19 Good Books to help Beginners learn Spanish

Studying a language apart from your native dialect or English is often very tasking. At the beginner level, you’re likely to encounter a number of challenges as you try to pick up the basics, but don’t worry—this isn’t an insurmountable task. All you have to do is to keep reading. There are thousands of materials both fictional and non-fictional out there in every field of study imaginable, so how do you decide which ones to read? In this article, we list 19 books that can help you master how to speak Spanish in the easiest way possible.

When it comes to studying Spanish grammar, you don’t have to take the traditional route and enroll in an expensive school. With the internet, you can study how to read or speak Spanish online, through short videos, podcasts and audio materials. If you’re looking to take your Spanish to the next level, then you should know the best books to help you study the language. 

There are so many books about mastering Spanish out there, and they all claim to be the “best”. But in our experience, it’s all about the quality of the teacher and the quality of the teaching materials. So, we decided to compile a list of the top books that we think are the best out there. This article contains a list of our recommendations. 

This list is not comprehensive. There are many good books to help people at the beginner and intermediate levels master it , but this list is focused on books that will get you started fast. We recommend you get going with the list in this guide and then buying more books on your own once you have some basics down.

Here are 19 great books for anyone who desires to study Spanish. The books in this series cover all aspects of mastering the language. You will find everything from complete beginner’s materials right up to materials on pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, etc.

Why should you master Spanish

Learning a new thing can be for different purposes. Many learn a new dialect because they want to use it for professional purposes. It’s true that many study a language for fun.

However, improving your Spanish has many benefits. Some reasons why you should learn Spanish are:

1. Spanish is fun

Studying Spanish is fun and enthralling. The language is so beautiful and there are many benefits of gaining proficiency in it, like the ability to travel to other countries and speak with others from all over the world. Spanish is fun to study and fun to speak. You will find that speaking Spanish makes you more confident and feel more like a true international person.

2. It opens up new possibilities and opportunities.

Studying Spanish will give you an edge in the job market. If you are looking for a career in a place like the US, there are many jobs available that require knowledge of Spanish. You can also work in the Spanish-speaking countries. If you speak Spanish fluently, you could land a job as an interpreter or translator. This is a viable career path for those who want to work abroad.

3. It helps you experience a new culture

It’s not just a language, it’s a culture. Not only will being proficient in Spanish allow you to visit and live in another country, but it will also allow you to interact with a different way of life. You’ll be able to understand the locals better and learn about their customs and traditions. You may even find yourself trying some of their favorite foods.

Why should you read books to gain proficiency in Spanish

Books are a wonderful resource for mastering any language. Not only do they contain a wealth of useful vocabulary and grammar, but they’re also great resources for language immersion.  There are many books that will help you immerse yourself in the culture. They can be used in conjunction with online tools, such as Duolingo or Rosetta Stone. There are many benefits of studying Spanish through books. Some of these benefits are:

1. It helps you master new Spanish words easily and quickly

As you know, vocabulary is extremely important in understanding any language. This is especially true when it comes to understanding a new language. Books help you get acquainted with common spanish words used in daily conversations. By learning these Spanish words, you’ll be able to communicate better in everyday life, and make yourself understood. Remember that the more frequently you practice, the easier it will become for you to speak Spanish.

2. You can study Spanish at your own pace

Learning from a book is always fun as you can go at your own pace. You can read a book any time, day or night, without having to worry about a certain amount of time needed for watching videos or listening to audios. You will have the opportunity to practice your Spanish at any time, day or night, by simply going through a book.

3. It makes you master Spanish faster

Educating yourself in Spanish grammar by going through books gives you the freedom to master Spanish quickly. Since you can read books at home, while you are traveling, or even when you are doing other things, such as watching TV or going shopping. Learning is faster with books.

4. It helps keep your brain active.

Books will help to keep your brain stimulated and will enhance your ability to take in new languages. You need to use the mind every day in order to continue to learn a language. With the constant usage of the mind, the brain will adapt and will improve its capabilities. In order for your mind to continue to grow, you need to always be challenged. By being challenged, you are forcing your mind to grow.

5. It helps to develop your listening skills

Another reason why books are such a useful tool in understanding a new language is because they help you practice listening. This is a trait that you’ll need if you want to be fluent in another language. So if you want to learn Spanish, reading Spanish books is a good way to do that. These books give you the chance to improve your ability to listen and pay attention.

How to find the best book to help you master Spanish

To find the best Spanish books, you need to consider what you’re looking for. If you want to know about literature or master basic conversational skills, then you’ll want to consider reading a fictional book that contains examples of everyday conversation and an engaging story. On the other hand, if you want to know more about history, you’ll want to consider reading a book in a different genre such as a memoir or biography that borders on history. Here are some tips to help you find the best book to learn Spanish:

1. Pick a book with the topic that most appeals to you

Reading is fun pick a book that appeals to you. It could be a new book that you want to read. You can also choose from among the Spanish books that people around you you have read. You might also need to discuss with others who have interest in the same topic. Reading a book that interests you will help you learn the Spanish language faster. If the subject of economics or slavery appeals to you, you can pick up a book on world economics history or the history of slavery across some parts of the world. There are ust so many genres of books available for you to choose from.

2. Choose a book that fits your goals

Pick a Spanish book that fits your goals and learning style. You can read the same book from cover to cover, or you can work on different parts of the book at different times. If you’re just starting out, choose something that is easier to understand. You might even want to begin with a beginner’s level book. Reading books that fit your vocabulary and learning goals will help you become better in no time.

4. Read reviews to learn what buyers have to say about particular books

There are many websites where you can read book reviews, and you might even be able to find them on Amazon.com. If you’re looking for a book to help you master Spanish which will take you beyond the basics, try a book by a well-known writer who has published other Spanish books in the past. You can order a book online from sites such as amazon.

3. Seek guidance from someone who speaks Spanish 

If you can’t find a native speaker in person, try to find a Spanish speaker online. It is likely that they have many Spanish fiction and non-fiction available to them in either hard copy or electronic versions and would be happy to give you some advice on which books to read. 

19 Good Books for Beginners to study Spanish language

Reading is one of the most effective ways to master new spanish words and improve your Spanish vocabulary. It is important to read several books to help you learn Spanish faster. The following list features some awesome materials for beginners to get started on learning Spanish. 

1. “Cuentos que contaban nuestras abuelas” by F. Isabel Campoy and Alma Flor Ada

This is a fun material for people with a more time on their hands. It is filled with engaging illustrations, a captivating format, and a lot of good information. It’s also useful if you want to brush up on your Latin American culture.

2. Hope Larson’s “Una arruga en el tiempo”

This is an adaptation of the original story which many natives are familiar with. And just as the original book can sometimes be hard to comprehend due to its complicated plot, so can some of the English translations in some parts of the Spanish edition. If you’re confused by a passage or if you don’t understand a word, try looking it up in the dictionary in your mobile phone or tablet. Then, try searching for it online with a translator. There are loads of free translators on the internet that can help you translate any text from one language to another.

3. Andalusia Knoll Soloff’s “Vivos se los llevaron” 

This Spanish story is written in a very conversational style, using simple language and avoiding complex vocabulary. The story starts with an account of the kidnapping and murder of student teachers. The story follows the police investigation into the case. The narrative uses vivid details and interesting characters. The writing style is straightforward and the pace is consistent. The story moves along and the pace is steady, but the playwright slows down occasionally to tell the story in detail. It is a highly recommended material for beginners who want to understand Spanish.

4.  Ernesto Rodríguez’s “Gael y la red de mentiras: una novela gráfica”

This is a wonderful comic book for beginners in the Spanish language. Many people love graphic novels such as this. This is a delightful story about Gael who is a cat burglar. The artwork is fantastic, and it’s a perfect story for beginners. This is a wonderful chain of three books. This book is a terrific introduction to teach students how to read, and speak Spanish language. It is a must read and highly recommended for all beginners and those at the intermediate level.

5. Juana Martinez-Neal’s “Alma y cómo obtuvo su nombre”

Alma y cómo obtuvo su nombre is about a little girl named Alma who discovers her parents’ true origins and learns to celebrate her heritage. It’s a good story for new students, especially if you’re thinking of learning the Spanish language. The plot is very easy, but it’s so well written and beautifully illustrated that it’s easy to take in. This book offers beginners the help they need to become acquainted with new Spanish words as well as how to translate some Spanish phrases. This book also has an interesting structure. 

6. Tina Valles’ “La liebre y la tortuga”

“La liebre y la tortuga” is an awesome way to improve your conversational Spanish. It’s a fun, colorful retelling of a popular tale that will engage learners from beginning to end, plus, it offers some great practice with vocabulary and structure. The story in this series follows a tortoise, and a hare who are trying to compete in a race. While they all run together, the tortoise wins the race. It is a very good book for new learners who want to be proficient Spanish speakers and literary critics.

7. Margarita Del Mazo’s “La luz de Lucía”

La luz de Lucía is a charming tale that teaches children the importance of family, hope, and perseverance while providing them with a fun story to enjoy with their parents and siblings. The artwork in La luz de Lucía is colorful and full of detail, making the story engaging for even the youngest of children. Children who are studying Spanish will appreciate that the story focuses on the importance of friendship, giving children a valuable lesson on sharing and caring while they grow up. La luz de Lucía is best for children ages four to six years old and would be suitable for beginners.

8. Marcela Paz’s “Papelucho”

“Papelucho” is a series of 12 books written between the 1940s and 1970s about an eight-year-old middle-class boy named Papelucho. In the first four books, the author presents Papelucho’s life in the city of Mexico City, but in the last four, Papelucho moves to another part of the world—the countryside. Papechulo also speaks about the rural community, the family life, the social problems and the everyday lives of the people there. The stories are told in the first person from the point of view of Papelucho, the narrator, who is the major character in every book.

9. Frédéric Bibard’s “11 Bilingual Fairy Tales in Spanish and English”

This book will help you improve your reading and listening comprehension skills and you’ll be able to use this knowledge to improve your Spanish or English speaking skills. This book features audio files for each story so you’ll be able to use it anytime. The audiobook is perfect for listening while commuting to work or taking long drives, or listening to when you’re walking around your home, waiting for a friend or family member, or even when you’re sitting down for a relaxing evening.

10. “Short Stories in Spanish” by John R. King 

This book contains ten short stories written by authors such as Laura Freixas and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. The parallel texts feature both the original Spanish and the English versions, which makes it a perfect choice for students who want to enrich their knowledge. Each story offers both English and Spanish translations. There are short annotations included to help with comprehension, and there is also an introduction to the short story genre to explain what makes a short story short.

11. “First Spanish Reader: A Beginner’s Dual-Language Book” by Angel Flores

The vocabulary featured in this volume is uncomplicated, but that doesn’t mean that the stories are overly simple or meaningless. These tales are thought-provoking. Graded readers are an excellent option for beginner readers. They typically feature simple stories, use basic grammar and often add extras to help learners power up their skills. This book is no exception: there’s a bonus section that highlights vocabulary and offers practice exercises for Spanish learners.

12. “Short and Easy Spanish Novels for Beginners” by Joe Arenas

This book contains two different stories in the horror genre. As such, it is a great starting point if you are just beginning to study Spanish. This book will introduce you to some of the most popular Spanish novels in history. This is a very easy read that takes a little time to take in. The stories have a little quiz as a reading comprehension exercise to help you remember all you’ve noted down while reading.

13. “El túnel” by Ernesto Sábato

El Túnel (The Tunnel) by Ernesto Sábato is one of the most celebrated novels in Latin American literature and has been made into several versions including the Broadway musical “Bravo Mambo”. Written by Ernesto Sábato in 1948, the novel tells the story of Juan Pablo Castel, a man who murders the woman he loves, María Iribarne. Ernesto did well to ensure this piece is short, concise and interesting for readers and learners who are beginners in Spanish grammar. Ernesto’s El Túnel centres around Castel’s psychological analysis and it is very interesting to see how it deals with existentialism. 

14. “El principito” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Although this book was originally written in French, its simple story and sweet pictures mean that it’s a delight to read in any language. The book is great for those of us who wish to improve our language skills and to improve our ability to communicate with others. It’s a story that can be read and enjoyed over and over again. This book is also a good choice for anyone wanting to improve their reading habit.

15. “La misión de Rox” by Laura Gallego

“La misión de Rox” is a good book for people who like adventures, fantasy, and studying new languages. This book is a great place to begin if you are just starting out to learn Spanish. It will exercise your brain and help you become better in Spanish.

16. “El alquimista” by Paulo Coelho

Coelho’s writing style in this book is clear, simple, and direct. The reader can feel like he or she is listening to the writer’s voice without feeling like they are reading from a book. In addition to the literary elements in this series, there are also a lot of life lessons to be learned from Paulo Coelho’s book. The title itself means something very specific: “The Alchemist” which is a reference to an alchemist, a mythical figure who used magic tricks.

17. “Detective Malasuerte” by Hilario Pena

“Detective Malasuerte” (Detective Bad Luck) is an exciting read. It’s well-suited for beginners since the vocabulary is relatively uncomplicated. However, “Detective Malasuerte” also provides just a touch of a challenge to help you keep moving forward and growing as a language learner. If you’re looking for a Spanish literature book to begin your journey into learning the language, consider Detective Malasuerte (Detective Bad Luck). It also includes exercises designed to help you test your knowledge.

18. “Spanish Short Stories” by Sergio Rodriguez

It doesn’t matter if you’re a complete beginner or an intermediate speaker of Spanish, you’re guaranteed to enjoy reading these literature book because they don’t just entertain; they also teach you something new. This literature is perfect for you if you want to improve your listening skills, get in touch with your imagination, and expand your grammar in a fun and creative way.  If you are new to the language, you should start with short stories because it is easier to absorb the language through easy narratives. However, if you already know the basics of Spanish, then you can read longer books, such as history novels and non-fiction. This literature book is sure to entertain you.

These are great resources to help beginners with learning the language and enrich their learning journey.

19. “El libro de Gloria Fuertes para niñas y niños: versos, cuentos y vida” by Gloria Fuertes

Poet Gloria fuertes is a contemporary poet from spain who was born in 1961. Her authored works have been published in over 25 languages and Fuertes has won numerous awards. “El libro de Gloria Fuertes para niñas y niños: versos, cuentos y vida” (The Book by Gloria Fuertes for Girls and Boys: Poems, Tales and Life) is the ideal resource for beginners of any age. The collection by Gloria fuertes is short, and easy to grasp. It is designed to develop language and grammar proficiency, enhance reading comprehension, and boost proficiency in both children and adults.

Reading the literature books in this list will no doubt help readers improve their vocabulary from beginner to expert level. To better understand the words you’re reading, there’s a simple trick: translate the words into English. If it makes sense, then it’s a word in English that you probably already know. Use a dictionary when reading. This helps you translate words you’re not familiar with into English. You can use either an online or offline dictionary to do this. These books will help you improve so you can speak fluently with others from all over the world

CONCLUSION

If you’re a new learner looking for the best materials to help you learn how to speak and write Spanish properly. The list above contains some of the best works by different authors that will help you reach your goal fast no matter what level you are right now. Some of these materials also translate the spanish to their English equivalent; a plus for those who are bilingual. We hope that the list above has been useful to you. In no time, you’ll be able to converse with other speakers around the world. If you have any question or anything else you’d like to clarify, drop it in the comment box below.