Research Guides: English Language Learning &amp; Teaching: Leveled Readers

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About Leveled Readers

Leveled readers use simple sentences, limited vocabulary, word repetition, picture dictionary boxes and large type to support new language acquisition and development to students of all ages and all reading abilities.

You can find most of these readers in our ESL/ESAL collection.

Ask library staff to help you!

Level 1 Readers

This level is perfect for students who are new to learning the English language, have little previous English training, and have very limited vocabulary.

Surfer! by Paul Harvey; Pearson Education Staff
Call Number: ESL427 (ESL)
On the beach near Nick's home there is a surfing competition with a big prize. Nick is a very good surfer. He wants to win the prize and go to Australia. But Nick's father is not happy. Can Nick win the competition and go to Australia?
Michael Jordan by Nancy Taylor; Pearson Longman Staff
Call Number: ESL420 (ESL)
ISBN: 1405881518
Publication Date: 2008-10-15
Michael Jordan, the Chicago Bulls number 23, is very famous. And he can fly Maybe he is the best basketball player of all time. But where did he come from? How did he start in basketball? Read about his life and about his love of basketball.
Daniel Radcliffe by Vicky Shipton; Pearson Education Staff
Call Number: ESL412 (ESL)
We all know Daniel Radcliffe's face from the Harry Potter films. But how did he get the job? Did he always want to be an actor? And what did he do before Harry Potter? This is the story of Daniel's young life.

Level 2 Readers

These readers are for students who can understand some classroom directions and can complete simple assignments. Their vocabulary is still greatly limited but they understand commonly-used words and are quickly improving.

Barack Obama, Level 2 by Coleen Degnan-Veness; Pearson Education Staff
Call Number: ESL688 (ESL)
In January 2009, a new American president moved into the White House. But who is Barack Obama? What do we know about his family and his early life? Why did he want to be a politician? And how did he get the top job? This is his story.
Extreme Sports by Michael Dean; Pearson Education Staff
Call Number: ESL429 (ESL)
Publication Date: 2008-09-30
Extreme sports are new, exciting and dangerous Learn about extreme sports, from aerial ballet to zorbing. Read about the crazy people who love extreme sports.
Marley and Me by John Grogan; Pearson Education Staff
Call Number: ESL659 (ESL)
Marley & Me is about a lovable Labrador named Marley and the family that loves him. Marley & Me tells a beautiful tale that most dog owners can truly relate to.

Level 3 Readers

These readers support students who can participate in most classroom activities and follow directions adequately. Vocabulary is limited but rapidly improving.

Notting Hill by Richard Curtis; Andy Hopkins; Richard Curtis
Call Number: ESL363 (ESL)
She is famous, he is a shy bookseller. Their lives are different in every way, but they are both looking for someone special. Can a future together be more than a dream?
The Road Ahead by Bill Gates; Andy Hopkins (Editor); Jocelyn Potter; Donald Domonkos (Retold by); Nathan Myhrvold (As told to); Peter Rinearson (As told to); Patricia Highsmith
Call Number: ESL359 (ESL)
The Road Ahead is Bill Gates' vision of the future. In the book, he describes the way in which he thinks the revolutionary information age will change the way in which we shop, work, learn and communicate with each other.
The Olympics by Paul Shipton; Pearson Education Staff
Call Number: ESL671 (ESL)
Every four years the best athletes - runners, swimmers, boxers, gymnasts, and more - come together to compete in the biggest sports competition in the world.

Level 4 Readers

These readers are great for students who easily participate in classroom and social activities, constantly adding to their knowledge of vocabulary and teacher expectations.

Cinderella Man, Level 4 by Marc Cerasini
Call Number: ESL413 (ESL)
But in October 1929 the American economy fails, and at the same time Jim starts to lose in the boxing ring. Does the true story of Jim Braddock -- the Cinderella Man -- have a happy ending?
The Locked Room and Other Horror Stories by M. R. James; Pearson Education Staff
Call Number: ESL506 (ESL)
A tree full of enormous spiders, a living thing with no face, a picture that comes alive, and a boy with no heart. These are some of the frightening things in these stories by M. R. James.
Macbeth, Level 4 by William Shakespeare
Call Number: ESL541 (ESL)
A brave soldier is trusted by the Scottish king. Then a strange meeting with three witches makes him greedy for power. Macbeth wants to be king. He and his evil wife make murderous plans. But how many people will have to die before their dreams come true?

Level 5 Readers

Students reading these books are able to participate and excel in all classroom and social activities, requiring less frequent teacher intervention with vocabulary and directional assistance.

Strange Case Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Level 5 by Robert Louis Stevenson
Call Number: ESL491 (ESL)
Dr Jekyll is a London doctor who is liked and respected for his work. Mr Hyde is an evil man, completely unknown in London society. There is a murder and Hyde seems to be responsible. So why does the good doctor give Mr Hyde the key to his house and decide to leave everything to Mr Hyde in his will?
War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells; Pearson Education Staff
Call Number: ESL490 (ESL)
The War of the Worlds is one of the most frightening science fiction novels ever written. When a spaceship falls from the sky and lands in southern England, few people are worried. But when strange creatures climb out and start killing, nobody is safe.
The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux
Call Number: ESL488 (ESL)
There is a climate of secrecy and fear at the Paris Opera. People are dying and a beautiful, talented young singer has disappeared. Is this the work of the Opera ghost? Is the ghost a man or a monster? And what else will he do to get what he wants?

Level 6 Readers

These readers are more complex with longer sentences and paragraphs. Students are able to comprehend more concepts presented in the English language and excel in all classroom and social activities. These readers are enjoyed more for their story lines and themes because students already have a good command of vocabulary.

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
Call Number: ESL687 (ESL)
Jean Valjean is free at last after nineteen years in prison. Cold and hungry, he is rejected by everyone he meets. But Jean's life is changed forever when he discovers love. He spends the rest of his life helping people, like himself, who have been victims of poverty and social injustice.
Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
Call Number: ESL341 (ESL)
In 1954 a fisherman is found dead in the nets of his boat, and a local Japanese-American man is charged with his murder.
Murder Maker, Level 6 by Margaret Johnson
Call Number: ESL390 (ESL)
After being jilted by her lover, Carla is devastated and intends to seek revenge.