What are good ACT prep books for learning the ACT material, not necessarily tests?

I’m trying to self study for the ACT but I just don’t know which prep books to use in terms of just learning the material… Help???

The best way to study for the ACT is to practice with REAL ACT tests. There are 5 tests in the Red ACT Book, 3rd Edition. ACT released several tests in booklet form.

Time each practice session to simulate the real test.

English 75 questions in 45 min.
Math 60 questions in 60 min.
Reading 40 questions in 35 min.
Science 40 questions in 35 min

Score your test and review only what you got wrong after each practice session.

I suggest the following schedule:

Take 1 section each school night/with review for 4 nights/week.
Twice per month on a Saturday or Sunday take a full ACT test/with review.

ACT 36 by Barrons

The ACT isn’t a material test except for, arguably, the math section. It’s a skills test. So the only way to prepare for it is to work on skills rather than knowledge. Best done by taking the practice tests, as mentioned before. LEarn from your mistakes on them