Best Workbooks for Learning Italian (2026): 3 Picks Compared

A beginner who wants exercises to check progress, not only a phrasebook, can narrow the best workbooks for learning italian by reading what each listing says is inside. This list suits self-study learners and students who want practice pages, and it compares three picks on fit, contents, value and any level the listing states.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Italian Made Easy by Lingo Mastery	9.7/10	Buy
2	Short Stories by Richards	9.5/10	Buy
3	Verbs Made Easy by Lingo Mastery	9.5/10	Buy

1

Italian Made Easy by Lingo Mastery

Lingo Mastery·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Suits a learner starting from zero who wants lessons and exercises in one 216-page volume.

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Pros

• The description says the book opens with the alphabet, accents and gender rules before the exercises
• Exercises cover everyday tasks such as asking for directions, ordering food and speaking formally at work
• The listing gives 216 pages and a publication date of August 11, 2022

Cons

• The listing does not state an answer key, so check the contents before using it for self-study
• It is Level 1 of a series, so later levels are needed to continue
• The description uses promotional phrasing, so judge the contents from the table of contents

2

Short Stories by Richards

Olly Richards·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Suits a learner who wants reading practice with eight stories, a glossary and comprehension questions.

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Pros

• The description says the stories are mapped to A2 to B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference
• A glossary for bolded words, a bilingual word list and comprehension questions after each chapter
• Genres run from science fiction to history and thriller, so the reading stays varied

Cons

• It is a story collection, so it offers less grammar drill than a workbook
• The description lists crime and thriller stories, so preview the themes before giving it to a younger learner
• The listing states a 2018 edition and does not say whether a newer one exists

3

Verbs Made Easy by Lingo Mastery

Lingo Mastery·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Suits a learner who is stuck on conjugations and wants exercises with an answer key.

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Pros

• The description says it covers every type of conjugation, with theory sections and examples for each
• The listing states it includes audio exercises and an in-depth answer key at the end
• Published June 1, 2023, the most recent of the three picks

Cons

• The focus is narrow, on verbs and conjugations, so it supports a course rather than replacing one
• The listing states no reading age, grade level or skill level, so check a sample page for difficulty
• At 172 pages it holds less practice than the other two picks

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More picks to compare

• Grammar Made Easy by Lingo MasteryFor learners who want grammar exercises, an answer key and audio practice.Check on Amazon
• Dummies Italian Workbook by PicarazziFor beginners who want grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation practice in one workbook.Check on Amazon
• Learn Italian in 28 Days by MartelliFor learners who want a day-by-day plan with 100+ audio tracks and practice exercises.Check on Amazon
• Learn Italian 5-in-1 Course by ClareFor adult beginners who want vocabulary, grammar, conversation and writing in one book.Check on Amazon
• Italian Grammar Workbook by Proudfoot2005 second edition for class or self-study, with graded exercises and an answer key.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 16 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the learner, contents and edition, value, and the level a listing states. None of the three picks gives a reading age or grade level. Two state a skill level: Italian Made Easy Level 1 in its title, and Short Stories with a CEFR range of A2 to B1 in its description. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best workbooks for learning italian

Start with lessons if you are new

A book that opens with the alphabet, accents and gender rules, like Italian Made Easy Level 1, suits a learner with no base yet. Check the level in the title before you buy. For more beginner options, see our Italian workbooks for beginners list.

Treat a verb book as a supplement

The verb workbook’s listing says it covers every type of conjugation, so it is most useful beside a course rather than alone. The answer key at the end is stated in its listing, which helps a self-study learner check work. Learners weighing another language can compare our French workbooks.

Before you buy

• Check the publication date: the verb workbook is dated June 1, 2023, Italian Made Easy Level 1 August 11, 2022, and the short stories book November 13, 2018.
• Look for an answer key: the verb workbook’s listing states one at the end, while the other two descriptions do not mention one.
• Compare the stated level with your own: Level 1 for Italian Made Easy, and A2 to B1 for the short stories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should a beginner start with Italian workbooks?

Italian Made Easy Level 1 is the most direct starting point, with 216 pages that open with the alphabet and gender rules. Add the verb workbook once conjugations become the sticking point.

Does any of these workbooks include an answer key?

The verb workbook’s listing states an in-depth answer key at the end. The Italian Made Easy listing does not state one, so check its contents before buying for self-study.

Which edition should I buy?

Compare the publication dates on each listing, since none of the descriptions mentions a newer edition. The verb workbook is the most recent of the three, dated June 1, 2023.

Still deciding? Our top pickItalian Made Easy by Lingo Mastery

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Related lists

See every Homeschool Curriculum list and all Workbooks and Homeschool lists.

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