Children's
Read Children's Classics in English
794 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 The Brownies: Their Book, The Brownies and Prince Florimel; Or, Brownieland, Fairyland, and Demonland and The Brownies and Other Tales. 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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Level C1Children'sGli Idioti = The IdiotsIn a vividly described Breton coastal village, local traditions and the natural bounty of seaweed shape a rich cultural tapestry.
Level C1Children'sGlengarry School Days: A Story of Early Days in GlengarryIn a lively log-built school nestled by an enchanting forest, a strict yet compassionate master struggles to maintain order among spirited children.
Level C1Children'sGirls New and OldA shy fifteen-year-old girl begins a new chapter at a prestigious school, navigating the excitement and challenges of friendship, self-discovery, and growing independence amid the…
Level C1AdventureGirlhood and Womanhood: The Story of some Fortunes and MisfortunesA laird haunted by a deadly duel struggles with remorse while his daughter Joanna takes on the heavy burden of managing their family’s fortunes and misfortunes.
Level C1Children'sGiannellaIn a struggling artist community in Rome, two friends face a heartbreaking dilemma: how to care for the orphaned daughter of their late comrade amidst poverty and indifference.
Level C1Children'sGeorgina of the RainbowsA vivid childhood memory sparks a lifelong fear in young Georgina Huntingdon after witnessing an old man’s surprising mishap by the sea.
Level C1Children'sGeordie's Tryst: A Tale of Scottish LifeOn a chilly Scottish spring day, Grace Campbell braves the biting wind to revisit Kirklands, her childhood home, seeking answers in the silent halls and forgotten gardens.
Level C1HistoricalGeneral Nelson's ScoutIn the divided heart of Kentucky during the Civil War, two young cousins face a fierce struggle of loyalty and belief as their state teeters between neutrality and conflict.
Level C1AdventureGaspar the Gaucho: A Story of the Gran ChacoIn the vast, untamed wilderness of the Gran Chaco, where mighty rivers flow and fierce savages roam, daring explorers confront nature’s mysteries and dangers in a land untouched by…
Level C1PoetryGammer Gurton's Garland; Or, The Nursery Parnassus: A Choice Collection of Pretty Songs and Verses for the Amusement of All Little Good Children Who Can Neither Read nor Run.Delight in a charming collection of whimsical songs and verses crafted to entertain little children who are yet to read or run, featuring playful tales of animals, nursery rhymes,…
Level C1Children'sFurther Chronicles of AvonleaIn the charming village of Avonlea, quirky characters and heartfelt stories unfold, blending humor and pathos against the poetic backdrop of Prince Edward Island.
Level C1AdventureFurther Adventures of LadIn a peaceful North Jersey homestead troubled by a burglary spree, a remarkable collie named Lad arrives, destined to become a fearless protector with an uncanny intelligence and a…
Level C1PoetryFun and NonsenseDelight in whimsical poems where everyday objects and characters come to life with humor and charm, from a peppermint barber pole to a wise pen navigating the quirks of daily life.
Level C1AdventureFritz and Eric: The Brother CrusoesTwo brothers set sail from their ancient hometown, braving the perils of the sea and the uncertainty of the future, while their mother’s heartfelt prayers and fears linger on the s…
Level C1AdventureFrench and English: A Story of the Struggle in AmericaIn the shadow of a vast, untamed forest, a young settler navigates the dangers of frontier life amid rising tensions between French and English forces.
Level C1AdventureFred Markham in Russia; Or, The Boy Travellers in the Land of the CzarTwo adventurous boys embark on a summer journey to Russia under the guidance of their lively and experienced naval companion, Cousin Giles.
Level C1Children'sFreaks on the Fells: Three Months' RusticationA bustling London merchant known for his explosive energy abruptly abandons his counting-house routine for a sudden adventure, leaving his timid clerk to anticipate the unexpected.
Level C1HistoricalFrank's Campaign; Or, The Farm and the CampIn a small New England town during the Civil War, citizens gather to face the urgent call for volunteers to support the Union cause.
Level C1Children'sFrank Oldfield: Lost and FoundIn a harsh Lancashire mining village, young Sammul vanishes after a troubled evening, leaving his desperate family searching for answers.
Level C1AdventureFrank Merriwell's Backers; Or, The Pride of His FriendsTrapped by ruthless enemies intent on seizing vital papers, Frank Merriwell relies on his cunning and the loyalty of an aged ally to outwit danger in the rugged Arizona wilderness,…
Level C1AdventureFrank Forester: A Story of the DardanellesIn the heat of 1914, an Englishman and his diverse party traverse the treacherous hills of Armenia, guided by a mysterious Kurd, as they navigate danger, suspicion, and the wild te…
Level C1Children'sFrank Fairlegh: Scenes from the Life of a Private PupilA young boy leaves home for the first time, embarking on an adventure as a private pupil under a tutor’s care, navigating the discomforts and curiosities of his journey to London a…
Level C1Children'sFour gatesFour young women, bound by duty and dreams, navigate life’s quiet struggles in a sleepy village where opportunity feels out of reach.
Level C1Children'sFour and Twenty Fairy Tales: Selected from Those of Perrault, and Other Popular WritersA mysterious man with a blue beard, feared for his past and strange appearance, wins the heart of a beautiful young woman.
Level C1FantasyFour Winds FarmA boy named Gratian grows up on the wild, windswept Four Winds Farm, where the forces of nature seem alive and mysterious.
Level C1AdventureFort Desolation: Red Indians and Fur Traders of Rupert's LandCaught between the wild frontier and the encroaching civilization of Canada, Jack Robinson endures solitude and hardship with quiet strength and a fierce spirit.
Level C1AdventureForest Glen; or, The Mohawk's FriendshipAmid the tense frontier of Pennsylvania, young settlers train in marksmanship and tomahawk throwing, preparing to defend their homes against looming Indian war threats.
Level C1AdventureFor the Temple: A Tale of the Fall of JerusalemAmid the tranquil beauty of Galilee, young John dreams by the Sea of Tiberias, unaware that the rich land and its people stand on the brink of devastating conflict as Roman forces…
Level C1RomanceFor the Faith: A Story of the Young Pioneers of Reformation in OxfordIn turbulent Oxford, young reformers grapple with faith, truth, and persecution, challenging church authority to read Scriptures freely and seek greater liberty of thought amid ris…
Level C1AdventureFor The AdmiralIn a France torn by religious war, a wounded messenger bearing a secret warning arrives at a castle where loyalties and danger collide.
Level C1RomanceFor Love of Country: A Story of Land and Sea in the Days of the RevolutionAmid the turmoil of the American Revolution, a young patriot navigates love, loyalty, and fierce naval battles that test the spirit of a nation.
Level C1HistoricalFootprints on the Sea-Shore (From "Twice Told Tales")A solitary wanderer escapes the bustle of society to find peace along a rugged sea-shore, where the waves, sand, and fleeting encounters with nature inspire deep reflection and qui…
Level C1PoetryFood for the Mind: Or, A New Riddle-bookDive into a world where riddles unlock hidden truths and sharpen the mind, blending ancient wisdom with playful challenges that reveal the art of disguise and discovery in everyday…
Level C1Children'sFollowers of the TrailIn a remote forest clearing, a solitary man known as the Hermit lives in harmony with nature, harvesting healing plants and finding unexpected friendship when a stray dog named Pal…
Level C1Children'sFollow My Leader: The Boys of TempletonThree boys embark on a nerve-wracking journey to Templeton school, facing the daunting exam that will decide their place among the land’s public schoolboys.
Level C1MysteryFlying the Coast Skyways; Or, Jack Ralston's Swift PatrolTwo daring pilots, flying under aliases, embark on a secret mission from San Diego to the East Coast, navigating smoky skies and coded conversations to meet with Secret Service con…
Level C1Children'sFloraIn a quiet village framed by elm trees and gentle country charms, Flora navigates the subtle complexities of rural life and society’s expectations, discovering friendship, curiosit…
Level C1AdventureFix Bay'nets: The Regiment in the HillsA rugged regiment of youthful soldiers endures a grueling mountain march, their spirits lifted by camaraderie and the stirring beats of a brass band.
Level C1Children'sFive years of youthTwo young sisters, worn but well-mannered, navigate life on a quaint farm under the care of Nurse Rickham, uncovering memories and virtues shaped by both ordinary days and the quie…
Level C1Children'sFive Minutes' StoriesA wealthy man, despairing after seeking happiness in art, knowledge, and pleasure, embarks on a transformative year of selfless giving that reveals the true secret to joy and fulfi…
Level C1AdventureFive Little Peppers AbroadThe lively Pepper family embarks on a thrilling overseas adventure, navigating new sights, friendships, and unexpected surprises aboard a grand steamer and across European landscap…
Level C1Children'sFinnish Legends for English ChildrenEnter a magical realm inspired by the Kalevala, the Finnish epic, where heroic figures, forest gods, and mythical creatures weave enchanting tales that introduce children to the br…
Level C1Children'sFindelkindA dreamy boy named Findelkind lives in a quaint mountain village beneath the towering Martinswand, where he spends his days lost in wonder and stories, caught between the magic of…
Level C1AdventureFighting the FlamesIn a cold London night, a stern railway magnate and his grieving daughter face hidden struggles behind their elegant fireside.
Level C1AdventureFighting Joe; Or, The Fortunes of a Staff Officer. A Story of the Great RebellionFollow Captain Thomas Somers as he navigates the chaos of the Civil War, balancing daring military exploits with personal loyalty and honor amid a nation on the brink of collapse.
Level C1HistoricalFifty-two Stories of the British Navy, from Damme to Trafalgar.Explore fifty-two gripping tales tracing the rise of the British Navy from early Saxon battles against the Danes to the legendary conflict at Trafalgar, revealing how maritime cour…
Level C1Children'sFestival playsCelebrate the seasons and special days with charming one-act plays featuring personified months and festive legends.
Level C1HistoricalFar Off; Or, Asia and Australia Described: With Anecdotes and IllustrationsExplore distant lands and meet their people through vivid tales of missionaries, sacred places, and real events that inspire young minds to cherish truth and faith over fiction.