For international students, reading isn’t just about improving language skills; it’s also about connecting with new perspectives, thinking critically, and finding joy in learning. Reading offers insights into American culture and builds confidence in communication. Whether you’re preparing to study in the US or are already here, choosing the best books to read can enhance both your language skills and your understanding of life in a new country.
From practical graded readers to classic novels that reflect American society, there’s a book for every learner. In this guide, you’ll discover helpful reading strategies and curated book lists to support your academic journey and personal growth through reading.
How to Choose the Best Books to Read: 3 Practical Tips
With so many different books out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start, especially if you’re still learning English or adjusting to a new reading culture. Luckily, finding good books to read doesn’t have to be difficult. By understanding your own preferences and using a few simple strategies, you can choose books that are both enjoyable and helpful for your language growth.
Identify Your Reading Preferences
Do you prefer short stories, novels, or nonfiction? Are you more visual and prefer graphic novels? Knowing what you like helps you choose the best books to read that match your pace and interest level.
Explore Your Interests
Start with topics or genres you enjoy, such as history, fantasy, mystery, science fiction, or real-life stories. Reading about subjects you care about makes it easier to stay motivated and absorb the language.
Search for Book Recommendations
Now that you know the styles and genres you like, use online platforms like BookTok, Goodreads, book blogs, or YouTube channels to find book recommendations. You can also ask teachers, librarians, or fellow students what they consider to be must-read books.
8 All-Time Must-Read English Books
While there are countless titles worth exploring, Jennifer Paz, instructional design manager at Shorelight, has created a list of standout books that are especially impactful for international students navigating life and learning in the US.
These English books feature powerful stories, accessible language, and timeless themes that resonate across cultures and generations. Whether you’re seeking to build your reading skills or explore important topics like identity, justice, and resilience, these titles are a great place to start.
1984 by George Orwell
A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
The Pearl by John Steinbeck
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
In addition, Shelley Landry, senior director of government affairs at Shorelight, recommends America Calling: A Foreign Student in a Country of Possibility by Rajika Bhandari, a deeply personal and inspiring story that speaks directly to the international student experience.
Best Books to Read for Students Learning English
If you’re an international student just starting to learn English, choosing the right books to read can make a big difference. Good books to read for English learners are not only easy to follow, but also informative, interesting, and culturally enriching. Paz recommends several types of English books to read that are sure to help enhance your language skills.
Graded Readers: Perfect for Building Confidence
Graded readers are specially designed books written at different levels of language proficiency. These English books gradually increase in difficulty and are perfect for learners who want to develop reading fluency and vocabulary in a structured way. Top publishers include:
Oxford Graded Readers (Bookworms series)
Pearson English Readers
Macmillan Graded Readers
Collins English Readers
Cambridge English Readers
Each publisher offers titles across a wide range of genres, from classic literature to contemporary stories, simplified to match your reading level. You can explore links to these publishers and their book series at FluentU's guide to English readers.
While these English books are a great place to start, they can be hard to find in public libraries and can be expensive to buy. A more affordable option is Xreading.com, a digital platform that provides access to many of these readers. It does, however, require a school or teacher account.
The Magic Tree House Series: Fun, Accessible Fiction
For those who are new to English, the Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne is a great place to start. The books may be “written for younger readers (grades 2 to 5), but are [also] very accessible to new-to-English learners and have fun time-travel stories [as well as] nonfiction companion books that teach key aspects of history and culture,” said Paz.
DK Books: Rich in Vocabulary and Visuals
If you prefer nonfiction, DK (Dorling Kindersley) books are an excellent choice. Known for their eye-catching layouts, detailed photographs, and clear explanations, DK books make complex topics accessible. They are ideal for academic vocabulary building and subject-specific learning.
Recommended titles include:
DK Smithsonian’s Timelines of Science
DK Smithsonian’s History Year by Year
DK Eyewitness Books: Technology
DK Eyewitness Books: Invention
These books are often used in schools and libraries to support both language learning and academic content, especially in science, history, and technology.
10 Good Books to Read for an Overview of American Culture
For international students, understanding American culture is just as important as learning the language. Books can be a powerful way to gain insight into how people live, grow up, think, and experience life in the US.
Whether you’re curious about school life, friendships, family dynamics, or social issues in the US, reading stories set in America can help you feel more prepared, connected, and culturally aware. One of the best books to read about the culture in America is American Ways: A Cultural Guide to the United States by Gary Althen, Amanda R. Doran, and Susan J. Szmania.
Paz thinks the following are good books to read to help you explore modern American culture through storytelling:
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney
Percy Jackson & the Olympians series by Rick Riordan, especially book one, The Lightning Thief
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
Some other must-read books that provide a glimpse into how others have experienced American culture and US history include:
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
10 Best Classic Literature Books for International Students
Classic literature may seem intimidating at first, especially if English is not your first language. However, many classic books are not only accessible with a bit of effort, but they also offer rich insights into culture, language, and storytelling. These English books are often referenced in US universities, so reading them can give international students a head start in both academic discussions and cultural understanding.
Here are some of the best novels to read that are especially valuable and manageable for English learners:
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
5 Best Novels to Read for Students Who Love to Read
If you’re a student who already enjoys reading, you may be ready for novels that offer more depth, emotion, and complexity. These books are perfect for readers who want to be moved by powerful storytelling, explore big ideas, and connect with characters in unforgettable ways. Whether you’re interested in history, identity, or survival, these novels will challenge your thinking and fuel your love for literature.
Here are five of the best novels to read for students:
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
Never Underestimate the Power of a Good Book
No matter where you are in your English language journey, there’s a book out there that can inspire, inform, and entertain you. A good book can make a difficult day better, help you understand a new culture, or even shape the way you see the world. Reading is not just a tool for learning; it’s a way to connect, explore, and grow.
Start with what interests you, choose books that match your level and goals, and don’t be afraid to try something new. The more you read, the more confident you’ll become — not just in English, but in yourself. Start by picking up a good book to read, turning the page, and seeing where the story takes you.
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