A1 Graded Readers

Choose A1 (Beginner) graded readers with a built-in glossary and exercises. Available in multiple languages as ebook, paperback, and hardcover.

28 books

Every book is available as an e-book (EPUB and PDF) and as a paperback.

28 books found

Cover of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – Russian A1 graded reader

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in Russian at level A1 with dictionary

A1 🇷🇺 Russian

by Lewis Caroll for English-speaking learners

One moment you're bored, the next you're falling into a world of mad tea parties and tyrannical queens. You'll effortlessly absorb essential Russian vocabulary and grammar, all while unraveling Wonderland's mysteries. A margin dictionary means you never break your reading flow....

Cover of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – French A1 graded reader

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in French at level A1 with dictionary

A1 🇫🇷 French

by Lewis Caroll for English-speaking learners

One moment you're normal, the next you're tiny or towering, facing a queen who screams "Off with their heads!" Dive into this whimsical chaos and effortlessly absorb hundreds of real-world French words and phrases, building vocabulary that truly sticks....

Cover of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – Spanish A1 graded reader

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in Spanish at level A1 with dictionary

A1 🇪🇸 Spanish

by Lewis Caroll for English-speaking learners

Imagine tumbling down a rabbit hole into a world where logic bends and cats grin. Absorb hundreds of real-world Spanish words and phrases effortlessly as you follow Alice's journey. A margin dictionary means you never break your reading flow....

Cover of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – German A1 graded reader

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in German at level A1 with dictionary

A1 🇩🇪 German

by Lewis Caroll for English-speaking learners

Imagine tumbling down a rabbit hole into a world where logic bends and queens scream "Off with their heads!" Master beginner German naturally as you follow Alice's wild journey, absorbing hundreds of real-world words without a textbook. A margin dictionary means you never break your reading flow....

Cover of Around the World in Eighty Days – Icelandic A1 graded reader

Around the World in Eighty Days in Icelandic at level A1 with dictionary

A1 🇮🇸 Icelandic

by Jules Verne for English-speaking learners

The clock is ticking, your fortune is on the line, and a relentless detective believes you're a bank robber. Dive into a thrilling adventure and effortlessly build your Icelandic vocabulary, absorbing hundreds of real-world words and phrases naturally....

Cover of Around the World in Eighty Days – JP A1 graded reader

Around the World in Eighty Days in Japanese at level A1 with dictionary

A1 🇯🇵 JP

by Jules Verne for English-speaking learners

The clock is ticking. Can you outwit detectives and cross continents in just 80 days, with your fortune on the line? Absorb essential Japanese vocabulary and grammar naturally, building confidence with every page. Integrated furigana and a margin dictionary keep your learning smooth....

Cover of Around the World in Eighty Days – Dutch A1 graded reader

Around the World in Eighty Days in Dutch at level A1 with dictionary

A1 🇳🇱 Dutch

by Jules Verne for English-speaking learners

Can you circumnavigate the globe in 80 days, with a detective convinced you're a thief? Get lost in this classic adventure and effortlessly build your A1 Dutch vocabulary, absorbing real-world phrases without a textbook....

Cover of Around the World in Eighty Days – DK A1 graded reader

Around the World in Eighty Days in Danish at level A1 with dictionary

A1 🇩🇰 DK

by Jules Verne for English-speaking learners

A gentleman wagers his fortune on an impossible race against the clock: circumnavigate the world in just eighty days. Master beginner Danish vocabulary and grammar naturally, swept up in a thrilling global dash. A margin dictionary means you never break your reading flow....

Cover of Around the World in 80 Days – Chinese A1 graded reader

Around the World in 80 Days in Chinese at level A1 with dictionary

A1 🇨🇳 Chinese

by Jules Verne for English-speaking learners

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....

Cover of Around the World in 80 Days – Swedish A1 graded reader

Around the World in 80 Days in Swedish at level A1 with dictionary

A1 🇸🇪 Swedish

by Jules Verne for English-speaking learners

A daring wager sends a meticulous Englishman on a global sprint, but a relentless detective is hot on his heels. Master beginner Swedish vocabulary and grammar, absorbing the language naturally through an unforgettable story. A built-in margin dictionary keeps you immersed, never breaking your reading flow....

Cover of Around the World in 80 Days – Russian A1 graded reader

Around the World in 80 Days in Russian at level A1 with dictionary

A1 🇷🇺 Russian

by Jules Verne for English-speaking learners

Your heart pounds as Phileas Fogg races against the clock, pursued by a relentless detective across continents. Get lost in this classic adventure and effortlessly absorb hundreds of real-world Russian words and phrases, building your A1 vocabulary naturally....

Cover of Around the World in 80 Days – German A1 graded reader

Around the World in 80 Days in German at level A1 with dictionary

A1 🇩🇪 German

by Jules Verne for English-speaking learners

A daring bet, a global chase, and a detective convinced you're a thief – your adventure begins now. Master German A1 vocabulary and grammar naturally, swept away by a classic tale of adventure. A built-in dictionary on every page keeps you immersed, never breaking your reading flow....

Cover of Around the World in 80 Days – Spanish A1 graded reader

Around the World in 80 Days in Spanish at level A1 with dictionary

A1 🇪🇸 Spanish

by Jules Verne for English-speaking learners

A daring wager, a global chase, and a detective convinced you're a thief – can you outrun them all? Absorb hundreds of real-world Spanish words and phrases effortlessly as you get lost in this thrilling adventure. Carefully adapted for beginners, every page builds your confidence....

Cover of Around the World in 80 Days – Norwegian A1 graded reader

Around the World in 80 Days in Norwegian at level A1 with dictionary

A1 🇳🇴 Norwegian

by Jules Verne for English-speaking learners

Imagine racing against the clock, a fortune on the line, as you dash across continents with a detective hot on your heels. You'll effortlessly absorb essential Norwegian vocabulary and grammar, building confidence with every page of this thrilling adventure. Contextual definitions on every page mean you'll never break your reading flow....

Cover of Around the World in 80 Days – Portuguese A1 graded reader

Around the World in 80 Days in Portuguese at level A1 with dictionary

A1 🇵🇹 Portuguese

by Jules Verne for English-speaking learners

What if your impossible wager meant racing across continents with a detective on your tail, and only 80 days to win? You'll absorb essential Portuguese vocabulary and grammar naturally, building confidence with every page of this thrilling adventure. A margin dictionary keeps you immersed, so you never break your reading flow....

Cover of Around the World in 80 Days – Italian A1 graded reader

Around the World in 80 Days in Italian at level A1 with dictionary

A1 🇮🇹 Italian

by Jules Verne for English-speaking learners

Imagine betting your entire fortune you can race around the globe in just 80 days, with a detective hot on your heels. Master essential Italian phrases naturally, immersed in this classic adventure, building vocabulary that sticks effortlessly. A margin dictionary means you never break your reading flow....

Cover of Around the World in 80 Days – French A1 graded reader

Around the World in 80 Days in French at level A1 with dictionary

A1 🇫🇷 French

by Jules Verne for English-speaking learners

Can you really circle the globe in just 80 days, with a fortune on the line and danger at every turn? Master beginner French vocabulary and grammar without even realizing it, swept away by a global race against the clock. Integrated glossaries mean you never break your reading flow....

Cover of Pride and Prejudice – French A1 graded reader

Pride and Prejudice in French at level A1 with dictionary

A1 🇫🇷 French

by Jane Austen for English-speaking learners

He's arrogant, she's prejudiced. Can love bloom amidst scandal and societal pressure? Absorb hundreds of essential French words and phrases naturally, building your A1 vocabulary effortlessly as you get lost in their story. A built-in margin dictionary keeps you immersed, never breaking your reading flow....

Cover of Pride and Prejudice – Spanish A1 graded reader

Pride and Prejudice in Spanish at level A1 with dictionary

A1 🇪🇸 Spanish

by Jane Austen for English-speaking learners

Her heart burned with prejudice, his with pride. Can love ever bloom between two such stubborn souls? Absorb hundreds of real-world Spanish words and phrases, effortlessly building vocabulary as their timeless story unfolds. A margin dictionary means you never break your reading flow....

Cover of Little Women – Spanish A1 graded reader

Little Women in Spanish at level A1 with dictionary

A1 🇪🇸 Spanish

by Louisa May Alcott for English-speaking learners

Step into a bustling home where four sisters navigate love, loss, and ambition during a time of war. Absorb Spanish naturally as you follow their unforgettable journey, building vocabulary that sticks effortlessly. A margin dictionary means you never break your reading flow....

What Makes a Good A1 Graded Reader?

At A1 (Beginner), learners are just starting to learn and can understand basic words and simple phrases. Our graded readers for this CEFR level use controlled vocabulary and clear sentence structures so you can follow the story comfortably while absorbing new words in context — the core principle of comprehensible input. Each book includes a margin glossary with translations, meaning you read without interruptions. Every chapter ends with vocabulary and comprehension exercises, and QR codes take you to online flashcards and matching games built on spaced repetition. A1 graded readers are available across multiple languages, in ebook, paperback, and hardcover formats.

What Our Readers Say

Our A1 graded readers collection includes titles such as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Around the World in Eighty Days, Around the World in 80 Days, Pride and Prejudice, Little Women, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Anne of Green Gables. Every book comes with a margin dictionary, chapter exercises, and interactive online games.

Find the Right Level

Not sure which level to choose? Download a free sample from any book to check the difficulty, or take our free reading placement test to find your CEFR level.

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.

About the writers and translators

Classic writers from this list come first; Pentecost editors who adapted these readers follow in the next block. Each line is a bold name, then a short bio.

  • Arthur Conan Doyle: Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930) was a British doctor and writer. He created Sherlock Holmes, the famous detective of Victorian London.
  • Jane Austen: Jane Austen (1775–1817) wrote novels about family, love, and manners in English country life. Pride and Prejudice is her best-known book.
  • Jules Verne: Jules Verne (1828–1905) was a French writer of adventure stories. Many readers know him for journeys by sea, air, and underground.
  • Lewis Carroll: Lewis Carroll was the pen name of Charles Dodgson (1832–1898), a British logician and writer. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is his most famous tale.
  • Louisa May Alcott: Louisa May Alcott (1832–1888) was an American writer. Little Women follows four sisters growing up during the American Civil War era.
  • Lucy Maud Montgomery: Lucy Maud Montgomery (1874–1942) was a Canadian writer. Anne of Green Gables tells how a talkative orphan girl finds a home on Prince Edward Island.

Translators and editors

Our editors adapt vocabulary and notes so the story stays clear at your level. Each line below is a bold name, then a short note.

  • Angela Borderkeeper: Angela Borderkeeper adapts German-language stories for English readers who are building vocabulary through extensive reading. She balances literal clarity with readable English, especially where German stacks nouns or uses modal particles that do not map neatly. Her side notes focus on collocations learners will meet again in real newspapers and podcasts.
  • Anne Frank: Anne Frank edits English support text for Dutch originals in the series. She is careful with false friends between Dutch and English and flags them early in the glossary. When a joke depends on word order, she looks for an English equivalent that keeps the beat of the scene instead of explaining the punchline away.
  • Catherine Thief: Catherine Thief edits English support layers for Portuguese originals, comparing European and Brazilian variants when the source mixes them. She prefers one clear editorial choice per title rather than hedging in every footnote. She reads aloud to catch phrasing that still sounds like translationese.
  • Christine Guardian: Christine Guardian edits graded-reader adaptations of French fiction for English-speaking adults. She keeps an eye on register—literary French can sound stiff in English if you translate every clause—and prefers footnotes that support the scene rather than pause it. She still reads long-form journalism in French to stay close to how people actually write today.
  • Clara Fieldlove: Clara Fieldlove edits English-language scaffolding around Spanish narratives for the extensive-reading list. She steers clear of over-literal cognates that mislead beginners and prefers short glosses tied to the immediate context. She has a soft spot for dialogue-heavy chapters where rhythm matters as much as vocabulary.
  • Edwina Finbow: Edwina Finbow edits English-facing material for Icelandic fiction in the graded-reader programme. Icelandic inflection and compound formation get one clear gloss at first occurrence, then lighter reminders. She likes crime and family drama where everyday vocabulary does most of the storytelling work.
  • Grace Earthland: Grace Earthland prepares English commentary for Norwegian texts in the graded-reader programme. Norwegian’s compact clauses can read abrupt in English; she smooths the seams while keeping the emotional temperature of the scene. She coordinates closely with whoever writes the chapter exercises so examples match the chapter’s new items.
  • Greta Thunderhill: Greta Thunderhill adapts Swedish fiction for English-speaking learners using the Pentecost graded format. She keeps an eye on compound words that look long but are common in Swedish, and explains them once where they recur. She likes endings where the payoff is emotional rather than lexical—those need the lightest touch in the notes.
  • Inga Clay: Inga Clay prepares English-facing materials for Danish fiction in the graded-reader line. Danish often drops subjects; she makes sure the English scaffolding still feels natural while the original stays visible on the facing page or in the margin notes. She enjoys working on small-town settings where everyday vocabulary carries most of the plot.
  • Mary Guide: Mary Guide edits English-facing material for Japanese originals in the series. She explains honorifics and sentence-final particles in plain English without turning every line into a lecture. She still listens to casual Japanese podcasts to keep colloquial markers feeling current in the notes.
  • Pauline Bird: Pauline Bird adapts Chinese-language fiction for English readers in the graded-reader line. She helps decide when to gloss a measure word, a place name, or a four-character idiom, and when context can carry the load. She likes contemporary urban settings because they recycle high-frequency vocabulary in natural ways.
  • Rita Mounts: Rita Mounts works on English notes and simplified renderings for Italian fiction in the graded series. She watches out for regional markers—north versus south—that English readers might miss without a light gloss. Her goal is that someone on a commute can follow the plot without stopping every line.
  • Sophie Stay-Maggot: Sophie Stay-Maggot works on English notes for Russian fiction in the graded series. She balances literary archaism with the labelled CEFR level, sometimes marking a form as “recognition only” so readers are not asked to produce it too early. She pays extra attention to names, patronymics, and diminutives that carry social information.