Pearson English Readers
Introduce your language learners to entertaining topics and beloved stories through the power of reading.
Speak to one of our experts today to learn more or to get a recommendation tailored to your learners’ unique needs.
Introducing Pearson English Readers
Pearson English Readers is a world-renowned collection of graded readers, designed to support English language learning through engaging, age-appropriate storytelling. Spanning levels from pre-primary to adult, our Readers help learners build vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension in an enjoyable and effective way.
They are suitable for shared, guided, or independent reading - whether used in the classroom or at home - making them a flexible resource for every stage of learning. As the perfect companion to the Pearson English Journey, our Readers library includes a wide range of downloadable resources such as teaching notes, photocopiable activities and audio files to support impactful, easy-to-deliver lessons.
Explore our Readers collections
Organized into four collections - two for pre-primary and primary learners, and two for secondary and adult - Pearson English Readers supports every age group and reading level.
Pre-primary and primary
Designed for younger learners, Pearson English Readers for Pre-primary and Primary students introduce the joys of reading while building essential language skills. With vibrant illustrations and simple language, these stories help children develop vocabulary, comprehension, and listening skills in an engaging way.
Pearson Kids Readers
Levels: 6 Age range: 5-12 years CEFR: <A1-B1 GSE10-48 Lexile: 120L-600L
- Four key genre with range of topics with kid appeal
- Adapted and simplified texts with graded language
- Suitable for shared, guided or independent reading
- Before and After You Read activities at the back
- For classroom or home use
Disney Kids Readers
Unlock the imagination of learning with Pearson and Disney
Delight young learners with beloved Disney characters and stories that spark creativity and support literacy development.
The Disney Kids Readers collection includes:
Disney Princess stories, including Frozen and Frozen 2
Disney and Pixar adventures such as Toy Story, Monsters University, and Finding Dory
Each Reader features a robust vocabulary, grammar and phonics syllabus that reinforces key language skills taught in primary courses. These engaging stories also help children build new skills and learn values in an authentic context.
Information overview
The Disney Kids Readers collection includes 36 titles across 6 levels, designed for children aged 6 to 12. Each title is aligned to GSE (16–48), CEFR (<A1–B1), and Lexile (120L–650L) levels. Readers are available in print, e-book, and audiobook formats and can be used individually or as a structured reading course.
Workbook
Each level includes a dedicated workbook with extra practice activities to support the Readers. These are designed to build vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension skills.
Teachers book
There is one Teacher’s Book per level, offering a full year of weekly lessons with eight lesson plans per Reader. Each book includes step-by-step guidance for using all course materials. Additional downloadable resources include teaching notes, photocopiables, and audiobooks.
Teacher’s resources
Every Disney Kids Reader comes with free downloadable Teacher’s Notes and photocopiable worksheets to support classroom use. These resources are available from the Pearson English Portal and help bring the stories to life through guided activities and games.
Poptropica English Readers
Inspire young learners to read as they join their favorite Poptropica characters on exciting island adventures. These stories support English learning through fun, interactive journeys across six themed islands - each packed with opportunities to explore language and cross-curricular topics.
The collection includes:
Adventures with your favourite Poptropica characters
Stories that connect with the Poptropica adventure game for added engagement
Classic, contemporary and original children’s fiction
Timeless tales, modern favorites and original stories come together to spark imagination and a love of reading. These engaging narratives feature unforgettable characters and adventures young learners will want to return to again and again.
The collection includes:
- The Wind in the Willows
- Thumbelina
- Sherlock Holmes Short Stories
- Wallace and Gromit, A Matter of Loaf and Death
Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)
Help curious young minds explore the world through English. These readers use engaging topics and activities to build knowledge and spark questions, supporting both language development and subject learning.
The CLIL collection for young learners includes:
- Festival Fun
- Animal Athletes
- Our Changing Planet
Pearson Story Readers
Levels: 4 Age range: 5-11 CEFR: <A1-B1+ GSE20-53 Lexile: 150L-550L
Classic stories children love, adapted for English learners
Pearson English Story Readers bring some of the world’s best-loved children’s stories to life, making them perfect for use at home or in the classroom.
- Adapted and simplified texts with controlled vocabulary and grammar
- Ideal for shared, guided, or independent reading
- Three cognitive levels, clearly indicated by book size
- Suitable for both classroom and home use
- Chants to help reinforce story language through rhythm and repetition
Recommended for teachers who want to make reading a fun classroom activity, and for parents who want to support their child’s learning and share the joy of reading.
Secondary and adult
Designed for teenage and adult learners, Pearson English Readers support reading development through age-appropriate fiction and non-fiction titles. With simplified language and controlled grammar, these Readers help learners build confidence, expand vocabulary, and experience the joy of reading in English.
Pearson English Readers
Levels: 7 Age range: 12+ years CEFR: A1-C1 GSE: 23-83 Lexile: 150L-950L
Pearson English Readers help teenage and adult learners build reading confidence through engaging fiction and non-fiction titles. With adapted texts and a wide range of genres - from classic novels and comedies to film-based stories like Doctor Who - these Readers offer an enjoyable and accessible way to develop vocabulary, grammar, and reading fluency. Ideal for independent reading or classroom use, they also include activities and projects to support learning at every stage.
Key features:
- Adapted and simplified texts with controlled vocabulary and grammar
- A broad range of genres including comedies, plays, classics, and film titles
- Suitable for independent, guided, or classroom reading
- “After You Read” activities, writing projects, and word lists included
- Includes teachers' notes, photocopiable resources, and audio
Classic and Contemporary Fiction Readers
The Classic and Contemporary Fiction Readers collection invites teenage and adult learners to explore timeless stories and contemporary favourites. From iconic literature to bestselling thrillers, these Readers offer compelling narratives that build language skills while keeping students engaged. The collection includes:
- Classic literature from renowned authors such as Jane Austen (Pride and Prejudice), William Shakespeare (Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet), Victor Hugo (Les Misérables), Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland), and Mark Twain (The Adventures of Tom Sawyer)
- Contemporary fiction by bestselling authors including John Grisham (The Client) and Malorie Blackman (Noughts and Crosses)
- A broad range of genres including drama, romance, adventure, science fiction, fantasy, ghost stories, and horror
TV and Movie Readers
The TV and Movie Readers collection brings popular films and characters into the English language classroom. Designed for teenage and adult learners, these Readers use simplified language and engaging activities to help learners build confidence while enjoying well-known stories from the screen.
The collection includes:
- Light-hearted and romantic comedies such as Notting Hill and Four Weddings and a Funeral
- Iconic characters and cult favorites like Mr. Bean in Town and Psycho
Real World Readers
Build your learners' English ability and general knowledge about the world around us with exciting topics about our fascinating planet.
The Real-World Readers collection for teens and adults includes:
- Biographical texts about influential figures today and through time, including Martin Luther King
- Insightful and inspiring stories of influential icons, such as The Beatles
BBC's Doctor Who Readers
Pearson is proud to partner with BBC Studios to bring one of Britain’s most iconic shows - Doctor Who - into the English language classroom. These specially adapted Readers help teenage and adult learners develop their English skills through exciting, time-traveling adventures packed with mystery and imagination.
With engaging illustrations and activities, Doctor Who Readers bring the screen to the page, making learning English fun, memorable, and motivating for fans of sci-fi and storytelling.
Key features:
- Adapted stories from the Doctor Who TV series
- Illustrated pages that reflect key scenes and characters
- Activities to support comprehension and classroom use
- Designed for independent or guided reading
Pearson Active Readers
Age range: 12+ years CEFR: A1-B2+ GSE: 23-60 Lexile: 150L-850L
Pearson English Active Readers offer a wide selection of classic, original, and non-fiction titles designed to support a more structured and intensive reading experience. With activities embedded throughout each book and culminating in a final project, they’re ideal for guided or group reading in the classroom.
- Adapted and simplified texts with controlled vocabulary and grammar
- A broad range of genres including fiction, non-fiction, and classics
- Activities integrated into each chapter to support comprehension
- Designed for in-class use, especially group or guided reading
Mini Libraries
Make it easy to build your classroom reading library with ready-made collections of Pearson English Readers and Pearson English Active Readers. Mini Libraries provide carefully selected titles grouped by level, helping teachers introduce extensive reading while saving time choosing books for their learners. Available for secondary and adult learners.
Ready-made collections
Carefully selected titles organized by level, saving teachers time.
Digital reading experience
Available through Pearson English Portal and Reader+ with digital reading tools to support learners.
Wide choice of titles
Includes classics, contemporary fiction and non-fiction in British and American English.
Designed for the classroom
Ideal for classroom use, homework and independent reading.
Pearson English Readers Mini Libraries
A collection of graded readers designed to develop reading confidence through engaging stories and extensive reading.
Pearson English Active Readers Mini Libraries
A collection of graded readers that combines engaging stories with integrated language practice and activities throughout each chapter.
Looking for teaching resources?
Pearson English Readers include downloadable teaching resources designed exclusively for teachers. These include teaching notes, photocopiable activities and audio files to support lesson delivery and student engagement.
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How Disney Kids Readers boost motivation and confidence in English classrooms
A case study from Istanbul Kültür Educational Institutions
At Istanbul Kültür Educational Institutions, Disney Kids Readers have transformed the way students engage with English. Teachers report increased confidence, stronger reading skills, and greater participation - especially among younger learners.
Familiar characters, colorful visuals, and digital formats help students feel safe, motivated, and excited to learn.
As one student shared, “It motivates me with its characters, covers and colors.”
Get the most out of Pearson English Readers
Match to your learners’ ability
All Pearson English Readers are aligned to the Lexile Global Framework for reading and mapped to the Global Scale of English, so you can find the best Readers to challenge and continue building your learners’ skills.
Supported classroom success
Every Reader has customized educator support material to help you plan lessons, save time and measure success. Speak to one of our experts today to learn more about our Pearson English Readers collection or to get a recommendation tailored to your learners’ unique needs.
Complement your teaching
Whether building skills with our Readers, learning English with a course or preparing for assessments or certifications, take your teaching to the next level with our Pearson English Journey.