10 best books that will help you learn English

Learning English can be fun and exciting, especially when you have the right tools. At Oxford International, we believe that reading is one of the best ways to improve your English skills. In this blog post, we’ll share our top 10 English books that can help you on your language learning journey. These English language books are perfect for students at different levels, from beginners to advanced learners.

Why read English books to learn English?

Before we dive into our list of the best books to learn English, let’s talk about why reading is so important:

1. You learn new words and phrases
2. You see how grammar is used in real situations
3. You improve your reading skills
4. You learn about English-speaking cultures
5. It’s a fun way to practise English

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For now, let’s look at our top 10 English reading books that can help you improve your language skills:

1. “Graded Readers” series by Oxford Bookworms Library

Level: Beginner to Intermediate

These English books to learn English are specially written for language learners. They come in different levels, from very easy to more challenging. The stories are simple versions of famous books or new stories written for learners.

Why it’s great: You can choose books that match your level, and as you improve, you can read more difficult ones. The books also have exercises to help you practise what you’ve learned.

1. “Short Stories in English for Beginners” by Olly Richards

Level: Beginner to Lower Intermediate

This book has 20 short stories about everyday situations. Each story follows characters through common scenarios like going to a restaurant, travelling, or meeting new people. The stories are interconnected, allowing readers to follow familiar characters throughout the book.

Why it’s great: The short format is perfect for busy learners or those with shorter attention spans. Each story introduces key vocabulary and phrases in context, then reinforces them through repetition. The book includes comprehension questions and vocabulary lists, making it easy to check understanding and learn new words. The relatable scenarios help learners acquire language they can immediately use in real-life situations.

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

Level: Intermediate to Advanced

This novel follows Christopher Boone, a 15-year-old boy with autism, who sets out to solve the mystery of who killed his neighbour’s dog. As Christopher investigates, he uncovers secrets about his own family, leading him on a journey that challenges his understanding of the world and his place in it.

Why it’s great: The book uses everyday English from Christopher’s unique perspective, which can be especially helpful for language learners. His literal interpretations of idioms and social situations provide clear explanations of common phrases. The story’s mystery element keeps readers engaged, while the simple sentence structure makes it accessible. Additionally, the book offers insight into British culture and the experience of neurodiversity, enriching readers’ cultural understanding alongside their language skills.

1. “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series

Level: Intermediate

This series comprises collections of true, inspirational stories submitted by ordinary people. Each book typically focuses on a theme, such as love, family, or overcoming challenges. Stories are brief, usually 3-4 pages long, and cover a wide range of life experiences.

Why it’s great: These books expose learners to a variety of writing styles and voices, as each story is written by a different author. The emotional content helps learners understand and express feelings in English. The short format allows readers to complete a story in one sitting, providing a sense of accomplishment.

1. “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros

Level: Intermediate

This book is made up of short chapters that tell the story of a young girl growing up in a Latino neighbourhood in Chicago. Through Esperanza’s eyes, readers experience her struggles with identity, her dreams for the future, and the vibrant community around her.

Why it’s great: The language is simple and poetic. The short chapters make the book less daunting for intermediate readers. The coming-of-age theme resonates with many readers, making the story engaging and relatable.

1. “The Giver” by Lois Lowry

Level: Intermediate

Set in a seemingly utopian society, this novel follows Jonas, a 12-year-old boy who is chosen to become the Receiver of Memory. As Jonas learns about the true nature of his community, he discovers the price paid for their perfect world and must decide whether to accept it or challenge the status quo.

Why it’s great: The book uses simple language to discuss complex ideas. It’s a good way to improve your vocabulary and critical thinking skills in English. The dystopian setting provides an interesting contrast to learners’ own societies, encouraging comparative discussions. The thought-provoking plot keeps readers engaged, motivating them to continue reading and learning.

1. “New Headway” series by Oxford University Press

Level: Beginner to Advanced

While not a storybook, this series of textbooks is one of the best books to learn English grammar and vocabulary. It covers all aspects of language learning, including reading, writing, listening and speaking. Each level builds on the previous one, covering grammar, vocabulary, speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.

Why it’s great: These books provide a structured way to learn English, with clear explanations and lots of practice exercises. Real-life dialogues and texts expose learners to authentic language use. The clear explanations and abundant exercises help reinforce learning. The series also includes cultural information about English-speaking countries, enhancing learners’ global awareness.

1. “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway

Level: Intermediate to Advanced

This classic novel tells the story of an old fisherman’s struggle with a giant fish. Hemingway is known for his simple, clear writing style. The tale is one of perseverance, isolation and man’s relationship with nature.

Why it’s great: The language is straightforward, making it easier for English learners to follow.The universal themes allow for deep discussions, helping learners express complex ideas in English. The vivid descriptions of the sea and fishing introduce specific vocabulary in these areas. It’s also a chance to read a famous piece of English literature.

1. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky

Level: Intermediate

This coming-of-age novel tells the story of Charlie, a high school student navigating the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood. It’s written in the form of letters, which makes the language more conversational and accessible. The story touches on themes of mental health, sexuality, and the search for identity.

Why it’s great: The book uses modern, everyday language that young adults would typically use. It covers themes that many young people can relate to, such as friendship, love and personal growth. Its honest portrayal of teenage life in America also offers cultural insights, making it particularly valuable for learners interested in understanding youth culture in English-speaking countries. The letter format also provides good examples of informal written English.

1. “The Elements of Style” by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White

Level: Intermediate to Advanced

This isn’t a storybook, but a guide to writing good English. It gives clear rules for using English correctly and effectively.

Why it’s great: If you want to improve your writing skills, this book is very helpful. It explains key grammar and style rules in a straightforward manner. The book’s emphasis on clarity and brevity helps learners communicate more effectively in English. While primarily focused on writing, the principles can also improve overall language use and understanding.

How to get the most out of your English reading books

Here are some tips to help you learn more when you read these books:

1. Read regularly: Try to read a little bit every day, even if it’s just for 15 minutes.
2. Look up new words: When you find a word you don’t know, look it up in a dictionary and write it down.
3. Read out loud: This can help you practise your pronunciation.
4. Discuss what you read: If you can, talk about the books with friends who are also learning English.
5. Try different types of books: Mix it up with novels, short stories, and non-fiction to learn different kinds of vocabulary.
6. Don’t worry if you don’t understand everything: It’s okay to not know all the words. Try to understand the main idea.
7. Reread books: As your English improves, try reading the same book again. You’ll understand more each time!

Remember, the best book to learn English is one that you enjoy reading. So, try different books and find what works best for you.

Reading is just one part of learning English. To really improve, you need to practise all language skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking. Our courses at Oxford International are designed to help you develop all these skills in a supportive environment. Explore our schools here.

Whether you’re just starting to learn English or you’re working on becoming fluent, these books can help you on your way. So pick up a book, start reading, and watch your English skills grow!

Remember, learning a language takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you find some books difficult at first. Keep reading, keep learning, and soon you’ll be surprised at how much your English has improved. Happy reading!