6 Best Sign Language Books
The best sign language books, ranked by expert source recommendations, with notes to help you choose ASL and BSL introductions, children’s guides, and references.
Our take
Sign languages have their own grammar, regional variation, and communities of users. Choosing a book begins with choosing the language you want to learn. Most titles here teach American Sign Language, or ASL; the BSL guide supports learners of British Sign Language. Printed illustrations can help with vocabulary and review, while movement, facial expression, and conversation are easier to understand through demonstrations and interaction.
For an approachable ASL introduction, consider American Sign Language For Dummies or Learn American Sign Language. Master ASL! Level One offers a more structured classroom route with practice activities and companion media. Sternberg’s American Sign Language Dictionary is useful for looking up signs once you have a learning framework. American Sign Language for Kids introduces a smaller everyday vocabulary for families. If you want BSL, start with British Sign Language For Dummies. Choose a course or teacher connected with the relevant Deaf community, then use a book to reinforce what you see and practice.
6 books · 6 sources · Last updated
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How to choose from this list
Skip to the full rankingIf you want an approachable ASL introduction: American Sign Language For Dummies → Learn American Sign Language
If you want a structured ASL course: Master ASL! Level One
If you want a printed ASL reference: American Sign Language Dictionary
If you want to practice with young children: American Sign Language for Kids
If you want to learn BSL: British Sign Language For Dummies
The 6 books, ranked
Ranked by how many expert sources name each book. Ties go to the book more people recommend.
British Sign Language For Dummies
For beginners specifically learning BSL who want everyday vocabulary, grammar, and cultural context in one guide. The explanations and companion demonstrations support initial study, though learners should check media access and seek opportunities for real conversation.
What it's about
A City Lit team introduces British Sign Language through everyday signs, grammar, and information about Deaf life. Illustrated explanations and companion media demonstrate communication in familiar situations, providing a starting framework for learners building practical BSL skills.
Master ASL! Level One
For students who want a structured ASL course with exercises and video-supported practice. The classroom orientation connects vocabulary with communication and culture, though the material works best with an instructor and access to its companion media.
What it's about
Jason Zinza introduces American Sign Language through a course combining illustrated lessons, practice activities, and video material. Topics connect everyday communication with ASL grammar and Deaf culture, helping students build skills progressively within a classroom learning framework.
For beginners who want illustrated vocabulary connected with sentence-building and expression. The everyday organization makes it easy to revisit useful topics, though photographs need to be paired with moving demonstrations and feedback to clarify signing accurately.
What it's about
James Guido introduces more than 800 signs organized around everyday settings and subjects. The beginner's guide also explains forming sentences, using facial expressions, and adapting signs through classifiers to convey more detailed actions and stories.
American Sign Language Dictionary
For ASL learners who want a substantial printed reference for looking up individual signs. The drawings and instructions support review, though a dictionary does not teach conversational grammar or show movement as clearly as video and live interaction.
What it's about
Martin Sternberg's illustrated dictionary presents more than 5,000 American Sign Language signs with detailed instructions and thousands of drawings. Designed as an abridged reference, it helps students, parents, and instructors look up and practice individual signs.
American Sign Language For Dummies
For beginners who want an approachable introduction to ASL alongside information about Deaf culture. The explanations and video support help with first steps, though developing fluent conversation requires more sustained practice than a general introductory guide provides.
What it's about
Adan Penilla and Angela Lee Taylor introduce American Sign Language and Deaf culture. The guide explains visual and spatial communication through facial expressions and body movements, with online videos for practice and attention to cultural and regional differences.
For families introducing young children to a manageable set of everyday ASL signs. The activities and illustrated vocabulary make shared practice approachable, though the small selection is an introduction rather than a complete language-learning course.
What it's about
Rochelle Barlow introduces children ages three to six and their parents to 101 everyday signs. Illustrated instructions, memory aids, and activities organize vocabulary around family, feelings, meals, and play, with guidance for children who communicate nonverbally.
Sources
- 1
10 Best Sign Language Books UK 2024
uk.my-best.com
- 2
Books for learning British Sign Language
british-sign.co.uk
- 3
100 Best Sign Language Books of All Time
shortform.com
- 4
The Best Sign Language Book Recommendations
startasl.com
- 5
Beginner ASL Basics - Resources
aslmeredith.com
- 6
10 Sign Language Books For Beginners
bookriot.com
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