Simple Books in English: TOP 20 Simple Books and Libraries

Reading books in English is a great way to build up your vocabulary, learn how to construct sentences and master a more complex language than what is presented in textbooks. As well as being beneficial for learning, it is also a fun activity. However, to achieve the best results, it is important to choose and read literature correctly. Let's understand how to choose books, where to find them and where to start to significantly improve your English skills.

How to choose a book in English correctly

When choosing books to read in English, it is important to consider your interests, language level and learning goals. Think about what you would like to read in your native language. Are there any favourite genres or authors? Do not choose literature that you are not interested in, even in your native language.

Often beginners are advised to start with children's books, but they may be boring for adults. A good alternative is comic books or adapted books where the text is simplified to suit a certain language level.

It is crucial to choose a book that is appropriate for your level. Too simple or too complex works will quickly lose your interest - learning a language from them will be palatable. If you don't know your level, determine it using online tests, such as those from MacMillan or Oxford. You can also use vocabulary tests such as VocabularySize or TestYourVocab. If you have already learnt about a thousand words, you can try reading simple non-adapted books. A vocabulary of more than two thousand words allows you to choose almost any kind of literature.

Pay attention to the subject matter and the time the book was written. Some classic novels contain outdated language and expressions that are rarely used in modern English. On the other hand, modern avant-garde books can be overloaded with slang and deliberately distorted language - it will be difficult to learn the language from them. It is better to give preference to modern classics or works that take place in realistic circumstances.

Help and advice for beginners

Choose books that are already familiar. This can be works that you have read in your native language, or books on which films have been made. This approach will make it easier to understand the text.

Look for books that have been translated from your native language into English. In such works, you will not have to immerse yourself in an unfamiliar cultural context, which will make the reading process easier.

Try to avoid literature with a lot of outdated or fictional words, such as historical or love stories from past eras, or fantasy. Such books may require considerable effort to understand, but will be of little practical use in learning a modern language.

Try reading a book and listening to the audio version at the same time. This will help develop your reading and listening skills at the same time, as well as help you memorise the correct pronunciation of words.

Do not try to translate every unfamiliar word. Focus only on those words that you cannot understand the meaning of the sentence without, or on words that occur frequently. This will keep reading interesting and rewarding.

For reading on a computer, you may find the Lilata application useful, which helps you translate words and phrases on any website with a single click. It also effectively supports the process of learning new words.

Libraries of books in English

In the US, copyright law protects books published less than 95 years ago. In the UK, this protection extends to works by authors who died less than 70 years ago. Therefore, most modern works are not available in free legal libraries. If you've decided on a book, you can often find it by simply typing the title + ‘read’ or ‘PDF’ into a search engine.

We recommend searching for books on Open Library. This is a huge library maintained by volunteers. There are two types of access to books: instant reading or downloading (the ‘Read’ button) and temporary online rental for 1 hour or 14 days (the ‘Borrow’ button). You can find Modern Works in the library and download available in PDF, ePub, Mobi and text formats. We recommend using this particular online library as it is an officially verified resource.

Android and iPhone devices also have in-built apps available: Play Books and Apple Books. However, the books in these are often expensive and the inbuilt translator may not be too convenient.

English book libraries with parallel translation

Parallel translation books divide the pages into two parts: the English text on the left and the translation on the right. The best way to read them is to first try to understand the text in English, and if you don't understand something, refer to the translation and compare the expressions. This will allow you to learn quite a lot of new words in a short period of time.

If difficulties arise constantly, you can change the approach: first read the text in Russian or Ukrainian, and then switch to English. If a book seems too difficult, it is better to put it aside and choose something simpler or adapted to your level. Remember that the first pages of any book can be hard to read, but gradually your perception will improve.

Another convenient format is books where only the English text is visible, but with the ability to highlight words and get their translation instantly.

Here are some popular libraries for reading books with translation:

1. Bookvo.

Boost your English vocabulary with amazing books to read in the new English learning software. Moreover, you can listen to free audiobooks and enjoy them anytime you want.

This programme has an inbuilt translator that allows you to instantly translate any English words into other languages. Thanks to this, you will be able to know the meaning of an unfamiliar word immediately.

Here you will find the opportunity to read and listen to fascinating books that will not only help you learn new words every day, but will also delight you with wonderful stories from outstanding authors.

2. Learn English with books from MetroMobiTech.

A collection of works in English that you can read through the mobile app. By tapping on unfamiliar words, you will see their translation. The books are divided by genre and adapted versions are available for different levels, so that everyone can develop their language.

3. Linga.

The application offers not only English-language books, but also texts, articles with parallel translation and the ability to instantly translate words. The developers paid special attention to translating the context of sentences. There is also a possibility to create your own dictionary, which is especially convenient for effective language learning.

Libraries of adapted books in English

Adapted books are well-known works that have been rewritten to use only words and language constructions that are understandable to language learners of a certain level. These books are usually divided into 4-6 levels of difficulty and contain exercises based on the text and sometimes an audio version. Reading such literature allows you to both enjoy the process and gradually increase your vocabulary.

If you are just starting to learn English, you should start with the first level of books. If you already have a certain level of knowledge, choose a book based on how you feel. It is optimal if you understand 90-95% of the words and expressions on the page. If you understand all the words, then it's time to move to the next level, and perhaps to non-adapted literature.

Electronic adapted books

• English e-Reader.

An extensive collection of adapted works from all major levels, categorised by genre and series. Registration is required to read books on the site, and you can download them in popular formats without having to create an account.

• Oxford Bookworms Library.

A resource with a good collection of adapted works for all major language levels.

• Graded Readers от Cambridge English.

Cambridge also offers adapted books for different levels of English. These include classic works as well as contemporary literature, with simple texts and tasks for practice.

Paper adapted books

Paper editions of simplified books are produced by both foreign and domestic publishers. Among the well-known series are:

• Penguin Readers - Penguin Publishers.
• English Club - Iris-Press.
• Macmillan Readers - Macmillan.
• Oxford Bookworms Library - Oxford University Press.
• Cambridge English Readers - Cambridge University Press.
• Black Cat Graded Readers - Black Cat.
• Easy English Readers - AST.
• Abridged Bestseller - Anthology.

Although the popularity of such books has declined, they are still available in most online and offline bookstores.

However, it is worth remembering that adapted books are only an auxiliary tool for those who are not yet ready to read the original works. You should not linger on them. Try to move as quickly as possible to the literature that you are really interested in.

What is worth reading depending on the level. Top 20 books to read for different levels

As mentioned above, beginners are best to start with short, simple stories and adapted books. Those who have reached a higher level should look at literature for native speakers. Usually, works aimed at a younger audience are easier to read. In this regard, Young Adult books are perfect for English language learners.

The difference between works for adults and teenagers in terms of the difficulty of language learning may not be as great as it seems. Therefore, the list of books is divided into three categories:

• Simple works,
• The more difficult ones,
• And those that you should avoid unless you have near perfection in the language.

The closer you get to the top of the list, the easier these books will be to read.

1. Simple books in English.

• The Stranger - Harlan Coben.
• Love Theoretically - Ali Hazelwood
• And Then There Were None - Agatha Christie.
• Daisy Jones and The Six - Taylor Jenkins Reid
• A Good Girl's Guide to Murder (Book 1) - Holly Jackson
• Yellowface - Rebecca Kuang.
• The Wild Robot (Book 1) - Peter Brown
• Assistant to the Villain (Book 1) - Hannah Nicole Maehrer
• Better than the Movies (Book 1) - Lynn Painter

2. More difficult books.

• My Husband - Maud Ventura
• Shining - Stephen King
• The Last Letter - Rebecca Yarros
• Sharp Objects - Gillian Flynn
• Apples Never Fall - Liane Moriarty
• Strange Sally Diamond - Liz Nugent
• If We Were Villains - M.L. Rio
• A Court of Thorns and Roses (Book 1) - Sarah J. Maas
• Punk 57 - Penelope Douglas

3. Extremely challenging books.

• The Goldfinch - Donna Tartt
• The Thing Around Your Neck - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
• Transcription - Kate Atkinson

How reading books will improve your English

Reading books is effective for those who are already into the process and read regularly. Ask yourself this question: how many books in your native language have you read in the last few months? If the answer is none, perhaps books aren't the best way for you to improve your English.

Instead, think about what exactly you like to read in your native language. English-language alternatives to the usual formats might work for you: articles, news, online discussions, or social media posts.

Remember, learning English is a marathon, not a sprint. The key is to choose an approach that you can sustain over time, perhaps for years. Find activities that are fun and you will succeed.