Children's
Read Children's Classics in English
1,019 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 Mercer Boys on a Treasure Hunt, The Mercer Boys in the Ghost Patrol and The Mercer Boys at Woodcrest. 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.
- 1,019
- books
Level C1Children'sEric; Or, Little by LittleA spirited boy eagerly anticipates starting school, but his cousin Fanny fears the harsh lessons and changes that may lie ahead.
Level C1Children'sEric, or Little by LittleA spirited boy eagerly anticipates school and the return of his parents, but his cousin fears the harsh lessons ahead might change him forever.
Level C1Children'sEnglish Fairy TalesA brave young knight, marked by mysterious signs, escapes a wicked enchantress and embarks on a quest to save a land plagued by a fearsome dragon.
Level C1Children'sEmmy Lou's Road to Grace: Being a Little Pilgrim's ProgressA young girl named Emmy Lou struggles to reconcile her innocent understanding of right and wrong with the confusing lessons of home, church, and school.
Level C1Children'sEmilie the PeacemakerTwo girls escape a chilly spring evening for a primrose hunt by the sea, revealing the challenges of childhood and family dynamics through the eyes of Emilie, a patient governess,…
Level C1Children'sElsie's New Relations: What They Did and How They Fared at Ion; A Sequel to Grandmother ElsieAs autumn paints the seaside in vivid hues, newlyweds Edward and Zoe navigate the joys and challenges of family life at Ion, discovering love, learning, and the bonds that tie them…
Level C1Children'sElsie's MotherhoodIn a post-Civil War Southern town, a loving family celebrates a decade of marriage amidst the innocence of childhood and the complexities of rebuilding a fractured society.
Level C1RomanceElsie's Kith and KinNewlyweds Zoe and Ned embrace the joys and challenges of married life on a sprawling plantation, finding love, companionship, and unexpected visitors to brighten their quiet days t…
Level C1HistoricalElsie at ViamedeAmid the tranquil beauty of Viamede, a family gathers to recount the stirring tale of Andrew Jackson’s relentless defense of New Orleans during the War of 1812, revealing courage,…
Level C1Children'sElsie at NantucketA family plans a summer retreat to Nantucket, a charming island with a rich whaling history and quaint villages.
Level C1Children'sElsie at HomeA weary mother arrives at her daughter's grand home, battling illness and a stormy journey, seeking comfort and reunion.
Level C1Children'sEight CousinsAfter losing her parents, young Rose finds herself in a gloomy old mansion under the care of her well-meaning but puzzled aunts.
Level C1AdventureEdwy the Fair or the First Chronicle of Aescendune: A Tale of the Days of Saint DunstanIn a turbulent tenth-century England, the young King Edwy grapples with the powerful Church and its influential leaders, including the formidable monk Dunstan, as love and loyalty…
Level C1HistoricalEdward Fane's Rosebud (From "Twice Told Tales")An aging nurse reflects on her lost youth and a broken romance with Edward Fane, set against the harsh realities of class and mortality in colonial times.
Level C1Children'sEast LynneA once ambitious barrister suddenly inherits a vast fortune and title, only to find himself trapped in a spiral of reckless spending and mounting debts.
Level C1MysteryEagles of the Sky; Or, With Jack Ralston Along the Air LanesTwo daring aviators, Jack Ralston and Gabe Perkiser, are tasked by the Secret Service to dismantle a cunning smuggling ring along Florida’s Gulf Coast, using their wits and a versa…
Level C1Children'sDrifted ashore;A young fisherman's son watches over a mysterious, nameless boy washed ashore and lying unconscious in their humble cabin.
Level C1Children'sDream DaysA group of children, each captivated by their own unique passions—from military regiments and wild American fauna to naval history—navigate the joys and quirks of youthful curiosit…
Level C1HistoricalDr. Jolliffe's BoysAt Weston School, a fierce cricket rivalry unfolds between Weston and Hillsborough, igniting personal ambitions and jealousies among the boys.
Level C1Children'sDomestic Pleasures, or, the Happy Fire-sideAmid a stormy autumn evening, a family gathers by the fire, exploring real-life lessons on compassion, history, and virtue through heartfelt conversations that reveal their own cha…
Level C1PoetryDivine SongsGentle hymns and simple verses invite children into lessons of faith and virtue, nurturing young hearts with praise, wisdom, and moral guidance.
Level C1AdventureDikes and Ditches; Or, Young America in Holland and BelgiumYoung sailors aboard the Academy ships face not only the challenges of navigating the calm, looming waters off Holland and Belgium but also the trials of a strict and overbearing i…
Level C1Children'sDigby Heathcote: The Early Days of a Country Gentleman's Son and HeirA spirited nine-year-old boy navigates childhood at Bloxholme Hall, where indulgence meets discipline, and mischief often leads to heartfelt lessons.
Level C1Children'sDiddie, Dumps, and Tot; Or, Plantation Child-LifeThree young sisters grow up on a Mississippi cotton plantation, where their lives intertwine with those of the enslaved people who care for them.
Level C1HistoricalDiddie, Dumps & Tot; or, Plantation child-lifeThree young sisters grow up on a Mississippi cotton plantation, surrounded by devoted caretakers and the rich traditions of Southern slave life.
Level C1AdventureDick Rodney; or, The Adventures of an Eton BoyAn adventurous Eton boy torn between family expectations and his restless spirit sets out on a journey filled with perils, sea voyages, and daring exploits beyond the bounds of sch…
Level C1AdventureDick Merriwell's Aëro Dash; Or, Winning Above the CloudsA reckless driver flees after striking a little girl on a quiet country road, leaving her gravely injured.
Level C1PoetryDevotional Poetry for the Children. Second PartA heartfelt collection of devotional poems invites children to explore themes of kindness, prayer, and the wonders of nature, nurturing a gentle spirit and faith through simple, in…
Level C1AdventureDeering of Deal; Or, The Spirit of the SchoolA young Southern boy arrives late to Deal School, a storied academy steeped in family tradition and history, where he must navigate new challenges and forge his own path amid the e…
Level C1AdventureDeep Down, a Tale of the Cornish MinesA determined young adventurer sets out on foot across the rugged Cornish moorlands, guided by necessity and curiosity, only to find himself lost and drawn into unexpected encounter…
Level C1HistoricalDeeds of Daring Done by GirlsIn a medieval castle, a spirited young lady defies expectations with her courage and wit, proving that daring deeds are not reserved for boys alone.
Level C1Children'sDeccan Nursery Tales; or, Fairy Tales from the SouthIn a vibrant Indian town, a poor Brahman encounters mystical nymphs who reveal sacred rites honoring the sun, setting him on a path of devotion, fortune, and unexpected royal atten…
Level C1Children'sDebating for boysBoys learn to debate as a vital skill for clear thinking and effective argument, training their minds to seek truth rather than victory.
Level C1Children'sDeaf and Dumb!A young boy eagerly anticipates a joyful ride to his nurse’s house, surrounded by caring friends and family.
Level C1HistoricalDays Before historyStep back to prehistoric Britain, where hunters stalk the wild hills and ancient tribes craft stone weapons as they navigate a world of forests, rivers, and fierce rivalries.
Level C1Children'sDavid BlaizeAt Helmsworth Preparatory School, young David Blaize navigates the distractions of a quirky museum-classroom, a stern headmaster’s fearsome discipline, and the trials of boyhood le…
Level C1AdventureDastral of the Flying CorpsIn the midst of World War I’s fierce battles, a young English pilot named Dastral pushes the limits of daring aerial combat to earn his wings and face the deadly mastery of the ski…
Level C1AdventureDangerous deedsAmid Washington’s morning fog, a daring young aviator clings to the edge of adventure, haunted by a troubled past and driven by a mysterious black handbag that could unlock his for…
Level C1Children'sDame Wonder's Picture Alphabet: Amusing Alphabet, Dame Wonder's Series.Explore a whimsical collection of beloved nursery rhymes, fairy tales, and playful stories designed to delight young readers while teaching the alphabet through charming pictures a…
Level C1Children'sDaisy's Work: The Third CommandmentIn a bustling city street, Daisy, a delicate flower-girl with a refined air, sells bouquets while hiding a poignant secret of loss and loneliness.
Level C1RomanceDaisy in the FieldTorn between duty and heartbreak, a young woman struggles to focus on her studies as the harsh realities of war and love collide around her.
Level C1Children'sDaisyA young girl’s joyful childhood is forever changed when her father’s accident sends her to live with a stern aunt in the mysterious southern woods, where she must find strength and…
Level C1PoetryDaddy Do-Funny's Wisdom JinglesAn aging ex-slave known as Daddy Do-Funny shares his sharp, playful wisdom and vivid stories from plantation life, captivating children and neighbors alike with his unique blend of…
Level C1AdventureCædwalla; or, The Saxons in the Isle of Wight: A TaleAmidst the turbulent seventh-century Isle of Wight, a fierce Saxon warrior named Cædwalla rises, navigating battles, faith, and shifting loyalties in a land where law and culture b…
Level C1AdventureCupid of CampionTwo unlikely companions—a restless butcher's boy and a whimsical youth in a sailor suit—join forces in a small Iowa town, seeking fun and adventure on the river and beyond, driven…
Level C1AdventureCowmen and Rustlers: A Story of the Wyoming Cattle RangesAmid the snowy Maine winter, spirited twins Fred and Jennie Whitney plan a daring 30-mile skate to the mysterious Wolf Glen, sparking adventure and suspense as their mother warns o…
Level C1HistoricalCountry Walks of a Naturalist with His ChildrenJoin a family’s springtime country walks where lively children explore moors, ponds, and woods, discovering birds, insects, plants, and more through curious eyes and gentle guidanc…
Level C1HistoricalCount Ulrich of Lindburg: A Tale of the Reformation in GermanyIn the shadow of the Reformation, Count Ulrich of Lindburg wrestles with faith and tradition as his son ventures to study under the controversial Martin Luther.