Level 1 Novels and Resources: Spanish / French

Spanish 1+

La clase de confesiones: Students will see themselves reflected in this story!

“La clase de confesiones” is the perfect novel for your Spanish level 1 students or review for Spanish 2. With several illustrations, this story is told mostly in the present tense and features essential vocabulary for discussing, school, classes, teachers, and of course, el amor! Your students will see themselves reflected immediately in this classroom drama. They will empathize with Carlos as they come along on his crazy adventure! Best of all, the story has only 130 new words such as common words or phrases such as le gusta, tiene que mirar, busca, quiere, etc. Most of the vocabulary words are cognates so that students don’t miss a beat!

Why use this novel is class? Here are a few reasons!

A compelling and unforgettable storyline
Relatable characters
High-frequency vocabulary
Present tense verbs
Classroom vocabulary
Teacher/student dynamic (and interesting banter)
The timeless story of a classroom crush… gone awry
Good old fashion lines… some from your favorite teachers!
The adventure continues in the sequel!

What is this novel about?

Carlos hates Spanish class with a passion but finds the will to survive when he lays eyes on Jessica. She is the reason he “tolerates” his boring class. However, his secret crush is compromised when his teacher decides to “shake things up a bit” in class. A simple writing assignment turns out to be a lethal injection to his social life and by extension his chances with Jessica. First, his nosy teacher tries to “set him up with Jessica,” this plan immediately backfires. Then, the unthinkable happens, and Carlos is stunned. This turns into one of the most embarrassing moments in his life. But all is not lost. Carlos invites you to come along on this adventure into “La clase de confesiones” where…” todos tienen una confesión,” even the teacher!

Teacher’s Manual on TPT60+ Activities

Author’s note: This novel pairs well with a school unit as most of the vocabulary surround the school and the classroom environment, and “classroom crushes” all students have them! This story was originally written to recycle vocabulary associated with school supplies in addition to basic Spanish verbs in different forms. Therefore you will see a lot of vocabulary words tastefully repeated (which is good for acquisition). The unique word count is around 130. My students loved it (and so did many others). They demanded I write a part 2 (you will see why at the end), and I obliged.

See purchasing options at the foot of the page. Also, check out our short story resource center! Your students won’t be disappointed, and neither will you!

The confessions don’t stop there, part 2 is chock full of even more confessions… the best part, you don’t even have to read the first book!

The second book in the series can be read as stand-alone…saving the best for last!

La bella mentira

¡Pobrecito!…Las aventuras continurán en la segunda parte. Carlos is having a bad day, and it’s about to get worse. He leaves Spanish class utterly embarrassed. He had no idea that the teacher was going to partner him up with Jessica, the girl he actually writes about in his class essay. Adding insult to injury, the teacher reads his essay in front of the class, even the mean-spirited things he wrote about his teacher. After running into a few more problems in math class, he is faced with the big showdown in the lunchroom. Now, Carlos is between *”la espada y la pared.” However, a short story in Spanish class may hold the key to all of his problems, and may ultimately lead to his biggest confession of all. Find out in part 2!

French Teachers, we’ve got you covered as well! The “Confessions” series is also in French!

La classe des confessions

The French Level 1+ novel, “La classe des confessions” (part 1) is written almost entirely in the present tense. It is the perfect novel for reviewing school vocabulary, classes, relationships, basic French I structures in the Target Language, and, of course “l’amour.” Sprinkled with authentic and witty expressions, students will see themselves in the story, as well as their teachers! Although this book is part of a series (2 books), book 1 is a standalone novel…but students would want to read part 2: Le Beau Mensonge!

Synopsis: Charles hates French class with a passion but finds the will to survive when he lays eyes on Justine. She is the reason he “tolerates” his boring class. However, his secret crush is compromised when his teacher decides to “shake things up a bit” in class. A simple writing assignment turns out to be a lethal injection to his social life and by extension his chances with Justine. First, his nosy teacher tries to “set him up with Justine,” this plan immediately backfires. Then, the unthinkable happens and Charles is stunned. This turns into one of the most embarrassing moments in his life. Charles invites you to come along on this adventure into “La classe des confessions” where everyone has a confession, even the teacher!

Feliz Cumpleaños

Spanish 1+

“Feliz Cumpleaños” is the classic bully story with a twist. Esteban just can’t get a break, even on his birthday! From the forgetful teacher in class, to the bully who takes his lunch, he is at his wit’s end. Although his day starts to brighten when a good friend and love interest wish him “happy birthday,” he is still subject to Roberto’s (the bully) attacks. When Cristina is thrown into the mix, well, things get more complicated. Esteban has an uphill battle and must muster the courage to stand up for himself, on his birthday!

What are the themes this novel highlights?

In addition to the high-frequency vocabulary, and relatable storyline, this novel could interest students as it highlights:

Friendships
Relationships
Bullying
Confidence (gaining confidence)
Kindness
Family Ties
Birthday celebrations

(Recommended Levels: FVR (all level), 5th-10 grade).

This story is perfect for Spanish I Novice-mid students as the language includes mostly -ar verbs and is written in the present tense. The story is organized into 4 short chapters. Vocabulary is footnoted in addition to being integrated into the pre-reading vocabulary and grammar activities. My class really enjoyed this story of the “underdog” student who ultimately stands up for himself. Although a very simple story, there are a few twists and turns that will grab students and endear them to Esteban.