What Are the Best AP Latin Textbooks and Prep Books?

Salve, and welcome to this guide on the best textbooks and prep books for AP Latin!

Textbooks 📚

As with all of the other AP language courses, there is a bit of a problem if you are looking for a one-stop AP approved textbook. As described on the AP Latin course audit page, the College Board does not offer a list of approved textbooks for the Latin exam because they want the exam to focus on building your language proficiency.

If this worries you, there is an alternative solution. On that same course audit page, there is an example syllabus for the course that is designed to help new teachers learn how to teach the course. Still, it could prove to be a valuable resource for self-studying, as it provides a framework and sample activities for you to do, as well as links to helpful resources. Because the College Board designed the example syllabus for teachers, it won't be 100% useful, but it could provide a useful framework that textbooks normally provide.

Also, in general, if you are in a class, you shouldn't need to get another textbook, and prep books are probably better for your needs, so definitely keep reading to get our advice on those. If you are self-studying, a textbook probably wouldn't be the best choice either, as those frequently only work well with a supplemental teacher.

Prep Books 📔

In addition, there also aren't that many prep books for AP Latin — in fact, there are only two.

Hackett's AP Latin Test Prep Manual (Amazon)

At $24.00, this is also a little bit pricy for a prep book. However, it contains a chapter on pretty much all of the sections that are important for the AP Latin exam, so you will get a pretty good sense of what you need to review, but it is mostly in a bullet point style, which could be an issue if you like more detailed prose.

REA's AP Latin: Vergil Guide (Amazon)

This is the only other prep book out there, and there are more caveats than benefits. It is only available used, so chances are the access code will not work, it only covers 50% of the required reading, and REA prep books are not always known to be the most helpful and clear, so this may not be the best solution for you.

Sorry that this guide doesn't have more resources, but, unfortunately, the fact is that AP Latin isn't a course with a huge demand for resources. Don't worry, we at Fiveable have you covered — that's why we now have study guides for every unit, as well as guides for every part of the exam, in addition to the courses we just mentioned! Join the community and we can share and create AP Latin resources together!

We got your back, so now go ace the exam!