Finding High-Interest Low-Vocabulary Books
for English Students

Books for Reluctant Readers

The key to motivating English students to read more is to give them high-interest, low-vocabulary books, also called books for reluctant readers.

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As an English teacher, you know that a love for reading opens doors to worlds of knowledge and imagination.

And every language teacher knows that the best way to learn a language is to read as much as possible.

Reading teaches not only vocabulary but also sentence structure, grammar, and spelling as well as culture, customs, and traditions.

Not all students are reluctant readers.

• Sometimes students want to read but can't find anything that interests them that is written at the correct level.
  
  
• Sometimes the language level is perfect but the subject matter doesn't interest them.
  
  
• Other students become frustrated because they want to learn more about a subject but can't understand what they're reading.

High-interest low-vocabulary books solve these problems.

Finding What Interests Your Students

The key to motivating your students to read is to find books about subjects they're interested in that aren't too easy or too difficult.

If your students say they can't find any books they want to read, find out what they love.

It would seem obvious that the easiest way to find out is to ask them, but some students are reluctant to admit their interests.

In these cases, there are other ways to find out.

You can ask their parents and friends, observe them on the playground, and find out what after-school activities they're involved in.
 
Some of the more popular interests for English learners are sports such as soccer and baseball, performing arts such as singing and dancing, and celebrities.

Older students may be interested in politics or science.

You can look for low-vocabulary non-fiction and fiction books. These may be "how-to" books, history or statistics books, or player and celebrity profiles.

Where to Find High-Interest Low-Vocabulary Books

There are several places to find books that fit your students' reading level.

The least expensive is the public library.

Many libraries have special sections of books especially written for English learners.

If you have a school librarian, he or she will undoubtedly have a selection of these special books. If not, ask if your school can start one.

If you can't find what you need in the library, or would like your own materials you can search for high-interest low-vocabulary books in stores, online and off.

Another great option is to find printable eBooks.

An eBook is a book that is displayed on a computer screen or other electronic device, rather than being printed on paper.

• The downside about eBooks is that you have to print them yourself (either at your office or school, or at the local print shop). Another option is to use them on-screen with your students.

The benefits, on the other hand, are very significant:

• No shipping is required. Usually you will be able to download your new eBook immediately after purchase.
  
  
• You can print as many copies as you need for all your students! (Depending on the type of eBook and the license you get upon purchasing, of course)
  
  
• And let's not forget – eBooks can be a lot cheaper.

Where can you find printable eBooks for your students?

You can search for ESL eBooks online, and you can also check the Really Learn English selection of eBooks for beginners.

Whichever eBooks you choose to purchase, make sure you are buying them from established and trust-worthy sites, and that they provide a 100% money back guarantee if you are not satisfied.


Reading teaches not only vocabulary but also sentence structure, grammar, and spelling as well as culture, customs, and traditions.

In order for students to excel in school and in life, they need to learn how to read well. Being able to read well is the foundation for all other learning.

Change your reluctant readers to enthusiastic students and encourage a love of reading in them by offering a selection of high-interest low-vocabulary books.

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