Best books to learn Spanish.
We have created a selection of the best books to learn Spanish (grammar, Spanish GCSE, idioms, culture, etc.) to help you identify the one that works best for you.
We have added notes that provide an explanation to why we have selected them. We also suggest reading books and audiobooks for Spanish students and when to read them. In addition, we have provided links to activities in our web that will make your reading more enjoyable.
1. Best Reading Books
Best books to learn Spanish while you read a novel or adapted reading book
1.1. A2-B1 Spanish for intermediate level and GCSE reading books
“Kate en Las Fallas” libro de lectura para estudiantes de español. Reading book for Spanish Students.
- Nivel intermedio – B1. Nivel GCSE Higher según el sistema educativo británico. Intermediate level, B1, GCSE Higher.
- Puedes leer el libro de forma gratuita con Kindle Unlimited, o comprarlo en papel o en formato electrónico. You can read the book for free (Kindle Unlimited) or buy a paper book or an ebook on Amazon.
- Puedes escuchar el audiolibro solo o mientras lees. Puedes escucharlo gratis con Audible o comprarlo. You can listen to the audiobook on its own or while you read. You can listen to it for free if you have Audible or buy it.
- En este libro aparece el vocabulario y las expresiones en negrita, repetidas para facilitar su aprendizaje traducidas en un apartado del libro, en un quizlet y en la web. The bolded vocabulary and expressions are repeated throughout the book in order to facilitate their learning. They are translated on the paperback, ebook, a quizlet and on the website.
- En nuestra web puedes aprender con las actividades que incluyen una unidad de Quizlet (programa para aprender vocabulario), las pruebas de comprensión y las soluciones. You can find learning materials on the website. This includes a quizlet to learn and practice the vocabulary on the book, comprehension activities and solutions. www.howtounlockspanish.com/kateenlasfallas
“El Quijote para estudiantes de español”
- Libro de Don Quijote adaptado a un nivel A2-B1 y un uso de lengua menos antiguo.
- Nivel intermedio. Las construcciones no son complejas, el vocabulario es más complicado.
- Aprende español con Don Quijote de la Mancha, escrita por Don Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra en 1605 y 1615.
- Según algunos el segundo libro más leído de la historia.
- En nuestra web puedes aprender con dos actividades que incluyen una unidad de Quizlet (programa para aprender vocabulario), ejercicios de traducción y vídeos en inglés y español para ayudarte a acercarte a “El Quijote”.
- Actividad 1
- Actividad 2
“El Principito”
- Puedes leer y oir en español el libro ‘El Principito’ escrito por Antoine de Saint-Exupéry para aprender español y reflexionar sobre lo que este agradable cuento te hace pensar.
- Hemos elaborado una lista de vocabulario y expresiones que encontrarás en nuestro post.
- Puedes leer este cuento en papel u online y además escucharlo mientras lees si utilizas el audiolibro. En el enlace de la imagen puedes verlo y comprarlo.
- Ejercicios en nuestra web:
- Leer en español ‘El principito’
Easy learning Spanish idioms
- Este libro tiene muchas más expresiones españolas explicadas por temática (salud, felicidad, sueños….)
- Cada expresión incluye la traducción literal, la traducción según su significado y un ejemplo
- Artículos similares en nuestra web:
- http://howtounlockspanish.com/diez-expresiones-con-toros/
“Las fallas de Valencia: Mucho más que un sueño” por Encarnación Galindo
- Para estudiantes de español desde nivel A2 (beginners 2).
- Libro de guiones (scripts) con actividades para antes de la lectura y después de leer los fragmentos.
- En nuestra web puedes aprender con dos artículos que incluyen la descripción y vídeo sobre Las Fallas y el vocabulario necesario para aprender sobre Las Fallas.
1.2. B1-C1 Spanish for intermediate to advance level and A LEVEL reading books
Las bicicletas son para el verano
- ‘Las bicicletas son para el verano’ es una obra de teatro escrita por Fernando Fernán Gómez. La obra fue publicada en papel en 1978 y su estreno teatral no llegó hasta 1982
- Recomendamos este libro porque contiene un lenguaje muy actual y los diálogos ayudan a aprender a comunicar en español, a interactuar
- No menos importante es que esta obra nos explica de forma no cruenta los efectos de la guerra civil en la sociedad española. Este libro está incluido en la lista de lecturas propuestas para A Level de Español, AQA board
- En este y otros artículos te ayudaremos a estudiar el vocabulario, el contexto histórico, los personajes y la temática de la obra
- Las bicicletas son para el verano
2. Beginners and KS3 Spanish
We have personally created one of the best books to learn Spanish for complete beginners that also works as a good foundation for your Spanish GCSE
2.1. Revision, workbook and flashcards: How to unlock Spanish
- It includes exercises, revision charts (grammar and vocabulary), and original decks of Spanish and English reversible flashcards with useful expressions organised by topic.
- Learn how to buy, pay, ask for directions, book a table or a room, hire a bike, order in a restaurant, send a letter, and much more.
- This book is level A1 on the common European framework of reference (CEFR).
- Topics covered: numbers, dates, time, family, daily routine, weather, physical and character description, clothes, rooms of the house, furniture, food, parts of the body, illnesses, colours, and main adjectives among other topics.
- Grammar content: present tense charts and exercises, ser/estar/tener, “gustar” and similar verbs, articles, , reflexive verbs, comparatives and superlatives
- If you are a beginner and you wish to learn Spanish for travel or Spanish for holidays this book is for you.
- Use them on their own or together with a game board (also included)
2.2. Workbook: KS3 Spanish
- Use it from the beginning of year 9 or as a summer revision book for holidays.
- Use it during year 10 and 11 as a reminder of the foundation you are supposed to remember from year 9.
- The best GCSE Spanish book for the first steps.
- Includes only the answers, no online material and no audio.
- Content: Beginner vocabulary and exercises. Offers a nice check list and practice.
- This book is a nice reminder of the foundation needed later in year 10 and year 11.
- Includes the answers at the end of the book.
3. Spanish GCSE and Intermediate Spanish Level Books
3.1. GCSE Workbooks
- Use it from the beginning of year 10 or as a summer revision book for holidays in year 10 and for revision in the exam.
- The good thing about this book is that the questions are graded and the student can start doing “exam- type questions” from the beginning.
- Nevertheless if you are taking the Higher Tier and you are about to take the exam, I recommend the book above for last revision exam practise
- The best GCSE Spanish workbook for practising gradually.
- Content: reading, listening, writing and speaking exam-type questions per topic.
- There is one topic per page. The speaking and listening can be practised with audio files online.
- The questions are graded depending on difficulty. It does include the answers at the end of the book.
- Use it as exam revision when you already covered all the grammar and the topic you are going to test yourself with.
- This is the best book to learn Spanish when you already reached the end of year 10 or year 11 and you have quite a level.
- All the questions are higher and difficult, so this book is grate if you are about to take the exam.
- Content: reading, listening, writing and translation exercises per topic. There are grammar exercises at the end of the book.
- The exercises are great because they are exam-like questions: they mix the vocabulary, grammar and expressions all throughout the topics.
- It does include the answers and transcripts at the end of the book.
3.2.Revision Guides
- Use it from the beginning.
- Learn topic by topic what you need to know and how to improve your answers.
- This is the best book to learn Spanish GCSE for exam revision (but condensed).
- Content: It has the key vocabulary per topic. It is very condensed. Offers reading, listening and writing example exercises, but it is not really a book for practising.
- It has a great list of vocabulary at the end of the book and the answers to the exercises.
- It does include exam description, tips and advice.
3.3. Textbooks
- Use it from the beginning of year 10.
- Use it if you are going to prepare the GCSE Spanish on your own or if your school notes were not good at all.
- This is the best book to learn Spanish GCSE theory, practise and revision book for learning on your own (self-study).
- Content: deep revision of the content by topic, quick tests and practice after every topic.
- There is review questions and mixed practise of the topics together.
- There is a long section about grammar that will help you master grammar issues (explanation with a lot of exercises).
- This book has exam practise and tips.
4. Grammar (beginners and intermediate)
- En este libro podrás practicar gramática y traducción
- Este libro tiene los ejercicios y explicaciones sobre los puntos más importantes de gramática, incluyendo los tiempos verbales (tenses).
- Nivel GCSE Higher o B1 (nivel intermedio).