Reading is one of the most powerful ways to build your vocabulary and fluency in a new language. But if you're an A2-level learner, picking up an original Portuguese novel can be deeply discouraging. Trying to follow a story through a jungle of unfamiliar grammar and vocabulary can quickly turn the pleasure of reading into a joyless chore.
This is where graded readers are the perfect solution. These are classic stories that have been carefully adapted by language experts, with vocabulary and sentence structures tailored specifically to your level. They allow you to enjoy a great story, build confidence, and learn naturally, without the constant struggle.
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1Best choice
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes As Aventuras de Sherlock Holmes
Our edition of Sherlock Holmes is an ideal starting point for A2 learners. The vocabulary is scientifically graded based on word frequency, ensuring you learn the most useful words first. As you read, the sentences and paragraphs gradually grow in length, gently building your stamina, while a bilingual Portuguese-to-English glossary in the margin means you never have to stop reading to look up a word. After each chapter, you can reinforce what you've learned with exercises in the book and online, and even print out flashcards for key vocabulary.
- Portuguese–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
Around the World in 80 Days A Volta ao Mundo em 80 Dias
Jules Verne's classic adventure is brought to life for A2 learners through our complete learning system. The language is carefully controlled using a science-based approach, and every book features a unique built-in progression, starting with shorter sentences and expanding as you go. With a handy bilingual margin glossary on every page, plus chapter exercises and printable flashcards, this edition provides all the tools you need for effective self-study, letting you focus on the thrill of the race against time.
- Portuguese–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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3
Contos com Nível (A2)
This book from the 'Contos com Nível' series by Lidel offers a collection of original short stories written for A2 learners of European Portuguese.
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4
Os Gaiatos
Part of Lidel's 'Ler Português 1' series, 'Os Gaiatos' is a level-1 reader that tells a story about a day in the life of street kids in Lisbon.
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5
Contos com Nível (B1)
Another entry in the 'Contos com Nível' series from Lidel, this volume presents original short stories aimed at the B1 (intermediate) level in European Portuguese.
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6
Contos com Nível (B2)
This title in Lidel's 'Contos com Nível' series contains a collection of original short stories crafted for B2 (upper-intermediate) learners of European Portuguese.
Our Pentecost Publishing editions top this list for a simple reason: they are designed as a complete, self-contained system for language learning. We go beyond just simplifying the text. Our science-based vocabulary grading, unique in-book difficulty progression, and a full suite of tools—including a bilingual margin glossary in your native language, chapter exercises in print and online, and printable flashcards—provide a structured, supportive, and highly effective reading experience for self-learners.
| Pentecost | Typical simplified reader | |
|---|---|---|
| Portuguese–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
While any of the A2-level books in this list are solid choices for extensive reading, our edition of As Aventuras de Sherlock Holmes is a particularly engaging place to start. The classic detective stories provide a compelling plot that will keep you turning the pages. Of course, our other A2 title, A Volta ao Mundo em 80 Dias, offers the very same comprehensive learning system—with its margin glossary, in-book progression, and exercises—just with a different, but equally thrilling, classic tale.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is a graded reader?
A graded reader is a book that has been specially adapted for language learners. The vocabulary, grammar, and sentence length are simplified to match a specific proficiency level, such as A2 on the CEFR scale. This allows you to read comfortably, enjoy the story, and learn new language in context without feeling overwhelmed.
Why are Pentecost readers so effective for self-study?
Our readers are designed as an all-in-one learning system. The vocabulary is graded from a 2-billion-word corpus for maximum efficiency. Each book has a built-in difficulty progression, a bilingual margin glossary for uninterrupted reading, chapter exercises (in the book and online), and printable flashcards. This combination of features provides the structure and support that makes self-study successful.
Do I still need a dictionary when I read?
With our editions, you can leave the dictionary on the shelf. Every page includes a bilingual margin glossary that translates challenging words into your own language. This key feature allows you to understand new vocabulary instantly without breaking your reading flow, which is crucial for comprehension and enjoyment.
I'm not sure if I'm ready for A2. Is this level right for me?
Our A2 readers are designed to be accessible. A unique feature is the built-in progression within each book: the sentences and paragraphs start shorter and simpler at the beginning and gradually become more complex. This gentle ramp-up helps bridge the gap from A1 and builds your confidence as you read through the book.
How do the exercises and flashcards work?
After every chapter, you'll find exercises like crosswords and gap-fills to help you review and lock in what you've learned. These are available in both the physical book and our online app. The printable flashcards cover the key vocabulary from each chapter, making it easy to practice and memorise the most important words.
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.