Big People and Little People of Other Lands

Edward R. (Edward Richard) Shaw (1855-1903)

Approximate level: A2
Length: 16,463 words
Reading time: 1 h 22 min
Chapters: 80
Language: English
On Project Gutenberg since: 2005

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Published in 1899, this early school reader introduces children in the United States to people in other parts of the world, beginning with China and describing how people look, dress, and live. Its language is simple and repetitive, with short sentences and familiar words, though some older expressions and dated descriptions reflect the era. The book is divided into brief, self-contained passages, making it easy to read a little at a time. Its themes include cultural difference, daily customs, and geography.

405 downloads on Project Gutenberg

Subjects

Children's literature
Readers -- Geography

Questions about this book

What level of English do I need for this book?

The estimate is A2, based on how common the words are and how long the sentences run. It is an approximation, not a test result. With a translation under every sentence you can start one level earlier than you would with a paper copy.

Is this book really free?

Yes. The text is in the public domain and comes from Project Gutenberg, so it costs nothing. In Lingo7 you open the book and read the first page for free; a subscription unlocks the whole library, the audio and the word practice.

How does reading with a translation work?

Lingo7 shows the original sentence and, right under it, the same sentence in your language. Tap a word to see what it means, hear it, and save it for practice. The translation is made while you read, so it works for any book and for 50 languages.

How long does it take to read?

About 1 h 22 min at a native pace, spread over 80 chapters. In a foreign language plan for more: half an hour a day finishes a book of this size in a few weeks.