephant & Piggie: The Complete Collection' by Mo Willems

Create an instant Elephant & Piggie library with all 25 titles in one complete set by author- illustrator Mo Willems. Any new reader will love giggling their way through the side splitting and always heartwarming adventures of these two wonderful friends. The set includes teacher favorites like There is a Bird on Your Head! and Today I Will Fly!, and come highly recommended by New York City based reading specialist, Shira Stein. “My favorite books for the beginning reader age group include anything by Mo Willems, but especially the Elephant and Piggie books.” states Stein. But don’t forget how much parents love them too! One parent on Amazon reviews, “My daughter loves Elephant and Piggie books. The stories are hilarious, and the characters are kind and friendly. The best part is that the books use simple vocabulary and my daughter for the most part can read them on her own.”

$99.99

'Fox Tails: The Great Bunk Bed Battle' by Tina Kügler

“A must-have for any child with siblings,” recommends Rachel Matson, Associate Editor at Scholastic. The first book of the hit Fox Tails series features brother and sister Fritz and Franny, and their highly imaginative bedtime routine that ends up looking a lot like sibling shenanigans. Any young reader with siblings and only children who pine for a larger family will respond to the rambunctious stories with vivid illustrations. “A marvelous read,” reviews one customer on Amazon. “The story and the illustrations are both charming and imaginative. Includes a drawing tutorial and a “What’s your story” prompt to keep the story going.”

$4.99

'Ice Cream Soup' by Ann Ingalls

Part of the Penguin Books Young Readers series, this level 1 book explores what happens when an ice cream cake gets overloaded with too many ingredients. Ann Ingalls masterfully crafts a story that is not only appropriate for young readers, primarily ages 4-6, but tells it with easy-to-read text full of short and simple words. “These Penguin Young Readers are what I think of as a true Level 1, for the kid who is just putting everything together and starting to read. It’s such a great feeling for my little man to be able to read the whole book himself. This is the first book my son ever read all by himself, and it’s probably my favorite out of this series,” said a parent reviewer on Amazon.

$9.33

'Meet the Sight Words' Level 1 Boxed Set by Kathy Oxley

Created specifically for four to five year olds who are just starting to read by recognizing sight words and sounding out CVC words (consonant vowel consonant words such as ‘cat’ and ‘fan’). These books focus on the 16 most frequent kindergarten sight words (also known as star words or high frequency words) that kids are taught to memorize in their early reading journey. One parent reviews on Amazon, “I bought Level 1, 2, and 3, and my son loves them! The biggest win is that these books, coupled with his few lessons on sight words, have enabled him to quickly be able to start recognizing these words and actually reading full sentences!”

$13.46

'Here is Big Bunny' by Steve Henry

Here is Big Bunny is a visual treat for young readers. Steve Henry creates a cute and captivating story while changing just one word on each page to help budding readers gain confidence and momentum. And during the entire story, there are more than 150 adorable animal characters involved in their everyday city life to enjoy, while hints of Big Bunny are seen behind trees and through windows. “Delivers more every time you look,” said one Amazon customer. “Bursting with energy, the colorful city scenes are filled with animal characters engaged in fun activities. There’s a lot for children to discover, including the mystery of the shapes seen moving between the pages. The text is short, simple, and just right for beginning readers.”

$4.99

'Princess Truly: Off I Go!' by Kelly Greenawalt

By now we know that representation matters. And that is why we love the Princess Truly books from Scholastic’s Acorn series. Princess Truly features a little girl who has magical curly hair. In Off I Go!, she uses her magical curls to travel the world while making arctic friends. And in I am a Super Girl, Princess Truly uses her magic locks to actually become a superhero! Talk about girl power! This easy to read, highly entertaining book series will not only inspire our young female readers, but teach boys that girls are just as strong as they are. One mom on Amazon reviews, “This is a great story book! My kiddo says ‘Mommy, she has my hair!’,” How awesome is that?

$4.99

First Little Readers Parent Pack (Level D)

The first little readers pack contains 25 unique eight-page stories that build early reading confidence at just the right level for your developing reader. The books feature simple text, picture clues, and decodable words that will help your child find success in reading with adorable stories about everything from dinosaurs to pizza. “My kindergartener was struggling to use the tools available to beginner readers (e.g. picture clues and sounding out words), so I bought this set for more practice at home,” reviews one parent on Amazon. “The past couple of weeks, I have seen significant improvement at home, and her teacher reported this morning that they’ve also seen improvement at school.” Is your little one totally new to reading? Or are they more advanced? The First Little Readers Parent Packs are also available in guided reading levels A through level G-H.

$13.59

Get the Giggles: A First Joke Book

Does your kiddo love cracking a joke? Or maybe they just love giggling at the punchline. Either way, if your kids like to laugh (and quite frankly what little one doesn’t), then Get the Giggles: A First Joke Book is the perfect level 1 book for your house. The 32-page colorful easy reader features the beginning of a joke on one page with the punchline on the back. One parent on Amazon reviews, “My five year old’s favorite book. If you have an early reader, this is the book you need! My daughter has read this book so much that she has memorized every single joke! It gives her big belly laughs as well as great confidence to read to others. This one is all five stars!”

$3.99

'Moo Dog' by David Milgrim

Get ready to have fun with a zany dog and bird duo who like to moo. Although the other animals are confused by these mooing animals, the book ultimately rings through with the timely theme of shamelessly being who you are (and having a blast doing it). One parent said, “This has been a great reader for my kindergartner. He was tired of repetitive books. This one is more of a short story using a variety of sight words. A lot of the pages look like a comic book style, my kid definitely thought that was fun.” Get ready to have the whole house mooing with the adorable tale of Moo Dog!

$3. 99

'Cat Days' by Alexa Andrews

“Wonderful for hesitant readers,” said one parent in Amazon reviews. “My child can read, but is hesitant to do so. This book gave her confidence to read. We checked it out at the library so many times I surprised her with her very own copy. Happy Girl!” The adorable easy reader follows the story of an orange tabby cat as she moves through her day. She learns where the best place to sit is, makes a new friend, and in the end curls up to a nice long nap. A great easy reader with sweetly simple illustrations that make this one of the best confidence building level 1 books on the list.

$3.99

Looking for more ideas to get your kids reading, learning, playing, or moving? We’ve got all the best mom-approved kids gear here!

SHOP THE STORY

'Hello, Hedgehog: Let’s Have a Sleepov...

$4.99

'Jump' by David McPhail

Jump into reading with this high quality, guided reading level A book by David McPhail. Part of the award winning early reading series from Holiday House, the book features acclaimed author-illustrators that create compelling narratives with simple text and gorgeous original artwork. McPhail uses cozy watercolor illustrations to depict kids and animals leaping in the air with this beginner book perfect for early kindergarten. “Awesome book,” reviews one happy customer on Amazon. “I love how even though these books are for beginning readers the illustrations and books are just as rich as higher level ones!”

$7.99

'Go Dog Go!' by P.D. Eastman

This classic beginner’s book written by P.D. Eastman—edited by Dr. Seuss—features silly dogs zipping around town in everything from a car to rollerskates. With so many fun-loving characters, it’s no wonder why this beloved book has been a favorite for generations. One Amazon customer reviews, “from colors and numbers and locations, to the time of day, basic temperature, and size comparisons, there are lots of learning moments in this book. But I think it’s the fun illustrations and simple humor that has kept us coming back to Go, Dog, Go!” Kids of all ages (and reading abilities) will giggle when they hit the classic line “I do not like your hat” (which is so humorously met with a frosty “goodbye”). And parents will rarely tire of sharing this classic with their kiddos.

$4.99

'Frog Meets Dog' by Janee Trasler

Chosen as a best book of 2020 by the Chicago Public Library, the Frog and Dog series is guaranteed to elicit giggles from the whole family. The first story in the series, Frog Meets Dog, tells how the two characters first encounter grows into friendship while also highlighting the importance of showing kindness. Perfect for fans of Hop on Pop, the simple text features repetitive rhyming texts allowing early readers to quickly recognize the cadence of the book while sounding out words. “We love this book!” said one Amazon customer. “Such a fun, easy reader that also shows kids it’s important to be kind. The fun and silly illustrations are perfect for all kids learning to read!”

$4.99

'Soccer Time!' by Terry Pierce

What’s more exciting than scoring a goal? Finally reading a book all on your own — obviously! That is exactly what author Terry Pierce captures in this truly beginner book for the sports-loving kid. Simple sentences chocked full of alliterations and word families makes this a book little learners will enjoy reading again and again. “This is a cute book with easy to learn words and nice illustrations. Definitely coming back for more of this brand,” raved an Amazon customer. This Step 1 book from the Step into Reading series is ideal for a 4 to 6 year old who knows their alphabet and can’t wait to start reading!

$4.99

'Elephant & Piggie: The Complete Collection' by Mo Willems

Create an instant Elephant & Piggie library with all 25 titles in one complete set by author- illustrator Mo Willems. Any new reader will love giggling their way through the side splitting and always heartwarming adventures of these two wonderful friends. The set includes teacher favorites like There is a Bird on Your Head! and Today I Will Fly!, and come highly recommended by New York City based reading specialist, Shira Stein. “My favorite books for the beginning reader age group include anything by Mo Willems, but especially the Elephant and Piggie books. ” states Stein. But don’t forget how much parents love them too! One parent on Amazon reviews, “My daughter loves Elephant and Piggie books. The stories are hilarious, and the characters are kind and friendly. The best part is that the books use simple vocabulary and my daughter for the most part can read them on her own.”

$99.99

'Fox Tails: The Great Bunk Bed Battle' by Tina Kügler

“A must-have for any child with siblings,” recommends Rachel Matson, Associate Editor at Scholastic. The first book of the hit Fox Tails series features brother and sister Fritz and Franny, and their highly imaginative bedtime routine that ends up looking a lot like sibling shenanigans. Any young reader with siblings and only children who pine for a larger family will respond to the rambunctious stories with vivid illustrations. “A marvelous read,” reviews one customer on Amazon. “The story and the illustrations are both charming and imaginative. Includes a drawing tutorial and a “What’s your story” prompt to keep the story going. ”

$4.99

'Ice Cream Soup' by Ann Ingalls

Part of the Penguin Books Young Readers series, this level 1 book explores what happens when an ice cream cake gets overloaded with too many ingredients. Ann Ingalls masterfully crafts a story that is not only appropriate for young readers, primarily ages 4-6, but tells it with easy-to-read text full of short and simple words. “These Penguin Young Readers are what I think of as a true Level 1, for the kid who is just putting everything together and starting to read. It’s such a great feeling for my little man to be able to read the whole book himself. This is the first book my son ever read all by himself, and it’s probably my favorite out of this series,” said a parent reviewer on Amazon.

$9.33

'Meet the Sight Words' Level 1 Boxed Set by Kathy Oxley

Created specifically for four to five year olds who are just starting to read by recognizing sight words and sounding out CVC words (consonant vowel consonant words such as ‘cat’ and ‘fan’). These books focus on the 16 most frequent kindergarten sight words (also known as star words or high frequency words) that kids are taught to memorize in their early reading journey. One parent reviews on Amazon, “I bought Level 1, 2, and 3, and my son loves them! The biggest win is that these books, coupled with his few lessons on sight words, have enabled him to quickly be able to start recognizing these words and actually reading full sentences!”

$13.46

'Here is Big Bunny' by Steve Henry

Here is Big Bunny is a visual treat for young readers. Steve Henry creates a cute and captivating story while changing just one word on each page to help budding readers gain confidence and momentum. And during the entire story, there are more than 150 adorable animal characters involved in their everyday city life to enjoy, while hints of Big Bunny are seen behind trees and through windows. “Delivers more every time you look,” said one Amazon customer. “Bursting with energy, the colorful city scenes are filled with animal characters engaged in fun activities. There’s a lot for children to discover, including the mystery of the shapes seen moving between the pages. The text is short, simple, and just right for beginning readers.”

$4.99

'Princess Truly: Off I Go!' by Kelly Greenawalt

By now we know that representation matters. And that is why we love the Princess Truly books from Scholastic’s Acorn series. Princess Truly features a little girl who has magical curly hair. In Off I Go!, she uses her magical curls to travel the world while making arctic friends. And in I am a Super Girl, Princess Truly uses her magic locks to actually become a superhero! Talk about girl power! This easy to read, highly entertaining book series will not only inspire our young female readers, but teach boys that girls are just as strong as they are. One mom on Amazon reviews, “This is a great story book! My kiddo says ‘Mommy, she has my hair!’,” How awesome is that?

$4.99

First Little Readers Parent Pack (Level D)

The first little readers pack contains 25 unique eight-page stories that build early reading confidence at just the right level for your developing reader. The books feature simple text, picture clues, and decodable words that will help your child find success in reading with adorable stories about everything from dinosaurs to pizza. “My kindergartener was struggling to use the tools available to beginner readers (e.g. picture clues and sounding out words), so I bought this set for more practice at home,” reviews one parent on Amazon. “The past couple of weeks, I have seen significant improvement at home, and her teacher reported this morning that they’ve also seen improvement at school.” Is your little one totally new to reading? Or are they more advanced? The First Little Readers Parent Packs are also available in guided reading levels A through level G-H.

$13.59

Ready To Read Level 1 Books

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TOP 14 Best Books 📗 in English for Beginners

Why is it important to read books in English

When we read, our brain works hard. Even the shortest, medium-sized article in the native language is a good warm-up for the human brain prone to idleness, accustomed to shirking and pretending to be busy.

And reading books in English is no longer just a warm-up for the brain, but a real strength training with bench press and the rest attached. In addition to the fact that reading itself increases memory capacity, develops communication skills and imagination, reading books in English is useful for the following reasons:

Vocabulary is growing. Cramming foreign words is not a very effective exercise. But when we memorize words in context, we are more likely that at the right moment that very phrase or expression will pop up in our head. The more English words you see, the better - something will surely be remembered. How to do this simply and fun, we will tell a little later.

The passive vocabulary is activated. The set of phrases that you use constantly and remember which is not difficult for you is your active vocabulary. Reading will help bring the passive reserve into working condition - these are the phrases, words, expressions that gather dust on the mezzanines of your RAM. Thus, your speech will become more diverse, and the list of possible topics for conversation will expand significantly.

Writing skills develop. When we read, our visual memory turns on. It is she who is responsible for spelling - you remember how the English word is spelled correctly and automatically repeat it in the same form in writing.

Grammar is being pumped. For beginners to learn English, tenses and passive constructions of the language may not be given as much as you like, but once you start reading, you will not leave them a chance. Your brain "reads" grammatical structures from the text, and you absorb them more naturally.

Pronunciation improves. Pronunciation is often neglected. All forces are thrown at grammar and vocabulary, and the pronunciation remains “from rush visa lave”. It would be nice to take care of that right now. Reading English literature aloud will give you confidence in speaking. There are many books for beginners on sale with additional audio materials: after listening to the recording, try to repeat the intonation and nuances of pronunciation. Before you have time to look back, you will speak no worse than any "native".

Increased self-esteem. There is no feeling that can be compared to when you finish reading your first book in English. Pride in yourself and understanding that much in the world is inaccessible without knowing English can become a strong motivation from the first to the last page.

English proficiency test

This English proficiency test was compiled by the Skysmart online school tutors. They prepared interesting and relevant tasks on modern topics to make the test both useful and interesting

How to read in English: life hacks

To keep the interest in reading in English at the very beginning, follow a few simple recommendations. These simple rules will help you make the reading process easier and more efficient.

1. The most important step is choosing the right book. Remember, a simple book does not mean at all - uninteresting. Here it is important to honestly assess your level and choose the appropriate book. It is better if the first book is as simple and understandable as possible - do not take up Ulysses right away, it is better that at the very beginning it was more interesting than difficult for you. Choose adapted literature for beginners - such books are specially published for those who begin to learn the language. They come with a translation, a dictionary and, sometimes, audio materials. Great book choice for first time readers!

2. Set a reading schedule. Who among us has not heard “better more often, but less than once a week, but two hours at once”? So, this really works. Read every day for 20 minutes - so you do not hate the book after the first hour and a half reading session, and the efficiency will only grow. Start a timer. At first, read strictly for no more than 20 minutes - this method will help you quickly move forward at your comfortable pace.

3. No dictionary. If you have chosen the right book, and it fully corresponds to your level of English, there should be no need for a dictionary. Effective reading begins when the meaning of unfamiliar words is guessed from the context. Guess, guess, err, go back and guess again. But. None. Dictionaries.

4. Write out phrases, not single words. Memorize the whole phrase from the sentence, not individual words. From now on, context is your best friend.

5. Retell. This ancient practice goes back to the Druids and turns Elementary into Intermediate faster than an American can say a Russian tongue twister. After every 20 minutes of reading, summarize everything with a retelling.

6. Reinforce with listening. If the text is not only read, but also listened to, you will achieve maximum efficiency from the process. Get as much out of the book as possible.

New material is easier to learn when there is constant practice. Come to English language courses for teenagers and consolidate your knowledge in practice!

How many English words do you already know?

Let's define your vocabulary - without complex questions and with the help of smart algorithms.

List of the best books to read in English

You can read not only fiction. Reading articles, magazine columns, newspapers, and even user manuals is also helpful and effective. But for those who are just starting to learn English, it is better to opt for fiction.

Even if you are not a reader in principle, it will not be difficult for you to find a book for beginners that will be of any interest to you. The choice among fiction is great and inexhaustible: children's fairy tales, fantasy, detective stories, bestsellers, immortal classics, biographies, memoirs.

You need to progress in reading according to the level of the language: the higher the level, the more difficult the book. Start with an easy, adapted book, and when you feel ready to move on to more difficult books, choose from a variety of options according to your interests.

The variety of genres at the middle level is slightly higher than at the previous one. However, all the rules for effective reading at this level remain the same. The advanced level assumes that you are already "on you" with the chosen book, and you have access to the world of great literature.

Of course, there are a lot of rules and recommendations, but here's the most important thing: remember that reading is the most enjoyable and exciting way to learn a language. Don't treat books like hard work. Read with pleasure.

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Level of difficulty for beginners

For beginners, there are many interesting books in English. Here are four books that you will definitely be interested in reading.

1. Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. "Anne of Green Gables", Lucy Maud Montgomery.
A novel by a Canadian writer about Anne with two n's: a red-haired girl adopted by a single brother and sister who live on a farm. A touching, exciting, full of funny and exciting moments, a book about love, honor, growing up, friendship. In total, three novels have been written about different periods of Anya's life: from the most tender childhood to blossoming maturity. By the way, Netflix released the series "Ann" based on the novel - it will be great to read the book first, and then watch the film adaptation.

Source: Anne of Green Gables

2. Tracey Beaker's Diary by Jacqueline Wilson. "Starring Tracy Beaker", Jacqueline Wilson.
Perhaps all the books of this writer deserve to be read. She writes about English teenagers, their problems, family relationships. Not only a child, but also any adult will find it useful and interesting to read Wilson with her sharp humor, sharp phrases and really related topics.

For a language beginner, Jacqueline Wilson's books are just a gift. Easy language, an abundance of colloquial phrases, idioms and a plot that you can't tear yourself away from. Tracey Beaker's diary is Jacqueline's star book. The quintessence of humor and unique author's style. By the way, based on Tracy Beaker, a series was shot, the characters of which speak in simple language. Try to read first, and then get acquainted with the film adaptation.

Source: Tracey Beaker's Diary

3. No such list is complete without Lewis Carroll and his Alice in Wonderland.
Find an edition of the book adapted for language learning according to the method of Ilya Frank - this is a text divided into paragraphs, accompanied by a translation and a dictionary. Alice is on the must-read list. Therefore, if you have only seen the film adaptation with Johnny Depp so far, then be sure to read it - you definitely won’t be bored.

Source: Alice in Wonderland

4. “Three men in a boat, not counting the dog”, Jerome. K. Jerome.
“Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog)”, Jerome Klapka Jerome. This book is studied in the first years of linguistic faculties and, in general, it is clear why - easy, funny and very useful for the language. You will spend the whole story on the water surface of the Thames, in a boat with the main characters. Read, watch film adaptations - there are at least two of them. At the same time, you will find out how many heroes are still in the boat.

Source: Three in a boat, not counting the dog

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Intermediate

For Pre-Intermediate and Intermediate, the choice of books in English is much wider than for beginners.

5. Catcher in the Rye by Jerome Salinger. “The catcher in the Rye”, J.D. Salinger.
A cult item. A poignant, gripping story of Holden Colfid, a child of a lost generation. A rebellious teenager who doesn't feel at home anywhere, drops out of another school and sets off to wander around winter New York.

Gets into adventures, shares his thoughts, makes the reader fall in love with himself, because each of us is a bit of Holden Caulfield. Even the classic translation of The Catcher in the Rye does not half convey the Salinger atmosphere of the novel. Reading a book in English is worth at least for this amazing sense of belonging.

Source: Catcher in the Rye

6. On the Road by Jack Kerouac. "On the road", Jack Kerouac.
Novel-journey, endless hitchhiking across the USA in the early 50s. Together with the main character, you race along Route 60 in California, spend the night under the starry sky of Colorado, meet fellow writers in New York. It seems that you are about to arrive somewhere, and the journey will end, but it still continues.

Source: On the Road

7. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, J. Rowling. “Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone”, Joanne Rowling.
That's really who does not need ideas and descriptions. Lucky for someone who has not yet read Harry Potter, and this whole amazing tale is ahead of him. And if you have already read Potter from cover to cover in Russian, feel free to proceed with the book in English. There is nothing better than immersing yourself in your favorite fantasy world again.

Source: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

8. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. “Thirteen Reasons Why”, Jey Asher.
The cult Netflix series is based on this novel. A story that raises topical social problems in the life of adolescents around the world. Fascinating, exciting, sometimes creepy, a book after which everyone will find something to think about.

Source: Thirteen Reasons Why

9. Trilogy "The Lord of the Rings" by John Tolkien. "The Lord of the Rings", J. R. R. Tolkien. As in the case of Harry Potter - a great opportunity to get acquainted with the Tolkien universe for those who are not yet familiar with it. And devoted Tolkinists who have mastered English at the Intermediate level will be able to plunge into it again, but already in the “true” one - that is, the original version.

Source: The Lord of the Rings

10. The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger.
“The Devil wears Prada”, L. Weisberger. It seems that everyone has seen the adaptation with Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep. The book in English is full of modern vocabulary, interesting phrases, idioms and constructions that you will have to rack your brains over. After this book, you will have a wealth of language material that will come in handy in any conversation.

Source: The Devil Wears Prada

11. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. “Gone with the wind”, Margaret Mitchell.
Immortal classic, epic novel about war, love and friendship. It is read in one breath, both in translation and in the original. If you still haven't heard about the brave Scarlett O'Hara, who "will think about everything tomorrow", then rather start reading.

Source: Gone with the Wind

12. One can often find classic detective stories in such lists. Not in vain The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot. "Sherlock Holmes stories", Arthur Conan Doyle; "Hercule Poirot novels", Agatha Christie occupy a special place among adapted literature. In addition to the fact that you are probably already familiar with many plots, the simple style of presentation and the availability of a dictionary in adapted editions will add ease and pleasure.

Source: Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Advanced level

If you are already a confident upper and you have more than one book in English behind you, start reading unadapted, difficult books. Here are a couple of our favorites:

13. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma. “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari”, R. Sharma.
Self-made literature for those who embarked on the path of self-improvement. Practical advice on improving life from a real monk, a former businessman.

Source: The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari

reading speed. It is difficult to overestimate the "Game of Thrones", but it is worth reading. At least to reflect on the eternal question: what is cooler "Potter, Lord of the Rings or IP?".