Reading is one of the most powerful ways to build your vocabulary and fluency in a new language. But if you're a beginner, picking up an authentic Chinese novel can be deeply discouraging. When you have to look up every other character just to follow the plot, the pleasure of reading quickly turns into a joyless chore, and it's easy to give up.
This is where graded readers come in. These are classic stories carefully adapted for language learners. The vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structures are simplified to match a specific proficiency level, like A1. This allows you to enjoy a great story without the struggle, building confidence and learning naturally as you read.
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1Best choice
Around the World in 80 Days 環遊世界八十天
Our edition of this timeless adventure is the perfect starting point for A1 learners. The vocabulary is scientifically graded based on a massive two-billion-word corpus, ensuring you learn the most useful characters first. Each book features a unique progression system: sentences and paragraphs start short and simple, gradually growing in complexity to gently guide you through the A1 level. Best of all, a bilingual glossary in the margin provides instant English translations for tricky words, so you never have to stop reading. Combined with chapter exercises and printable flashcards, it's a complete system designed for effective self-study.
- Chinese–English glossary of hard words in the margin of every page
- Difficulty rises inside the book (sentences & paragraphs grow longer)
- Exercises after every chapter (crosswords, gap-fills, anagrams and more) — in print and online
- Flashcards to print and cut out
- Vocabulary graded by corpus research (science-based)
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2
In Search of Hua Ma (寻找化马)
From the Mandarin Companion series, 'In Search of Hua Ma' is an original mystery story written for beginner-level learners of Mandarin Chinese.
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3
Wrong, Wrong, Wrong! (错，错，错！)
'Wrong, Wrong, Wrong!' is a popular title from the Chinese Breeze series. It is an original short novel written using a controlled vocabulary of around 300 words.
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4
Great Expectations: Part 1 (远大前程)
This is a retelling of the Charles Dickens classic, 'Great Expectations', adapted into a Chinese setting. It is part of the Mandarin Companion Level 2 series, aimed at elementary to intermediate learners.
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5
The Third Eye (第三只眼睛)
Part of the well-regarded Chinese Breeze series, 'The Third Eye' is a mystery story written for intermediate learners using a vocabulary of approximately 750 words.
While there are several good options for A1 learners, our Pentecost Publishing editions consistently top the list for a reason. We've built a complete learning system around each story, grounded in the science of language acquisition. Our books offer a unique combination of features designed for independent learners: vocabulary graded by real-world frequency, a gentle difficulty progression within the book itself, a bilingual margin glossary in your native language for uninterrupted reading, plus both paper and online exercises and printable flashcards to reinforce what you've learned.
| Pentecost | Typical simplified reader | |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese–English glossary of hard words in the margin of every page | ✓ | ~ |
| Difficulty rises inside the book (sentences & paragraphs grow longer) | ✓ | ✕ |
| Exercises after every chapter (crosswords, gap-fills, anagrams and more) — in print and online | ✓ | ~ |
| Flashcards to print and cut out | ✓ | ✕ |
| Vocabulary graded by corpus research (science-based) | ✓ | ~ |
The verdict
For a beginner starting their reading journey in Chinese, our A1 edition of Around the World in 80 Days is an excellent choice. The thrilling, fast-paced adventure story is universally appealing and provides a wonderful motivation to keep turning the pages. While the other titles in this list are also solid choices for learners, the complete support system built into our edition—especially the instant margin glossary in English—gives self-studiers a uniquely smooth and rewarding reading experience.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I choose a graded reader over a Chinese children's book?
While children's books use simple language, they are written for native-speaking children and often contain cultural nuances or childish vocabulary not useful for adult learners. Graded readers are specifically designed for adult language learners, with mature stories and vocabulary selected for its usefulness in real-world communication.
What makes Pentecost readers so good for self-study?
Our books are a complete learning system. The bilingual margin glossary lets you understand new words instantly without a separate dictionary. The difficulty progression inside the book builds your confidence. Finally, the chapter exercises and printable flashcards help you actively practice and remember the new vocabulary, making your learning stick.
How do I know if I'm ready for an A1 graded reader?
If you have a basic grasp of pinyin, know a few dozen essential characters, and can understand very simple sentences, you are likely ready. Our A1 readers are designed to be very accessible, with short sentences at the beginning, to ease you into the story.
What is the best way to read a graded reader?
Read for enjoyment first! Try to get through a chapter without stopping, guessing the meaning of words from context. Use the margin glossary only when a word is blocking your understanding of the story. Afterwards, go back, review the new words, and complete the exercises to solidify your learning.
How do the printable flashcards help?
The flashcards feature the key vocabulary from each chapter. Using them for active recall—testing yourself on the words—is a scientifically proven way to move vocabulary from your passive knowledge (words you recognise) to your active knowledge (words you can use).
Ranking reflects suitability for independent learners at this level. We list respected alternative series for context; prices and availability vary by retailer. The right-hand column describes a typical simplified reader in general; individual competing titles may differ.