Extensive reading is one of the most effective ways to build vocabulary and improve fluency. Our Chinese graded readers apply the comprehensible input principle: you read stories written just above your current CEFR level, picking up new words naturally from context. Every page features a margin glossary so you never break your reading flow to look up a word. After each chapter, comprehension and vocabulary exercises reinforce what you've read, and QR codes link directly to online flashcards and matching games for spaced repetition practice. From A1 beginner to C2 proficiency, every Chinese book is available as an ebook, paperback, or hardcover — choose the format that fits your learning style.
About Chinese
Where Chinese is spoken
Chinese (Mandarin, Putonghua) is the official language of mainland China and Taiwan and one of the official languages of Singapore. Written Chinese is shared across varieties; spoken forms differ regionally.
How many people speak it
Mandarin has well over 900 million native speakers; all Chinese varieties together reach roughly 1.2–1.3 billion first-language speakers.
Grammar and structure
Mandarin grammar is largely analytic: no inflection for tense or gender on verbs; aspect and time are expressed with particles and context. Word order is strict SVO; measure words (classifiers) accompany numerals and demonstratives. Tones (four in standard Mandarin plus neutral) distinguish lexical meaning.
Best-rated Chinese graded readers
Ranked by average customer rating and number of reviews on our site. Every title below is a Pentecost graded reader: a simplified story at CEFR level with learning supports built in.
The clock is ticking. A fortune is on the line, and a detective is convinced you're a thief. Can you circle the globe in 80 days? Absorb hundreds of real-world Chinese words and phrases naturally, building vocabulary that sticks effortlessly. A margin dictionary keeps you immersed, never breaking your reading flow.
Side glossary · In-book and online exercises
The clock is ticking. A fortune hangs in the balance as you race across continents, pursued by a relentless detective. Absorb hundreds of real-world B1 Chinese words and phrases, building vocabulary that sticks effortlessly as you follow Fogg's daring quest. A built-in margin dictionary keeps you immersed, never breaking your reading flow.
Side glossary · In-book and online exercises
A daring wager, a frantic race against the clock, and a detective convinced you're a criminal. Master A2 Chinese naturally, absorbing hundreds of real-world words as you follow Fogg's incredible journey. A margin dictionary means you never break your reading flow.
Side glossary · In-book and online exercises
A daring wager, a global dash, and a detective hot on your heels – can you make it around the world in 80 days? You'll absorb essential Chinese vocabulary and grammar naturally, immersed in a thrilling adventure that makes learning effortless.
Side glossary · In-book and online exercises
What Our Readers Say
Our readers love these books — and it shows! 40 people have rated our Chinese graded readers an average of 5.00 out of 5. With built-in dictionaries, chapter exercises, and interactive online practice, each book is a complete language-learning toolkit that readers keep coming back to.
Our collection features Around the World in 80 Days — the perfect starting point for learning through reading.
★★★★★
"I read a few evenings per week. Chapters fit my time."
★★★★★
"The exercises show if I understood. Simple and clear."
★★★★★
"The sentences are short. I do not stop every line."
★★★★★
"I get the main idea. Even with unknown words."
★★★★★
"Exercises check understanding. Still useful."
★★★★★
"The glossary still helps. I use it often."
Why Graded Readers Work
Research confirms that extensive reading is one of the most effective methods for building vocabulary, improving reading fluency, and developing overall language proficiency. Graded readers make this approach accessible by matching text difficulty to your CEFR level, so you stay in the optimal learning zone. Learn more about the science behind our approach on the Pentecost Method page.
