Children's
Read Children's Classics in English
6,041 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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Level B1MysteryThe Golden Boys Along the River AllagashTwo resourceful boys face mechanical troubles on their motorboat along the River Allagash, calling on the clever Jack Golden to solve the mystery of the stubborn engine—and uncover…
Level C1Children'sThe Golden AgeIn a world where adults, dubbed Olympians, live blind to wonder and adventure, a group of imaginative children escape into a realm of wild games, secret treasures, and boundless fr…
Level C1RomanceThe Gold of ChickareeA young woman bound by a strict will faces a choice between love and fortune, navigating society’s expectations and her own secret desires.
Level B2Children'sThe Gold Thread: A Story for the YoungLost in a vast, shadowy forest, young Eric, son of King Magnus, struggles to find his way home while holding fast to his "gold thread" of faith and goodness.
Level B2AdventureThe Gold Of FairnileeIn the haunting ruins of Fairnilee, young Randal grows up amid whispers of war, loss, and legends of fairies.
Level C1AdventureThe Gold KloofAfter a thrilling school boat race victory, seventeen-year-old Guy Hardcastle leaps into action to save a drowning girl, revealing courage and resilience that hint at even greater…
PoetryThe Goblins' ChristmasDiscover a whimsical holiday tale where mischievous goblins celebrate Christmas in their own enchanting way, blending magic and festive cheer through charming verses and illustrati…
Level B2Children'sThe Goat and Her KidA lively young kid delights in dancing and frisking across a sunlit garden, inspired by the enchanting music of a traveling Italian boy and his dancing dolls.
Level B1AdventureThe Go Ahead Boys in the Island CampFour adventurous boys set up camp on a remote Adirondack island, facing the challenges of nature, unexpected mishaps, and thrilling water sports.
Level B2AdventureThe Go Ahead Boys and the Treasure CaveFour adventurous boys embark on the brig Josephine, setting sail from New York Harbor on a thrilling voyage to Buenos Aires.
Level B2AdventureThe Go Ahead Boys and the Racing Motor-BoatFour adventurous boys set out aboard a sleek racing motor-boat, the Black Growler, for a thrilling month on the St.
Level B2MysteryThe Go Ahead Boys and the Mysterious Old HouseFour adventurous friends set out to uncover the truth behind the eerie, centuries-old Meeker House, defying ghost stories and local fears in a thrilling quest that tests their cour…
Level B2Children'sThe Girls of St. Wode'sThree young women return home from school, ready to make their debut in London society under the watchful eye of their ambitious mother.
Level B2RomanceThe Girls of St. Olave'sOn the eve of her engagement, Denys navigates the bittersweet shift from family life to new beginnings, caught between cherished memories and the promise of love.
Level C1Children'sThe Girls of St. Cyprian's: A Tale of School LifeAt St.
Level B2Children'sThe Girls of Silver Spur RanchOn a small Texas cattle ranch whimsically named Silver Spur, spirited sisters navigate family quirks and looming changes as wedding preparations unfold.
Level B2MysteryThe Girls of Hillcrest Farm; Or, The Secret of the RocksStruggling to keep her family afloat after her mother's death, Lydia Bray juggles work and responsibility in a cramped tenement, where mysterious neighbors and secrets in nearby wi…
Level B2MysteryThe Girls of GreycliffA lively reunion at Greycliff Hall sparks joy and anticipation as old friends settle into their shared suite, ready to embrace school life and the adventures ahead at this spirited…
Level B2MysteryThe Girls of ChequertreesIn a village shadowed by an ivy-covered house with locked doors and whispered secrets, a mysterious invitation draws Pamela and other girls into a web of intrigue and hidden truths…
Level B2MysteryThe Girls of Central High; Or, Rivals for All HonorsTwo high school friends hatch a clever scheme to attract customers using a magnifying glass and a loaf of bread, sparking laughter and community buzz.
Level B2Children'sThe Girls of Central High on the Stage; Or, The Play That Took The PrizeAt Central High, a secret girls’ society faces eviction and must unite the student body by staging an original play competition to raise funds and secure their treasured meeting pl…
Level B2MysteryThe Girls of Central High on Track and Field: Or, The Champions of the School LeagueA spirited group of Central High girls navigate friendship, lively rivalries, and mysterious newcomers just as a strange chase unfolds below their hilltop perch—pulling them into a…
Level B1MysteryThe Girls of Central High on Lake Luna; Or, The Crew That WonTwin sisters Dora and Dorothy paddle through Lake Luna’s mysterious Cavern Island, drawn into a thrilling chase involving a masked stranger, a daring robbery, and secrets tied to t…
Level B2AdventureThe Girls of Central High in Camp; Or, the Old Professor's SecretA spirited group of Central High girls plan a summer camping trip far from the sand and sea, navigating friendships, rivalries, and the mysteries that unfold in the great outdoors.
Level B2MysteryThe Girls of Central High at Basketball; Or, The Great Gymnasium MysteryTensions rise on the Central High girls' basketball team as fierce competition meets simmering rivalries under the watchful eye of their strict instructor, Mrs.
Level B2MysteryThe Girls of Central High Aiding the Red Cross: Or, Amateur Theatricals for a Worthy CauseLaura, a sharp high school bookkeeper, discovers a mysterious fifty-dollar shortage in her father's jewelry store just as Christmas approaches.
Level B2Children'sThe Girls at Mount MorrisA determined young girl faces the harsh reality of sacrificing her dreams of education to support her ailing mother, stepping into the world of factory work and hardship.
Level B2Children'sThe Girls and I: A Veracious HistoryNavigating the chaos of being the only boy among five spirited sisters, Joachim—known as Jack—shares his humorous and heartfelt adventures in a lively family where personalities cl…
Level C1AdventureThe Girl's Own Paper. Vol. XX. No. 1007. April 15, 1899Amid the fervor of the Napoleonic Wars, a young soldier chronicles his first campaign in Spain, capturing battles, camaraderie, and the stirring enthusiasm of allied forces as they…
Level B2PoetryThe Girl's Own Paper, vol. VIII., no. 377, March 19, 1887Amidst the bustling life by the river and the quiet shadows of an old churchyard, a heartfelt reunion unfolds as Merle confronts the secrets kept by Aunt Agatha, revealing struggle…
Level B2Children'sThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX: No. 1019, July 8, 1899A young girl navigates loneliness and strained family ties during a Christmas spent away from home, finding solace and connection amid holiday traditions and new friendships in a b…
Level C1Children'sThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 999, February 18, 1899Amidst schoolroom rivalries and secret vows, two girls forge a powerful friendship that transforms their lives and challenges their hearts.
Level B2PoetryThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 997, February 4, 1899In a tense Franco-English war setting, young Roy’s playful mischief spirals into a serious predicament when a broken bust and angry accusations threaten to bring the gendarmes knoc…
Level C1HistoricalThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 996, January 28, 1899Amid the tense backdrop of Napoleonic wars and narrow escapes from invasion, personal letters reveal the lingering anxieties and long separations faced by families caught between E…
Level C1Children'sThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1028, September 9, 1899Explore the rich history of English village architecture through detailed descriptions of ancient manor houses, Tudor cottages, and the changing countryside.
Level C1PoetryThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1023, August 5, 1899Explore a rich collection of poetry and thoughtful essays aimed at inspiring young women to embrace literature beyond exams, discovering the magic and personal meaning hidden in ve…
Level C1PoetryThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1021, July 22, 1899In a world where social expectations and household hierarchy intertwine, Lucy navigates the complexities of servitude, friendship, and propriety, all while managing the delicate ba…
Level C1Children'sThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1013, May 27, 1899In a bustling household, a sudden accident and mysterious fire ignite tension as a servant collapses from a fit, leaving the residents scrambling to uncover the truth behind the ch…
Level C1PoetryThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1012, May 20, 1899Amid lively family debates and youthful ambitions, a young man navigates the challenges of business, friendship, and social expectations in a bustling town preparing for a grand co…
Level B2PoetryThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1011, May 13, 1899In a small household awaiting the husband’s return from sea, a seasoned servant with a mysterious past seeks a quiet place to work, stirring questions about trust and loyalty.
Level B2Children'sThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1010, May 6, 1899Effie, recovering from illness, is encouraged by Cyril to reclaim her independence through horseback riding and outdoor adventures, promising a summer filled with friendship, coura…
Level C1Children'sThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1009, April 29, 1899A treasured magazine celebrating its 1000th issue, filled with stories, advice, puzzles, and heartfelt letters from readers of all ages, capturing the spirit and interests of girls…
Level B2AdventureThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1008, April 22, 1899Caught in a desperate retreat through snow-covered mountains and relentless enemy pursuit, a young soldier battles hardship and danger while inspired by the unwavering resolve of h…
Level B2Children'sThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1006, April 8, 1899Amid the warmth of a Christmas morning at the vicarage, Peggy Saville faces illness and change with quiet courage, while her brother Arthur strives to keep spirits bright despite d…
Level C1Children'sThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1005, April 1, 1899A woman navigates the streets of Bloomsbury burdened by intense emotion, seeking a private consultation with a doctor about her husband’s health.
Level C1Children'sThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1004, March 25, 1899In a modest lodging-room, Miss Colbourne prepares a special tea for her former pupil Jessie, sharing dreams of Italy and treasured Italian books, while the community faces harsh re…
Level C1AdventureThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1003, March 18, 1899A fugitive named Roy hides in a secluded charcoal-burner's cottage, adopting a disguise to evade the gendarmes, while his loyal companion Jean devises a daring plan to keep them bo…
Level C1AdventureThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1002, March 11, 1899Imprisoned and despairing, Roy clings to a secret ally and a daring plan to escape his fortress cell by stealthily filing through the iron bars—risky and silent, with freedom hangi…