Reading constitutes an important aspect both in native language and foreign language learning. Individuals can gain exposure to novel opinions, thoughts and cultural elements through reading. Educators often provide selected materials specifically to improve reading skills while learners learn a foreign language. The study in question points out important issues related to the use of graded reading materials for improving learner's L2 reading skills and presents a critical view on the use of such resources. The study, first, approaches the use of graded readers from the historical perspective. Then it reviews existing studies that both support and oppose to the use of graded readers in learning a foreign language; and finally the presents a critical stance on the use of such books for teaching a foreign language. Although it is thought that language learning is facilitated through the use of graded readers, it is essential to approach the use of such materials in learning a foreign language deliberately, taking into account language acquisition opportunities and the cultural postures presented in the text. In addition to this, it is important to question to what extent language acquisition actually takes place and how that translates to linguistic and discourse practices. Ultimately, the study recommends the use of the original works rather than graded readers, and the integration of a variety of literary genres suitable to the improvement of L2 reading skills in each level of language proficiency.