Reading is a great way for children to experience English in context. But choosing a book for an ESL learner can be tricky!

A child's age and English level are not always the same. An older child may be a beginner in English, while a younger child may already be a confident English reader.

Here are five book recommendations for different ages, along with ideas for using each book to practice English at home.

Ages 2–4: Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell

ESL Fit: Beginner English

Focus: Animals, adjectives, repetition, listening and speaking

Why I Recommend It

Dear Zoo is a great introduction to English for very young learners. The publisher describes the book as having simple text and repeating phrases that are ideal for pre-readers. Different editions are recommended for approximately ages 1–5.

The repetition gives children opportunities to hear the same sentence patterns again and again, while the pictures and lift-the-flap format provide visual clues to help them understand the story.

Words to Practice

zoo • dog • lion • monkey • elephant • big • tall • scary

Try This!

After reading, ask your child:

“What animal is it?”

You can also make animal sounds or movements together. Say an animal in English and have your child act like that animal!

Ages 5–7: Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne

ESL Fit: Beginner–Intermediate

English Focus: Reading comprehension, action words, sequencing and basic story vocabulary

Why I Recommend It

This is the first book in the Magic Tree House series and can be a fun introduction to chapter books.

The publisher recommends Dinosaurs Before Dark for ages 6–9 and grades 1–4. It has a Lexile measure of 240L and is specifically part of a series intended for children beginning to read chapter books.

For an ESL learner who isn't ready to read the entire book independently, a parent can read it aloud and stop to discuss the pictures, characters and events.

Words to Practice

dinosaur • tree • house • run • look • find • big • little

Try This!

After each chapter, ask:

“What happened?”

Your child doesn't need to give a long answer. Beginners can answer with one or two words, while stronger English learners can try a complete sentence.

Ages 8–10: Charlotte's Web by E. B. White

ESL Fit: Intermediate

English Focus: Descriptive vocabulary, reading comprehension, emotions and longer sentences

Why I Recommend It

Charlotte's Web gives developing English readers a chance to move into a longer story with richer vocabulary.

The publisher recommends the book for ages 8–12 and grades 3–7.

Because the language is more challenging than an early reader, I recommend this one for children who already understand basic English sentences. Reading it together or listening to a chapter while following along can also help a learner who isn't ready to tackle the entire book independently.

Words to Practice

friend • farm • pig • spider • barn • web • kind • afraid

Try This!

Create a character word list.

Choose a character and ask your child to think of English words that describe them.

For example:

Wilbur is friendly.Charlotte is helpful.

Ages 11–13: Wonder by R. J. Palacio

ESL Fit: Intermediate–Advanced

English Focus: Conversation, emotions, school vocabulary, point of view and reading comprehension

Why I Recommend It

Wonder follows Auggie Pullman as he begins attending school and experiences friendship, family relationships and interactions with classmates.

The publisher recommends the book for ages 8–12 and grades 3–7, with a Lexile measure of 790L.

Although the publisher's age range begins younger, I like it for older ESL learners because the subject matter can still be engaging while giving them practice with more complex English.

This is not a beginner ESL book, so learners may need help with unfamiliar vocabulary and expressions.

Words to Practice

friend • school • classmate • different • kind • nervous • brave • embarrassed

Try This!

After reading a section, ask:

“How does the character feel?”

Then practice:

“I think _____ feels _____ because _____.”

This gives your child a sentence frame for practicing both comprehension and speaking.

Ages 14–17: The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton

ESL Fit: Intermediate–Advanced

English Focus: Dialogue, informal English, slang, relationships and more complex reading comprehension

Why I Recommend It

For teenagers, it's important to find books that don't feel childish just because they are learning English.

The publisher recommends The Outsiders for ages 12 and up and grade 7 and above. It has a Lexile measure of 750L.

The story contains dialogue and informal language, giving stronger ESL learners opportunities to encounter English that differs from formal textbook English.

However, this book also includes mature themes, conflict and violence. Parents and teachers should consider the individual reader's maturity before choosing it.

Words to Practice

friend • brother • fight • belong • tough • scared • alone • understand

As students read, they can also keep a separate list of slang and informal expressions they encounter.

Try This!

Make two vocabulary columns:

Textbook/Formal English | Casual English

When your child finds an unfamiliar casual expression, look up its meaning together and decide whether it would be appropriate to use with friends, at school or in a formal situation.

A Note for Parents

Remember that age does not determine English level.

If your 12-year-old recently started learning English, they may not be ready to independently read a book written for typical 12-year-old native English readers. At the same time, giving an older child a book designed for toddlers simply because the English is easier may not keep them interested.

Try to find a balance between:

Age + English Ability + Interests

And remember that your child doesn't always have to read alone!

You can read aloud together, take turns reading, listen to an audiobook while following the text, look at pictures for context, discuss unfamiliar vocabulary, or simply read a few pages at a time.

The goal isn't to understand every English word.

The goal is to keep reading, keep discovering new English, and enjoy the story!

Sources

Simon & Schuster — Dear Zoo by Rod CampbellPublisher information lists editions for young children and describes Campbell's use of simple text and repeating phrases for pre-readers.

Penguin Random House — Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope OsbornePublisher information: ages 6–9, grades 1–4; Lexile 240L.

Penguin Random House — Charlotte's Web by E. B. WhitePublisher information: ages 8–12, grades 3–7.

Penguin Random House — Wonder by R. J. PalacioPublisher information: ages 8–12, grades 3–7; Lexile 790L.

Penguin Random House — The Outsiders by S. E. HintonPublisher information: ages 12+, grade 7+; Lexile 750L.

The ESL-fit recommendations and activities are ESL with Cara teaching suggestions based on the language demands and features of each book. They are not official publisher ESL ratings.