I don’t know why this book is so expensive ($80 new, but can be found for around $20 used), but perhaps because it is so damn good. Graded German Reader, Erste Stufe by Hannelore Crossgrove is outstanding.

The stories start very small and basic, with easy vocabulary and sentences. For each new word, there is a footnote with the English translation. Each story adds on to the one before with more vocabulary and grammar and before you know it, you are learning tons of vocabulary and grammar. And the stories aren’t bad, either. There was a long section of fables that I wished ended sooner, but overall, they were great. There are exercises throughout to test yourself on what you’ve read, and word lists at the end of each section.

Highly recommended.

Hannelore, when are you coming out with Zweite Stufe???

Author: Hannelore Crossgrove
Pages: 240
ISBN: 0669201596