For background reading and for becoming familiar with English fiction, here is a list of recommendations.
Beginner (A1-A2)
1. The Wizard of Oz (graded reader)
Synopsis: Dorothy is swept away to a magical land and follows the Yellow Brick Road to find the Wizard who can send her home.
Why appropriate: Graded readers use very simple vocabulary and short sentences designed specifically for absolute beginners.
2. The Little Prince
Synopsis: A young prince travels from planet to planet learning about life, friendship, and human nature.
Why appropriate: Short chapters, repetitive structures, and gentle storytelling make it easy to follow.
3. Charlotte’s Web - E. B. White
Synopsis: A pig named Wilbur is saved from slaughter by the clever spider Charlotte, who spins words into her web.
Why appropriate: Simple, clear language and a straightforward plot help beginners build confidence.
Lower–Intermediate (A2–B1)
1. Matilda - Roald Dahl
Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant girl with neglectful parents and a terrifying headmistress, until she discovers she has special powers.
Why appropriate: Vocabulary is still simple, the story is engaging, and chapters are short.
2. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time - Mark Haddon
Synopsis: A boy investigates the mysterious death of a neighbor’s dog, uncovering truths about his family.
Why appropriate: Written in a very direct, literal style with clear sentences and simple
grammar.
3. Holes - Louis Sachar
Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a camp where boys dig holes all day—until he discovers the real reason for the digging.
Why appropriate: Modern, accessible language and a fast-moving plot make it manageable for lower intermediates.
Intermediate (B1–B2)
1. The Fault in Our Stars - John Green
Synopsis: Hazel and Gus, two teenagers living with cancer, form a deep connection as they confront life, love, and loss.
Why appropriate: Written in clear, modern conversational English with emotional but straightforward storytelling.
2. The Secret Life of Bees - Sue Monk Kidd
Synopsis: Lily Owens runs away from home and finds refuge in a household of beekeeping sisters who help her uncover the truth about her mother.
Why appropriate: Uses accessible contemporary language and offers rich but manageable descriptions, suitable for mid-level learners.
3. The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
Synopsis: Santiago, a shepherd, travels in search of a treasure and discovers his personal destiny.
Why appropriate: Simple philosophical writing and short chapters support upper-intermediate learners.
Upper-Intermediate (B2–C1)
1. Of Mice and Men – John Steinbeck
Synopsis: Two migrant workers struggle to survive during the Great Depression while dreaming of a better future.
Why appropriate: Authentic but clear language, short length, and vivid dialogue challenge learners without overwhelming them.
2. The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald
Synopsis: Nick Carraway enters the glamorous world of Jay Gatsby and witnesses love,wealth, and betrayal in 1920s America.
Why appropriate: Rich description and figurative language offer a step up in complexity for advanced learners.
3. Fahrenheit 451 – Ray Bradbury
Synopsis: In a future society where books are banned, a fireman begins to question everything he’s been taught.
Why appropriate: The vocabulary and themes are more complex, but the story remains fast-paced and accessible.
Advanced (C1–C2)
1. 1984 – George Orwell
Synopsis: Winston Smith lives under a totalitarian regime where every thought is monitored, and begins to rebel.
Why appropriate: Complex ideas, political language, and dense description suit advanced learners seeking depth.
2. Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
Synopsis: Elizabeth Bennet navigates family, manners, and romance while challenging social expectations.
Why appropriate: Older vocabulary and long sentences provide a challenging but rewarding linguistic workout.
3. The Catcher in the Rye – J. D. Salinger
Synopsis: Holden Caulfield narrates a few days of wandering New York City while struggling with adolescence and identity.
Why appropriate: Colloquial, idiomatic language is demanding but excellent for advanced fluency and nuance.
Intermediate (B1–B2) Oxford-relevant additions
1. Sherlock Holmes (Stories by Arthur Conan Doyle)
Recommended Level: Intermediate (B1–B2)
(Individual short stories can work even for A2–B1 learners; whole collections suit B1–B2.)
Synopsis:
Sherlock Holmes, the brilliant London detective, solves mysteries using sharp observation and logical reasoning, assisted by his friend Dr. Watson. The stories range from thefts and disappearances to complex crimes that reveal Holmes’s unique methods.
Why It’s appropriate for this level:
● The language is clear and direct, especially in the shorter stories.
● Episodes are self-contained, so learners can read one at a time without getting lost.
● Dialogue and action make it easier to follow even if some vocabulary is new.
● Many graded-reader versions are available for lower levels.
Oxford Connection:
● Arthur Conan Doyle’s daughter, Jean Conan Doyle, studied at Oxford, and the family had ongoing ties with Oxfordshire circles.
● Several Sherlock Holmes societies and academic studies of the stories are based at Oxford, and the character frequently appears in Oxford-related literary culture.
2. The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
Synopsis: Mole, Rat, Badger, and the wild Mr Toad share gentle adventures along the rivers and countryside of England.
Why appropriate: Written by an Oxford-educated author, the language is descriptive but still accessible, with short episodic chapters perfect for learners.
3. The Eagle of the Ninth - Rosemary Sutcliff
Synopsis: A young Roman officer travels to Britain to uncover the truth behind his father’s lost legion.
Why appropriate: Sutcliff lived and wrote in Oxford; her prose is clear, vivid, and ideal for intermediate learners who want historical fiction without overly complex language.