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in Activities for Adults· Learn English

Books For English Learners: Top 20 Easy Book Recommendations

If you’re looking for some books for English learners, you’re in the right place. Check out our top 20 recommendations for Easy books to read in English.

easy books to read in English

Easy books to read in English

Books for English Learners: Top 20 Novels

Check out these easy books to read in English.

“The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton

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The Outsiders
The Outsiders
  • S. E. Hinton (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 224 Pages - 04/20/2006 (Publication Date) - Viking Books for Young...
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The novel revolves around Ponyboy Curtis, a teenager in a gang called the Greasers, as he navigates the challenges of adolescence, gang rivalry, and societal expectations.

“Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck

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Of Mice and Men
Of Mice and Men
  • Author: Steinbeck, John.
  • Publisher: Penguin Books
  • Pages: 107
  • Publication Date: 1993-09-01
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Set during the Great Depression, the story follows two drifters, George and Lennie, as they seek employment and dream of a better life while facing the harsh realities of the time.

Teachers: You may want to check out these post-reading ESL activities.

“The Giver” by Lois Lowry

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The Giver: A Newbery Award Winner (Giver Quartet, 1)
The Giver: A Newbery Award Winner (Giver Quartet, 1)
  • paperback
  • Lowry, Lois (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 240 Pages - 07/01/1993 (Publication Date) - Clarion Books (Publisher)
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In a dystopian society where emotions are suppressed, Jonas discovers the truth about his community’s past and must decide whether to conform or rebel against the controlled existence.

“Holes” by Louis Sachar

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Holes (Holes Series)
Holes (Holes Series)
  • Holes, Paperback
  • Stanley Yelnats is under a curse. A curse that began with his...
  • Now Stanley has been unjustly sent to a boys' detention center, Camp...
  • Ages 10 and up
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Stanley Yelnats is sent to a juvenile detention camp where the boys are forced to dig holes every day. As he digs, Stanley unravels the mystery of the camp and his family’s curse.

“The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway

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The Old Man and The Sea, Book Cover May Vary
The Old Man and The Sea, Book Cover May Vary
  • A required reading for 11th grade Language Arts.
  • Analyzed during the course.
  • An opportunity to apply concepts students learn in Units throughout...
  • Hemingway, Ernest (Author)
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An aging Cuban fisherman, Santiago, engages in an epic battle with a giant marlin in the Gulf Stream. The novel explores themes of determination, endurance, and the relationship between humans and nature.

“Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White

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Charlotte's Web: A Newbery Honor Award Winner (Trophy Newbery)
Charlotte's Web: A Newbery Honor Award Winner (Trophy Newbery)
  • These are the words in Charlotte's web, high in the barn
  • Her spiderweb tells of her feelings for a little pig named Wilbur, as...
  • Their love has been shared by millions of readers
  • E. B. White (Author)
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A heartwarming tale of friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. Charlotte uses her web to save Wilbur from being slaughtered, teaching readers about loyalty and sacrifice.

“Animal Farm” by George Orwell

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Animal Farm: 75th Anniversary Edition
Animal Farm: 75th Anniversary Edition
  • Author: George Orwell.
  • Publisher: Signet
  • Pages: 140
  • Publication Date: 1996
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A satirical allegory that tells the story of a group of farm animals who rebel against their human farmer, only to witness the corruption and abuses of power among their own ranks.

“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho

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The Alchemist: A Modern Classic of Magic and Mysticism (Perennial Classics)
The Alchemist: A Modern Classic of Magic and Mysticism (Perennial Classics)
  • Note: Item has rough Cut edges(Edges are cut improperly intentionally...
  • A special 25th anniversary edition of the extraordinary international...
  • Combining magic, mysticism, wisdom and wonder into an inspiring tale...
  • Coelho, Paulo (Author)
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Santiago, a shepherd, embarks on a journey in search of a hidden treasure. Along the way, he discovers the importance of following one’s dreams and the transformative power of the journey itself.

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

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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
  • Great product!
  • Haddon, Mark (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 226 Pages - 05/18/2004 (Publication Date) - Vintage Contemporaries...
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Narrated by Christopher, a fifteen-year-old with Asperger’s syndrome, the novel follows his investigation of a neighbor’s dog’s murder, leading to unexpected discoveries about his family and himself.

“The Pearl” by John Steinbeck

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The Pearl
The Pearl
  • Author: Steinbeck, John.
  • Publisher: Penguin Books
  • Pages: 90
  • Publication Date: 2000-04-06
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Kino, a poor fisherman, finds a valuable pearl that promises a better life but brings tragedy as greed and envy disrupt his family.

You might also be interested in: IELTS Reading Exam Tips.

“The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger

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The Catcher in the Rye
The Catcher in the Rye
  • Novel by J.D. Salinger, published in 1951. The influential and widely...
  • J. D. Salinger (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 288 Pages - 01/30/2001 (Publication Date) - Back Bay Books (Publisher)
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Holden Caulfield, a disenchanted teenager, recounts his experiences in New York City as he grapples with adolescence, identity, and the adult world.

“The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett

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The Secret Garden (HarperClassics)
The Secret Garden (HarperClassics)
  • Burnett, Frances Hodgson (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 384 Pages - 12/21/2010 (Publication Date) - HarperCollins (Publisher)
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Mary Lennox, a lonely and spoiled girl, discovers a neglected garden on her uncle’s estate, leading to personal transformation and the healing of relationships.

“A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle

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A Wrinkle in Time (Time Quintet)
A Wrinkle in Time (Time Quintet)
  • Madeleine L'Engle (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 256 Pages - 05/01/2007 (Publication Date) - Square Fish (Publisher)
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Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and friend Calvin embark on a cosmic journey to rescue Meg’s father from an evil force threatening the universe.

“The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

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The Little Prince
The Little Prince
  • The Little Prince
  • English
  • First Edition
  • Paperback
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A philosophical and enchanting tale of a young prince who travels from planet to planet, meeting unique characters and learning profound life lessons.

“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby: The Original 1925 Edition (A F. Scott Fitzgerald Classic Novel)
The Great Gatsby: The Original 1925 Edition (A F. Scott Fitzgerald Classic Novel)
  • Fitzgerald, F. Scott (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 110 Pages - 04/27/2021 (Publication Date) - Independently published...
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Set in the Roaring Twenties, the novel explores the life of Jay Gatsby and his unrequited love for Daisy Buchanan, examining themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream.

You might also want to check this out: 71 Ways to Practice English Reading.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

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To Kill a Mockingbird
To Kill a Mockingbird
  • BRAND NEW TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD PAPERBACK BOOK
  • Lee, Harper (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 336 Pages - 03/01/2002 (Publication Date) - Harper Perennial Modern...
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Scout Finch narrates her childhood experiences in the racially charged American South, focusing on her father’s defense of a black man wrongly accused of rape.

“The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas” by John Boyne

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The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
  • Boyne, John (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 215 Pages - 10/23/2007 (Publication Date) - David Fickling Books...
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The story unfolds through the eyes of an eight-year-old boy, Bruno, whose family moves near a concentration camp during World War II, leading to a friendship with a Jewish boy on the other side of the fence.

“The Call of the Wild” by Jack London

The Call of the Wild
The Call of the Wild
  • Jack London (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 64 Pages - 07/01/1990 (Publication Date) - Dover Publications...
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Buck, a domesticated dog stolen from his home, faces the challenges of the Alaskan wilderness and discovers his primal instincts in the process.

“The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer: Original Illustrations
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer: Original Illustrations
  • Twain, Mark (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 270 Pages - 05/06/2018 (Publication Date) - SeaWolf Press (Publisher)
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Follow Tom Sawyer’s adventures in the fictional town of St. Petersburg, as he engages in pranks, searches for treasure, and navigates the complexities of boyhood.

“Lord of the Flies” by William Golding

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Lord of the Flies
Lord of the Flies
  • School is starting, order your book today!
  • William Golding (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 224 Pages - 12/16/2003 (Publication Date) - Penguin Books (Publisher)
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A group of boys stranded on a deserted island must grapple with the consequences of unchecked power and the inherent darkness within human nature.

Books for English Learners: Summary

These novels offer diverse stories and themes, providing English learners with engaging and accessible reading options. While these novels are generally considered accessible for English learners, it’s important to choose a book that matches your current language proficiency and comfort level.

Additionally, consider starting with abridged or simplified versions if available, and gradually progress to the original texts as your skills improve. Happy reading!

Learn English Reading Books: FAQs

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

Why is it beneficial for English learners to read easy books?

Reading easy books helps build vocabulary, improve comprehension, and boost overall language skills in a more accessible way.

What’s a classic Dr. Seuss book that’s great for English learners?

“The Cat in the Hat” is a classic Dr. Seuss book that uses simple language and rhymes, making it ideal for English learners.

Why are books like “Charlotte’s Web” and “The Little Prince” recommended for English learners?

These books have engaging stories and universal themes, making them enjoyable for readers while offering opportunities to enhance language skills.

 

How do easy books like “The Giver” or “The Outsiders” help English learners?

While these books have simple language, they explore deeper themes, providing a bridge for English learners to improve their reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.

What’s the significance of choosing novels like “Holes” or “The Old Man and the Sea” for language learners?

These novels have compelling stories and straightforward language, making them suitable for English learners to practice reading longer narratives.

What role do illustrations play in easy books for English learners?

Illustrations in books like “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” or “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” enhance understanding by providing visual context for the text.

How can novels like “To Kill a Mockingbird” or “The Secret Garden” benefit English learners beyond language improvement?

These novels expose English learners to diverse cultures, perspectives, and historical contexts, enriching their understanding of the world.

Are there any series recommended for English learners to practice reading consistently?

Yes, series like “Pete the Cat” or “The Berenstain Bears” offer a familiar format, allowing English learners to follow characters through various adventures and situations.

Why might it be a good idea for English learners to start with abridged or simplified versions of classic novels?

Abridged versions often simplify language and shorten the length, making classic novels more accessible for English learners as they build their reading skills.

How can reading easy books contribute to the overall language development of English learners?

Reading easy books exposes learners to new vocabulary, sentence structures, and cultural nuances, contributing to improved language proficiency over time.

books for English learners

Books for English learners

Easy Books to Read in English: Join the Conversation

Do you have an easy English book that you’d like to recommend? Leave a comment and let us know! We’d love to hear from you.

Last update on 2025-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About Jackie

Jackie Bolen has been teaching English for more than 20 years to students in South Korea and Canada. She's taught all ages, levels and kinds of TEFL classes. She holds an MA degree, along with the Celta and Delta English teaching certifications.

Jackie is the author of more than 100 books for English teachers and English learners, including 101 ESL Activities for Teenagers and Adults, Great Debates for ESL/EFL, and 1001 English Expressions and Phrases. She loves to share her ESL games, activities, teaching tips, and more with other teachers throughout the world.

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