I teach English as a Second Language. I've looked at dozens of books on the subject and each one starts of with the premise that the student already knows some English. That doesn't work for a student who has no back ground. These volumes, which start at 1st grade (I believe) however, help students learn English by giving them words, definitions and building slow. While they are not the perfect answer, I haven't found any books that I like better, or as well.