Readers are Leaders

Reason for Being

DIGILANGUA.CO was created for language teachers and their students to provide access to compelling, culturally rich, comprehensible novels that promote communication, connection and community.

So, that is the oh-so-official sounding reason for being. And there is way more of that further down on this landing page. But for those who want the *sparknotes version, here it is.

Who?: We are two teachers of Spanish & French

What?: We write comprehensible novels in different languages for students learning languages. 

Where?: Well, we’re based in the northeast of the USA, but our books are read all over the world!

Why?: We are passionate (obsessed?!?!!) about telling stories that allow readers to connect with cultures all over the world through stories, and to think about more complex themes - even while reading in another language at a more basic level.

We ❤️reading so much that we think it should be the only homework assignment!

Already we have a library of over 160 books in five different languages, and there are no signs of stopping!

We have stories that involve:

• mysteries

• individuality

• LGBTQ+ themes

• politics 

• racism & classism

• substance abuse disorders

• different abilities

• undocumented immigration

• history

• and others…

Other teachers who also use our books, have told us that reading our stories have changed their and their students’ lives.

Simply, people learn through story. And the way we see it, there’s no better way to learn than through reading. Oh, there’s that whole acquiring a different language thing too. It’s a win all around.

Two years in, this is what we have found (some of these are “master-of-the-obvious” level):

• Students of all ages have access to the world at their fingertips with their personal devices - IF they have access to the internet (can’t use what they don’t have) 

• Some readers may not use personal devices to consume quality content (like having the candy next to cash register)

• With compelling content, readers will get sucked into a story and work hard to figure out the text (especially with an accompanying glossary for each book)

READERS ARE LEADERS

Reading is the foundation of all learning, and…it’s FUN! 

• increases vocabulary

• Builds confidence while learning at one's own pace

• Helps with memory

• Increases comprehension

• Develops critical thinking

• Improves analytical skills

• Develops emotions and fosters empathy

• Broadens horizons

• Assists with writing skills

• Hones focus and concentration

Now imagine all of the above plus even more skills while reading in a different language:

• Increases fluency

• Presents idiomatic expressions

• Teaches sentence structure

• Introduces nuances of the target language

• Allows for the focus on ideas, not just words