Levantine Arabic Learning Resources: Books for Reading Practice

Levantine Arabic Reader series

The Levantine Arabic Reader series aims to provide learners with much-needed exposure to authentic language. The books in the series are at a similar level (B1-B2) and can be read in any order. These stories are a fun and flexible tool for building vocabulary, improving language skills, and developing overall fluency.

The main text is presented on left-facing pages with tashkeel (diacritics) to aid in reading, while parallel English translations on right-facing pages are there to help you better understand new words and idioms. A second version of the text is given at the back of the book, without the distraction of tashkeel and translations, for those who are up to the challenge.

The series consist of 15 books and cover all four Levantine Arabic dialects.

Dear Uncle Jassim: Levantine Arabic Reader (Syrian Arabic)
Emad gives his students an impossible assignment: Write a letter to a relative who has emigrated, convincing them to return to Syria. What arguments will they make? And will this convince Emad to give up his plans to go to Germany?

Under the Almond Tree: Levantine Arabic Reader (Syrian Arabic)
Abu Lina lives with his two daughters in rural Syria. After a fire nearly takes away everything from him, he sets off on an adventure to make the ultimate sacrifice for his family.

Khalil and the Multiverse: Levantine Arabic Reader (Syrian Arabic)
Khalil's world literally changes one day when he wakes up in an alternate reality, a better one, but each morning, he slips into another parallel universe. Or was it all just a dream?

Where Are We Going?: Levantine Arabic Reader (Syrian Arabic)
It's the dead of the winter of 2015. Issa and his family have to leave their home to seek refuge from the war. But where will they go and what fate awaits them?

How Much Is the Fish?: Levantine Arabic Reader (Lebanese Arabic)
Muhammad feels that the whole world is standing against him, even his wife. His principles seem to work to his disadvantage. Does he need to lie and cheat to find true success?

The Blond Killer: Levantine Arabic Reader (Lebanese Arabic)
When a body is found in the Beirut river, detective Samer is sent to investigate. He interviews suspects and witnesses. Can you help him find the murderer?

The Cats of Beirut: Levantine Arabic Reader (Lebanese Arabic)
Sara and Jad's communities are divided by sectarian distrust and memories of violence. But this doesn't get in the way of their friendship and a common goal to care for the less fortunate where they live.

The Lottery Ticket: Levantine Arabic Reader (Lebanese Arabic)
George plays the lottery every week. When his neighbor thinks he's won, a scheme is devised, and karma comes into play.

The Farmer's Jar: Levantine Arabic Reader (Lebanese Arabic)
In this modern-day fairytale, a lazy farmer and his greedy wife find a magical jar that can change lives for the better and for the worse.

I Was Not Created to Stay: Levantine Arabic Reader (Jordanian Arabic)
In the life of all human beings, there is a specific person or event that changes your entire life and turns it upside down. This is Joury's story.

Petra: Levantine Arabic Reader (Jordanian Arabic)
Aziz and Ramy are inseparable. That is, until they venture to Petra together for Aziz's birthday and things take an unexpected turn.

Back to School: Levantine Arabic Reader (Jordanian Arabic)
Faris, a road engineer in Amman, and his family are ready for a much-needed summer vacation when an unexpected visit to his old elementary school changes his plans.

Fatimah's Life: Levantine Arabic Reader (Palestinian Arabic)
When Fatimah's father puts pressure on her to get married with a man she knows little about, she has a big decision to make. But will it be the biggest mistake of her life?

Where There's a Will: Levantine Arabic Reader (Palestinian Arabic)
Three young entrepreneurs with big dreams go into business together. But when things don't go as planned, their friendship becomes strained and one of them will have to live with regret.

An Ambitious Young Man: Levantine Arabic Reader (Palestinian Arabic)
Kareem graduated with confidence, ready to take on the world and make a better life for himself. But adulting proves harder than he had anticipated. Does he have what it takes to succeed?