From Beginner to Bookworm: Finding the Right Reads in English and French

James Batchelor
Sep 18
2 min read

Have you ever thought, “I’ll start reading in English (or French) when I’m advanced enough”? It’s a common belief — but also a myth. Reading isn’t just for experts. With the right tools, you can enjoy books at any CEFR level, from your first A1 steps to confident C1 reading.

If you are following one of my English courses with CPF, or even a French course with CPF, reading can be a perfect way to reinforce what we do together.

Busting the Myth

The truth is: anyone can read in a foreign language. You just need the right kind of book. A B1 learner trying to tackle Victor Hugo in French or Shakespeare in English is setting themselves up for frustration. But with the right match — a graded reader, a bilingual edition, or even a graphic novel — reading becomes a pleasure instead of a punishment.

A Personal Note

When I was learning French, I made reading my training ground. My method was simple:

I read four full pages without stopping.
I underlined words I didn’t understand.
After four pages, I took a break, opened the dictionary, and reviewed my notes.

This rhythm gave me the flow of reading while still building vocabulary. It’s a strategy that works just as well for learners of English.

Practical Tips & Resources

Start Small (A1–A2):

Grow Confident (B1–B2):

Challenge Yourself (C1–C2):

Mix It Up (Any Level):

The Power of E-Readers

Don’t overlook technology. E-readers like Kindle or Kobo can transform how you learn:

Built-in dictionaries for instant word look-ups.
Highlighting and note-taking that builds your personal vocabulary bank.
Translation options for beginners who get stuck.
Audiobook integration for listening + reading at the same time.
Portable libraries — perfect if you’re studying both English and French.

With these features, my students using E-learning or other online education tools find that reading becomes more flexible, personal, and enjoyable.

Conclusion

Reading in English or French is not about waiting until you’re “good enough.” It’s about finding the right book for your level and making it part of your daily rhythm. From children’s stories to classics, from comics to bilingual editions, every learner can discover a world of stories.

👉 So whether you’re just starting an English course with CPF in Vincennes or taking private tutoring in English or French, remember this: books are your allies at every stage of the journey. And as your English teacher in Vincennes, I’ll help you choose the right ones for your level and goals.