Books for English Language Learning Students
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It’s hard enough to be a kid these days, but English language learning students get an extra level of challenge. Research shows that reading comprehension in English Language Learners gets a boost when students have access to culturally relevant books, however. Candis Grover, director of literacy and Spanish development at educational website ReadyRosie, says, “Story is both individual and collective. Students need more than just a few scattered stories; we need to give them a large literary room of characters to connect with.” Here are five great examples of books that can help ELL students in the classroom.
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi. Names are an important part of our identity, and Unhei’s classmates show her their support as she decides whether to keep her Korean name or choose a completely new American one. Recommended for students in grades pre-k through 2.
Chocolate Milk, Por Favor by Maria Dismondy and Donna Farrell. Body language definitely helps overcome language barriers. Gabe’s classmates learn how to communicate with him through sports, food, and play in this book that celebrates diversity through empathy. Recommended for students in grades kindergarten through 5.
Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match/Marisol McDonald No Combina by Monica Brown/Sara Palacios. No one would dare stop Pippi Longstocking from being her own unique self. Marisol, like Pippi, owns her identity, and she redefines what it means to be Peruvian-Scottish-American. Recommended for students in grades pre-k through 5.
Jalapeño Bagels by Natasha Wing and Robert Casilla. Pablo spends quality time with his Mexican mom
and Jewish dad, learning about their respective cultures through food. Instead of favoring one culture, Pablo chooses to celebrate both. Recommended for students in grades pre-k through 2.
Maximilian & The Mystery Of The Guardian Angel by Xavier Garza. Whether it’s read in Spanish or English, Mexican traditions and pop culture shine in this book for older students. Check out the entire series, called The Bilingual Lucha Libre Thrillers. Recommended for students in grades 8 and up.
All reading levels provided by Scholastic.
Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services