Graded Reader Books for Learning Mandarin

★ A well-established graded reader series for building confidence with longer Chinese texts. Chinese Breeze (汉语风) is a graded reader series from Peking University Press designed for learners who want to move from short study materials into complete stories written with controlled vocabulary. Books are organized by difficulty, beginning at around a 300-word vocabulary level, and feature engaging original stories with vocabulary support, exercises and answer keys; newer editions also include audio for listening practice. The main text uses simplified Chinese, with pinyin and English support provided for unfamiliar vocabulary rather than above every sentence. Available in print and as e-books; digital editions are available through Google Play Books and other retailers.

★ A strong choice for learners who want graded Chinese stories with pinyin, English support and free companion audio. Imagin8 Press publishes Chinese graded readers designed to make longer stories accessible to learners, including retellings of Journey to the West, Chinese legends, classics and historical topics. Many books include Simplified Chinese, pinyin, an English translation, and a glossary, with titles available for different reading levels. Books are sold as paperbacks or eBooks, while a free sample eBook is available and free companion audiobooks for most titles can be found on the Imagin8 Press YouTube channel.

★ One of the most highly recommended graded reader series for Chinese learners. Mandarin Companion publishes graded readers written specifically for Chinese learners, with controlled vocabulary and repeated exposure to common words and grammar so you can build reading fluency without constantly stopping to look things up. The books are divided into Breakthrough, Level 1 and Level 2, making it easier to choose material that matches your current reading ability, and titles include both original stories and adaptations of familiar classics. Mandarin Companion books are paid, although the website provides free book samples, word lists, learning materials and other supporting resources for many titles. Available on the Mandarin Companion website and through other retailers. Graded readers are available in both print and digital formats, with free supplementary materials available through Mandarin Companion’s resource library.

★ A large graded reader series especially well suited to learners interested in Chinese history, legends and traditional stories. Rainbow Bridge 彩虹桥汉语分级读物 is a graded reader series from Sinolingua featuring adaptations of Chinese legends, folklore, historical stories, biographies and literary classics. The series progresses through seven levels, from Starter (150 vocabulary words) to Level 6 (2,500 words), making it suitable for learners from beginner through advanced levels. Books include Chinese text, English support, vocabulary notes with pinyin and explanations, comprehension exercises and answer keys, while audio is available for many titles. One caveat is that the main Chinese text is generally not fully pinyinized, so learners who rely heavily on pinyin may find the earliest books more challenging. Print and digital availability, audio and specific features can also vary by title or edition. Available digitally through the Sinolingua Virtual Library, Android and iOS. Print editions are sold through a variety of retailers.

★ A six-level series of contemporary Chinese stories with controlled vocabulary, full-text pinyin and English support. Sinolingua’s Graded Chinese Reader (汉语分级阅读) is a series designed for intermediate and advancing Chinese learners, with six vocabulary levels ranging from 500 to 3,000 words. The books feature abridged short stories and novellas by contemporary Chinese writers, with full-text pinyin, English notes for difficult vocabulary and sentences, illustrations, reading guides, author introductions and comprehension questions. Digital editions can be purchased individually through the Sinolingua Virtual Library or accessed through a paid subscription; the mobile apps themselves are free to download. Some print editions also include or provide access to MP3 audio. Caveat: the series was graded using the 2008 International Curriculum for Chinese Language Education and the 2009 HSK framework, so its HSK level references do not correspond directly to the current HSK standards. Available through the Sinolingua Virtual Library, Android and iOS. Print editions are sold through a variety of retailers.