🇺🇦 Ukrainian
Ukrainian graded readers: what to read at each level
Ukrainian graded readers are still few, though the number is growing. Many learners end up using Russian materials, which is a poor substitute: the vocabulary and pronunciation differ considerably.
ReadNative's Ukrainian book is Kotyhoroshko, a folk tale, retold from absolute beginner to B1 over 40 chapters, in Cyrillic with transliteration on tap. It is free, and you can read the first chapters free in your browser, tapping any word for its English meaning or any sentence for a translation.
Ukrainian graded readers on ReadNative
What to read at each level
A1
The hut at the edge of the village, the furrow and the serpent, in very simple sentences.
A2
The pea, the strong boy and the smith's mace, with past tenses and more cases.
B1
The final chapters reach B1 with longer sentences and dialogue.
B2
Ukrainian children's literature, contemporary fiction and news.
Not sure where you are? Take the Ukrainian vocabulary test or check a text with the difficulty checker.
Questions
What is a graded reader?
A book written or retold with controlled vocabulary and grammar for a specific level, so a learner can read a whole story in Ukrainian with little dictionary use. The aim is lots of comfortable reading, not decoding.
Can I use Russian graded readers for Ukrainian?
No — the languages are related but distinct. Reading Russian will not teach you Ukrainian vocabulary or spelling.
How do I know if a book is the right level?
If you understand the story and need to look up only a few words per page, it is right. If every sentence needs help, drop down a level; if you never tap anything, move up. In Ukrainian the step from graded books to native texts is steep, so do not rush it.