The Sky is Bright with Stars

The Sky is Bright with Stars invites students to investigate the rich textures of traditional and contemporary Chinese culture while sharpening their reading skills. The first in the five-volume Readings in Chinese Culture series, this collection of ten original essays is ideal for students in their second semester of first-year Chinese, or at the “Intermediate-Low” level, as designated by ACTFL proficiency guidelines.

A suitable supplement for any intermediate Mandarin Chinese textbook, or as reading material for independent learners, The Sky is Bright with Stars reinforces students’ grasp of Chinese vocabulary and grammar while also strengthening their understanding of Chinese culture. This cultural focus makes the Readings in Chinese Culture series an ideal tool in preparing for the AP and other standardized exams.

How Far Away Is the Sun?

How Far Away Is the Sun? is the second of a five-volume series of supplemental reading material that corresponds to five different levels of ACTFL proficiency guidelines. This collection of ten original essays is ideal for intermediate students in their first semester of second-year Chinese, or at the "Intermediate-Mid" level.

"How far away is the sun?" is a traditional philosophical conundrum most Chinese children can readily explain. With this reader, non-native learners of Chinese will understand this Confucian query as well as other challenging cultural questions, while solidifying their Chinese language skills.

How Far Away Is the Sun? satisfies the need for fun and interesting supplementary reading material for Chinese language learners. 

The Moon is Always Beautiful

The Moon Is Always Beautiful invites students to investigate the rich textures of traditional and contemporary Chinese culture while sharpening their reading skills. The third in the five-volume Readings in Chinese Culture Series, this collection of ten original essays is ideal for students in their second semester of second-year Chinese, or at the “Intermediate-High” level, as designated by ACTFL proficiency guidelines.

A suitable supplement for any intermediate Mandarin Chinese textbook, or as reading material for independent learners, The Moon Is Always Beautiful reinforces students’ grasp of Chinese vocabulary and grammar while also strengthening their understanding of Chinese culture. This cultural focus makes the Readings in Chinese Culture series an ideal tool in preparing for the AP and other standardized exams.

Where Does the Wind Blow?

Where Does the Wind Blow? invites students to investigate the rich textures of traditional and contemporary Chinese culture while sharpening their reading skills. The fourth in the five-volume Readings in Chinese Culture Series, this collection of ten original essays is ideal for intermediate students in their first semester of third-year Chinese, or at the “Advanced Low” level, as designated by ACTFL proficiency guidelines.

A suitable supplement for any intermediate Mandarin Chinese textbook, or as reading material for independent learners, Where Does the Wind Blow? reinforces students’ grasp of Chinese vocabulary and grammar while also strengthening their understanding of Chinese culture. This cultural focus makes the Readings in Chinese Culture series an ideal tool in preparing for the AP and other standardized exams.

Watching the Clouds Go By

Watching the Clouds Go By invites students to investigate the rich textures of traditional and contemporary Chinese culture while sharpening their reading skills. The fifth in the five-volume Readings in Chinese Culture series, this collection of ten original essays is ideal for advanced students in their second semester of third-year Chinese, or at the “Advanced Mid” level, as designated by ACTFL proficiency guidelines.

A suitable supplement for any advanced Mandarin Chinese textbook, or as reading material for independent learners, Watching the Clouds Go By reinforces students’ grasp of Chinese vocabulary and grammar while also strengthening their understanding of Chinese culture. This cultural focus makes the Readings in Chinese Culture series an ideal tool in preparing for the AP* and other standardized exams. Each 500-700 character essay is printed in simplified and traditional characters on facing pages. A vocabulary list, related words and expressions, and an optional exercise section accompany each lesson. Pinyin versions of each essay can be found in the appendix.

For students who prefer to read pinyin along with Chinese characters, an appendix including each essay with pinyin is included.

*AP is a registered trademark of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.