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.
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- books
Level B2AdventureGeorge at the Fort; Or, Life Among the SoldiersAmid desertions and military unrest at Fort Lamoine, young corporal Bob Owens is tasked with a dangerous pursuit of armed deserters, while his past and unexpected friendship with G…
Level B2Children'sGeoff's little sisterIn the wake of their mother’s passing, Geoffrey and his brothers grapple with grief and the changes at home, while little Dodie remains unaware of the loss.
Level B2PoetryGems of Poetry, for Girls and BoysCelebrate the joys of nature, childhood, and simple pleasures through a collection of charming poems that invite young readers to laugh, play, and appreciate the world around them.
Level B2PoetryGems Gathered in Haste: A New Year's Gift for Sunday SchoolsIn a spirited tale of quick thinking and teamwork, a determined group races against time to create a meaningful New Year’s gift for Sunday Schools.
Level B2Children'sGem of neatnessIn a charming tale of childhood virtues, a young girl’s dedication to neatness transforms her world, teaching lessons of order, care, and pride in one’s surroundings.
Level B2AdventureGascoyne, The Sandal-Wood Trader: A Tale of the PacificA rugged sea captain navigates a sleek schooner through the perilous coral reefs of the Pacific, confronting the dangers of savage islanders and the mysteries of distant isles in a…
Level B2Children'sGarry Grayson's football rivalsAs football season approaches in Lenox, Garry Grayson and his friends train hard, eager to fill the shoes of last year’s stars and prove themselves on the field.
Level B2AdventureGarry Grayson at Lenox HighFreshmen football players face the daunting challenge of making the tough Lenox High team, determined to prove themselves against seasoned upperclassmen.
Level B2HistoricalGabriel and the Hour BookIn a quiet medieval abbey, young Gabriel serves as a color grinder for monks who painstakingly illuminate sacred manuscripts by hand.
Level B2HistoricalGabriel Tolliver: A Story of ReconstructionA man returns to Shady Dale, his childhood home, inviting his skeptical wife to discover its true spirit and the enduring bonds of community during Reconstruction.
Level B2PoetryFunny Little Socks: Being the Fourth BookEight-year-old Kitty embraces her new role as "Little Mother," caring for her siblings and managing the household while her mother is away.
Level B2Children'sFunny Big Socks: Being the Fifth Book of the SeriesCaught in a fierce winter storm, a family’s sleigh ride takes a mysterious turn deep into a shadowy forest, where unexpected guidance and eerie twists await.
Level B2Children'sFunny Alphabet: Uncle Franks' SeriesDiscover a whimsical alphabet where each letter comes to life as a playful character, from actors and clowns to mermaids and unicorns, inviting children on a charming journey throu…
Level B2AdventureFrontier Boys on the Coast; Or, In the Pirate's PowerFour resourceful boys journey westward, only to find themselves targeted by the notorious pirate Captain Bill Broom, whose cunning and ruthless nature threaten their survival along…
Level B2AdventureFrontier Boys in the South SeasThree adventurous brothers and their wild-raised comrade Juarez embark on a daring expedition from the American West to the mysterious South Seas, chasing lost treasures while faci…
Level B2AdventureFrontier Boys in FriscoA daring young engineer and his boyhood friend race through mountain passes aboard a roaring locomotive, embarking on thrilling adventures that start with a mysterious summons to S…
Level B2Children'sFrom ploughshare to pulpitIn a serene Scottish parish, young minister Mackenzie balances his peaceful life with the demands of his flock, guided by nature’s beauty and the steadfast spirit of his Shetland p…
Level B2AdventureFrom Tenderfoot to Golden EagletAn adventurous Girl Scout named Joanne Selden embarks on a journey filled with unexpected discoveries, including a spirited little pony and mysterious passengers aboard a steamer.
Level B2AdventureFrom Squire to Squatter: A Tale of the Old Land and the NewOn the eve of his tenth birthday, young Archie stands on the brink of manhood amidst the warm glow of family and old heirlooms, while dreams and mysterious siblings hint at adventu…
Level B2AdventureFrom Sea to Sea; Or, Clint Webb's Cruise on the WindjammerSet sail aboard the majestic Gullwing with Clint Webb as he navigates the challenges of life at sea, encountering strict captains, tough crews, and the thrill of adventure on the h…
Level B2AdventureFrom Powder Monkey to Admiral: A Story of Naval AdventureA young boy's daring journey unfolds amidst the chaos of naval warfare, where courage and duty guide him from humble beginnings toward the highest ranks of the British Navy.
Level B2AdventureFrom Farm to Fortune; or, Nat Nason's Strange ExperienceA determined country boy escapes a harsh farm life and ventures to the city, only to face deception and hardship as he strives to earn success and prove his worth against the odds.
Level B2HistoricalFriends, though divided: A Tale of the Civil WarTwo friends stand divided on the eve of England’s Civil War, caught between loyalty to king and Parliament as the nation teeters toward conflict and upheaval.
Level B2Children'sFriends in strange garmentsJourney across distant lands to meet children clad in strange garments, discovering through their stories and drawings that kindness and friendship transcend borders and cultures,…
Level B2AdventureFriends and cousinsTwo children return to their beloved island summer home, eager to revisit secret spots like a mysterious wigwam in the forest—but when they find it missing, a thick fog descends an…
Level B2Children'sFriend and foeA one-armed sailor and his sister wrestle with questions of right and wrong as they navigate small moral challenges and everyday struggles, discovering that even little choices can…
Level B2Children'sFriarswood Post OfficeIn a cozy village post office, Ellen cares devotedly for her frail brother Alfred, whose illness shadows their once lively family.
Level B2AdventureFred Fenton on the Track; Or, The Athletes of Riverport SchoolFred Fenton faces schoolyard rivalries and family troubles while striving to prove his rightful claim to a valuable Alaskan mine.
Level B2AdventureFred Fenton Marathon Runner: The Great Race at Riverport SchoolWhen a group of friends challenge each other's skill with snowballs, Fred Fenton’s remarkable pitching sets the stage for an unforgettable race and adventures at Riverport School.
Level B2RomanceFred Fearnot's New Ranch: and How He and Terry Managed ItAmid fierce Wall Street rivalries and violent attacks, Fred Fearnot and Terry navigate high-stakes deals before returning to Texas to manage a sprawling ranch, blending financial c…
Level B2AdventureFreaks of Fortune; or, Half Round the WorldYoung inventor Levi Fairfield sets out on thrilling maritime adventures alongside the spirited Bessie Watson, as they explore the coast and test Levi’s ingenious creations.
Level B2Children'sFrankie's dog TonyA brave soldier's loyal dog, Tony, finds a new home with young Frankie and his family, where adventures, friendship, and lessons in kindness unfold.
Level B2AdventureFrank, the Young NaturalistIn a picturesque Maine village, a determined young naturalist named Frank devotes his summer to mastering both his studies and the wild outdoors.
Level B2AdventureFrank on the PrairieTwo adventurous boys, inspired by their uncle's wild tales of the West, set out on a thrilling journey across the plains, facing untamed wilderness and exciting challenges along th…
Level B2AdventureFrank on the Lower MississippiAmid the fierce battles along the Mississippi, a young Union officer named Frank navigates war-torn cities, tense debates, and the challenges of naval life, all while witnessing th…
Level B2AdventureFrank on a Gun-BoatAs the Civil War rages, young Frank defies his fears and family doubts to enlist in the Navy, eager to fight for the Union and prove his courage aboard a gun-boat where every momen…
Level B2Children'sFrank of Freedom HillA noble Irish setter, long confined to city life, breaks free to embrace the wild woods and endless fields calling to his hunting soul.
Level B2AdventureFrank in the WoodsFour adventurous boys set out on a daring winter journey through frozen forests, dragging their supplies on sleds to visit a remote hunter’s cabin.
Level B2AdventureFrank in the MountainsTwo cousins join an expedition into the Rocky Mountains, encountering trappers, Native tribes, and frontier challenges while camping near a fortified homestead.
Level B2AdventureFrank at Don Carlos' RanchoAt a California rancho, Frank and Archie face a daring string of adventures after their prized horses vanish, suspected stolen by a mysterious band.
Level B2HistoricalFrank and Fearless; or, The Fortunes of Jasper KentAt a boarding school ruled by a ruthless bully, new student Jasper Kent dares to stand up for the smaller boys, challenging tyranny with courage and quick wit.
Level B2Children'sFrank and FannyTwo orphaned siblings find joy in the simple wonders of rural life, exploring gardens, orchards, and brooks filled with birds and squirrels.
Level B2AdventureFrank and Andy Afloat; Or, The Cave on the IslandTwo brothers challenge each other to a thrilling race across the Atlantic inlet, but the rising swell and looming storm hint that their adventure will soon turn far more dangerous…
Level B2AdventureFrank among the RancherosA young adventurer dons Mexican attire and joins his cousin on a sprawling Southern California rancho, where wild steers and rugged rancheros promise thrilling battles and untamed…
Level B2AdventureFrank Roscoe's Secret; Or, the Darewell Chums in the WoodsAfter a thrilling baseball victory, four friends plan a secret celebration that hints at adventures beyond the game.
Level B2AdventureFrank Nelson in the Forecastle; Or, The Sportman's Club Among the WhalersA group of adventurous young sportsmen trade the wilderness for the high seas, embarking on thrilling escapades among whalers off the San Francisco coast.
Level B2MysteryFrank Merriwell, Junior's, Golden Trail; Or, The Fugitive ProfessorAmid football practice and fierce rivalry, Frank Merriwell faces the daunting challenge of transforming a defeated team into champions before Thanksgiving.
Level B2AdventureFrank Merriwell, Jr., in Arizona; or, Clearing a Rival's RecordTwo exhausted young men battle addiction and desperation on a grueling journey through Arizona’s Bitter-root Cañon, confronting the haunting legacy of their pasts and the harsh rea…