When learning English through reading, it’s important to choose English books that match your current level. Reading a book that’s too hard can be frustrating, while a book that’s too easy might not challenge you enough. To help you choose, I’ve divided English books into five levels. Here’s how I categorize them:
| Level | Who It’s For | ATOS | Lexile | Features |
| Level 1 – First Steps | Beginners who can read simple sentences and understand basic vocabulary | 1.0 – 3.5 | Up to 650L | Short sentences, simple grammar, repetitive vocabulary, and illustrations |
| Level 2 – Growing Confidence | Learners who can handle longer sentences and past/future tense but need a controlled vocabulary | 3.5 – 4.5 | 650L – 750L | Slightly longer stories, and everyday vocabulary |
| Level 3 – Expanding Horizon | Readers who can handle more complex sentences, idioms, and deeper themes | 4.5 – 6.0 | 750L – 950L | More abstract ideas, idiomatic expressions, and a mix of past/present narration |
| Level 4 – Mastery Stage | Advanced learners who can read native-level books but need help with idioms and figurative language | 6.0+ | 950L+ | Complex sentence structures, cultural references, and advanced vocabulary |
What is ATOS?
ATOS (Accelerated Reader Book Level) is a reading level system that assigns a number to books based on factors like vocabulary complexity, sentence length, and overall difficulty. It’s primarily used in schools to help match students with books that are appropriate for their reading ability.
- How it works: ATOS levels range from 0.0 (easiest) to 12.0+ (most difficult). For example, a book with an ATOS level of 2.5 is typically suitable for early readers who are still building basic skills, while a book with an ATOS level of 7.0 is more appropriate for middle or high school students.
- Purpose: The system helps students find books that are neither too easy nor too difficult, encouraging reading progress without causing frustration.
What is Lexile?
The Lexile system is a widely used method to measure both the difficulty of a book and the reading ability of a learner. It assigns books a Lexile score, which is a number typically ranging from 0L (beginner) to over 2000L (advanced).
- How it works: The Lexile score is determined based on factors such as word frequency, sentence length, and overall complexity. It also includes the reader’s ability, so someone with a Lexile score of 500L might comfortably read books in the 400L to 600L range.
- Purpose: Lexile levels are useful because they allow both educators and learners to track progress and ensure that readers are working within their skill range. It also makes it easier to match books with learners of different abilities.
How to Choose Your Level
Test yourself
If you can read and understand a page of the book without stopping too often, it’s the right level for you.
Challenge yourself
It’s okay if the book feels a little difficult as long as you can still follow the story.
Don’t give up!
It’s normal to feel stuck sometimes. Keep practicing and you’ll see progress. By following these levels, you can choose the perfect book for your English learning journey. Check out the recommended books in each section to discover the right one for you!