Introduction
Graded readers motivate learners, help them gain reading fluency, enhance their
vocabulary and grammar knowledge development.
They allow students to understand how language is constructed. Students can
recognize real examples of how sentences are combined to form paragraphs and
how paragraphs are arranged to form texts. By reading longer texts students will have
the opportunity to see language as a way to communicate ideas and opinions.
Born to Play
Jamie Johnson had a happy family and great friends
at home in the U.S. But one day everything changed,
and Jamie and his mom were in cold, wet England
with no friends and no money. But Jamie had his
dream. He wanted to become a great soccer player.
Language level: Beginner Plus
Lexile: 530
ACTFL: Novice high – Intermediate low
CEFR: A1-A2
Equivalent to a book in a grade 2 or 3 US school classroom.
Spanish Versions
The original Jamie Johnson novels are also available in Spanish. These are the full
versions of the original books, so they contain much more detail than the graded
readers, while following the same storyline. Spanish-speaking students may enjoy
reading these alongside the graded readers - or afterwards - to learn more about
the characters and situations in the story. It can also help to foster a regular habit of
reading in their free time.