Short Stories in Mandarin Chinese for Intermediate Learners (2026)

This collection presents eight unconventional and captivating short stories for young and adult learners of Mandarin Chinese at high-beginner to low-intermediate level, mapped to A1B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The stories cover genres including science fiction, crime, history, fantasy and thrillers, using controlled language, realistic spoken dialogues and accessible grammar to support confident progress. Each chapter includes a glossary of bolded words, a full plot summary, a bilingual word list and comprehension questions. Designed to make learning enjoyable rather than overwhelming, the book helps readers expand their vocabulary, improve their grasp of Mandarin Chinese and develop conversational ability. Olly Richardss approach is praised by Barbara Oakley, PhD, author of A Mind for Numbers.