One could argue that there is no greater power in literature than its ability to help foster a great vocabulary in a reader. This month, we're celebrating all things vocabulary at Prestwick House. Today, we're happy to share our top ten books with great vocabulary. Our list spans many decades and is sure to provide ideas for your next great novel to teach!

#10 The Book Thief

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is rife with rich vocabulary and o?ers an empowering message to your students: Words can truly make a di?erence. Order this title

#9 Moby-Dick

Chasing after that white whale of a novel with great vocabulary? Moby-Dick not only helps students develop the ability to infer meaning using context clues—it also contains high-level vocabulary words about sailing! Order this title

#8 The Harry Potter Series

Make learning vocabulary a magical experience with the Harry Potter series. Even the most riddikulus words of Rowling’s creation can be a great way to teach Latin and Greek roots! Order this title

#7 Romeo and Juliet

Use the classic Romeo and Juliet, one of Shakespeare’s most accessible plays, to introduce your students to the fun (and often intimidating) world of Shakespearean vocabulary! Order this title

#6 Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass recounts the author’s desperation, determination, and ultimate triumph over slavery. While the book contains some of the most challenging vocabulary your classes are likely to encounter in high school, it remains accessible and fascinating. Order this title

#5 Flowers for Algernon

What novel challenges readers to decode intentional misspellings and construct meaning of SAT-level vocabulary from context? Must be Daniel Keyes’ Flowers for Algernon, a treasure of clever usage and wordplay. The fact that it’s riveting? Icing on the vocabulary cake. Order this title

#4 All the Pretty Horses

All the Pretty Horses, the ?rst book in Cormac McCarthy’s Border Trilogy, is ?lled with highly imaginative uses of vocabulary, including vintage and infrequently used terms to create the novel’s unique atmosphere. Order this title

#3 Grapes of Wrath

Steinbeck masterfully weaves language in The Grapes of Wrath, a socio—historical narrative that brings life to both characters and setting. Rich vocabulary and vivid language are interspersed among plain—spoken colloquialisms, making unfamiliar words feel accessible and comprehensible to any reader engrossed in the tale. Order this title

#2 Grendel

John Gardner’s Grendel not only presents students with challenging vocabulary but also provides a new twist on the Beowulf legend. In Gardner’s telling, Grendel isn’t simply a murderous monster; he’s an astute philosopher who struggles to understand humanity. Order this title

#1 Gulliver's Travels

Few authors commanded the English language more ably than Jonathan Swift. If you’re looking for a deep dive into the joys and peculiarities of English vocabulary—including three di?erent meanings of the word disposition—look no further than Gulliver’s Travels. Order this title