Children's
Read Children's Classics in English
3,688 children's books at CEFR A2 to C2 — learn English by reading the stories worth reading. Select any word for an instant translation, listen to the narration read the page aloud, and save the vocabulary you meet. Pick your level and start with a free sample.
What are the best children's classics to read in English as a learner?
The best children's classics for English learners are the well-known titles you can read in the original — start with Æsop's fables in words of one syllable, Æsop's Fables: A Version for Young Readers and Æsop's Fables, Embellished with One Hundred and Eleven Emblematical Devices.. Each one is labelled with a CEFR level, any word you do not know is one selection away from a translation, and the narration reads the page aloud while it highlights the words.
- 3,688
- books
Level B2HistoricalMichael Penguyne; Or, Fisher Life on the Cornish CoastA young fisherman on the rugged Cornish coast learns a life-changing secret from his father figure, setting him on a journey of identity, loyalty, and the harsh realities of the se…
Level B2AdventureMetipom's hostageIn the tense early days of King Philip’s War, sixteen-year-old David Lindall wakes to a mysterious red glow signaling danger nearby.
Level B2AdventureMessenger No. 48A determined orphan boy lands a job as a messenger in a bustling city, navigating tough work, long hours, and quirky errands as he hustles to earn his way and prove himself in a ch…
Level B2Children'sMemoirs of a country doll. Written by herselfA porcelain doll recounts her journey from a Soho bazaar to country adventures, May-day parties, and even falling ill, revealing the tender care and lively mischief of the children…
Level B2Children'sMelody : The Story of a ChildA blind girl named Melody enchants everyone with her extraordinary singing and gentle connection to nature, brightening the lives of two devoted sisters bound by love and sacrifice…
Level B2Children'sMelbourne HouseA thoughtful little girl named Daisy questions what it truly means to be a Christian, sparking tension with her indulgent parents who forbid her from attending a Sunday school that…
Level B2Children'sMeg's Friend: A Story for GirlsIn a fading London lodging house, silent Meg navigates a lonely childhood marked by unanswered questions about her mother and guarded secrets.
Level B2Children'sMaybee's Stepping StonesTwo young siblings, Maybee and Tod, face the trials and chaos of their first day at school under the watchful yet overwhelmed care of their older sister Sue.
Level B2Children'sMay FlowersSix Boston girls form the May Flower Club to read, sew, and confront the realities of poverty and charity, challenging themselves to move beyond comfort and make a meaningful diffe…
Level B2Children'sMay Day; or, Anecdotes of Miss Lydia Lively: Intended to improve and amuse the rising generationA young girl named Lydia learns gentle lessons from her mother about kindness, patience, and self-control, discovering how to overcome everyday frustrations and grow into a good-he…
Level B2Children'sMaud Florence Nellie; or, Don't care!Maud Florence Nellie Whittaker, a spirited fifteen-year-old with a flair for fashion, navigates life and family dynamics from her unique home by the cemetery gates.
Level B2Children'sMaster SunshineA cheerful boy known as Master Sunshine brightens the lives of those around him with kindness and thoughtful deeds.
Level B2AdventureMaster Rockafellar's VoyageYoung Tom Rockafellar dreams of the sea, inspired by tales of his seafaring ancestors and distant tropical wonders.
Level B2AdventureMass' George: A Boy's Adventures in the Old SavannahA young boy embarks on a perilous journey to colonial Georgia with his father, facing wild beasts, hostile natives, and untamed wilderness, all while being cared for by devoted com…
Level B2RomanceMason of Bar X RanchA wealthy young man in New York faces his father’s ultimatum: spend a year proving himself on a rugged Nevada ranch or be disinherited.
Level B2Children'sMary: A Nursery Story for Very Little ChildrenOn her birthday morning in May, young Mary wonders if the day will finally arrive as she puzzles over Thursdays and fairy rings dancing on her counterpane.
Level B2Children'sMary-'GustaAs the respected Captain Marcellus Hall passes away, the town of Ostable buzzes with curiosity about the future of his enigmatic stepdaughter, Mary-'Gusta.
Level B2Children'sMary Ware in TexasIn the vibrant courtyard of a San Antonio hotel, young Mary Ware escapes the loneliness of a snowy mining camp to find herself enchanted by the lively world of military banquets an…
Level B2Children'sMary MarieThirteen-year-old Mary Marie navigates the upheaval of her parents' divorce, splitting her time between her mother in Boston and her father at home.
Level B2MysteryMary Louise at DorfieldIn a town struggling to regain its prewar calm, Mary Louise and her friends confront the restlessness and shifting roles of young women eager to find purpose beyond old expectation…
Level B2MysteryMary Louise and the Liberty GirlsIn a small town struggling to meet its Liberty Bond quota during wartime, Mary Louise and her friends step up to prove that even the humblest girls can make a vital difference thro…
Level B2MysteryMary Louise and Josie O'GormanWhen a young widow faces sudden poverty, she teams up with her friend Josie, a skilled detective and laundress, to rebuild their lives through a quaint shop and a bold charitable p…
Level B2MysteryMary Louise Stands the TestAmid whispers of fortune and fading health, Mary Louise faces the challenge of her grandfather’s growing suspicion toward Danny, the scarred war hero she loves.
Level B2MysteryMary Louise Solves a MysteryAn eleven-year-old girl anxiously awaits news about her critically ill mother, whose days may be numbered.
Level B2MysteryMary Louise Adopts a SoldierAs the Dorfield Regiment returns from war, Mary Louise and her grandfather prepare to welcome the soldiers home, eager to help any displaced men find their place in a community sti…
Level B2MysteryMary LouiseAt Miss Stearne's strict boarding school, Mary Louise navigates teenage tensions and a controversial curfew that sparks a student rebellion.
Level B2Children'sMary Cary: "Frequently Martha"In a strict orphanage, spirited Mary Cary challenges the rules and expectations, revealing her honest thoughts and longing for a family.
Level B2MysteryMartin of old LondonIn the smoky streets of 1666 London, fourteen-year-old Martin Leake navigates the bustling riverbank and a mysterious rendezvous that hints at hidden dangers.
Level B2AdventureMarooned in the Forest: The Story of a Primitive Fight for LifeSwept away by a violent river and left alone in a vast northern wilderness, a man must rely on primitive survival skills to find food, fire, shelter, and hope.
Level B2Children'sMark the Match Boy; or, Richard Hunter's WardTwo determined boys navigate the challenges of New York street life, chasing a long-overdue debt that could change their fortunes.
Level B2Children'sMark Mason's VictoryIn bustling New York City, young Edgar and a clever bootblack named Tom exchange sharp wit and dreams of fortune, setting the stage for a tale of ambition, social contrasts, and th…
Level B2AdventureMarjorie's VacationWhen twelve-year-old Marjorie embarks on her summer stay at Grandma Sherwood's country farm, she brings along her beloved kitten Puff and a big bird book, ready to explore new adve…
Level B2Children'sMarjorie's Three GiftsOn her twelfth birthday, Marjorie dreams of fairy-tale gifts and kindness, but when a mysterious old man rewards her industrious spirit with a golden dollar, her simple world begin…
Level B2AdventureMarjorie's MaytimeAs spring bursts into bloom, Marjorie and her friends transform their May party into a whimsical coronation, crowning two May Queens and a May King amidst laughter, costumes, and t…
Level B2Children'sMarjorie's Busy DaysFour imaginative siblings transform their grand home and garden into a vivid world of adventure, from shipwrecked islands to daring rescues, where playtime sparks endless creativit…
Level B2Children'sMarjorie in CommandFour lively Maynard children face the challenge of being left in charge of old-fashioned Miss Larkin while their parents are away, and young Marjorie must step up as head of the ho…
Level B2Children'sMarjorie at SeacoteAs Kitty prepares to spend summer with Grandma Sherwood, the affectionate Maynard family gathers for a heartfelt farewell feast filled with songs, gifts, and laughter, capturing th…
Level B2RomanceMarjorie Dean, Post-GraduateUnder a moonlit sky at Severn Beach, youthful friendships spark with playful challenges and unspoken feelings.
Level B2Children'sMarjorie Dean, High School SophomoreTwo friends savor a sunlit summer by the sea, learning to swim and sharing dreams before entering their sophomore year at Sanford High.
Level B2Children'sMarjorie Dean, High School SeniorA poised high school senior navigates friendships and social intrigues as she visits the principal’s home, where unexpected tensions and mysteries begin to unfold beneath the surfa…
Level B2Children'sMarjorie Dean, High School JuniorTwo best friends face the bittersweet end of a summer spent together before Mary moves across the country.
Level B2Children'sMarjorie Dean, High School FreshmanTwo best friends face a heartbreaking separation as Marjorie moves away just as their high school journey begins.
Level B2Children'sMarjorie Dean, College SophomoreSophomore Marjorie Dean returns to Hamilton College with her loyal friends, ready to embrace new challenges and support the incoming freshmen after a year of growth, friendship, an…
Level B2Children'sMarjorie Dean, College SeniorAs Marjorie Dean returns to college, she navigates friendships, dances, and the stirrings of change amid farewells and whispered secrets that hint at unexpected challenges ahead.
Level B2Children'sMarjorie Dean, College JuniorAt Hamilton College, a spirited group of young women plan heartfelt serenades to welcome their friends back from summer vacation, weaving friendship, music, and lively campus life…
Level B2Children'sMarjorie Dean, College FreshmanAs summer rains keep her company, Marjorie Dean anxiously awaits a letter from her dear friend Jerry while preparing for the new adventure of college life.
Level B2Children'sMarjorie Dean at Hamilton ArmsA lively group of schoolgirls prepares for a day filled with friendship, mischief, and surprises at Hamilton Arms.
Level B2RomanceMarjorie Dean MacyIn sunlit Southern California, Marjorie Dean, poised between youthful charm and newfound love, reunites with her dear friend Ronny amidst the romantic beauty of the Manaña ranch—wh…