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 A2HistoricalHubbell Trading Post National Historic Site: Junior Ranger WorkbookStep back in time at Hubbell Trading Post, where young explorers become Junior Rangers by uncovering Navajo trading customs, historic rug designs, and life at a vibrant cultural cr…
Level B2Children'sHow the Fairy Violet Lost and Won Her WingsA fairy loses her wings and embarks on a perilous journey to the fiery kingdom to reclaim them, only to discover that new wings may bring unintended harm to the world she loves.
Level C1Children'sHow little Bessie kept the wolf from the doorIn a once-grand London mansion now home to struggling families, Matthew Reardon fights to support his loved ones by copying legal papers, while young Bessie faces the looming threa…
Level C1Children'sHow a Farthing Made a Fortune; or "Honesty is the best policy"In a grim London slum, young Dick Nason, the ragman's son, clings to hope and honesty amidst poverty and hardship.
Level B2AdventureHow Sammy Went to Coral-LandDive into the enchanting underwater world with Sammy, a proud young salmon, as he embarks on a wondrous adventure through coral reefs, meeting fascinating sea creatures and discove…
Level B2HistoricalHow Private George W. Peck Put Down the Rebellion: or, The Funny Experiences of a Raw Recruit - 1887A reluctant recruit joins a cavalry regiment late in the Civil War, expecting an easy ride and a quick payday.
Level B1Children'sHow Mr. Rabbit Lost his Tail: Hollow Tree StoriesIn the heart of the Hollow Tree woods, the animal friends discover the magic of Christmas and hatch a plan to welcome Santa Claus—only to have Mr.
Level B2Children'sHow John Became a Man: Life Story of a Motherless BoyA young boy named John faces the loss of his mother on the prairie and must grow quickly, learning to pray and take on new responsibilities as he navigates loneliness, friendship,…
Level B2Children'sHow Janice Day WonIn the lakeside town of Polktown, young Janice Day faces the challenges brought by new liquor licenses, growing troubles, and the impact on her community.
Level A2Children'sHow Ethel Hollister Became a Campfire GirlWhen Ethel Hollister’s fashionable mother forbids her from joining the Camp Fire Girls, Ethel embarks on a transformative journey of outdoor adventure, learning skills from canoein…
Level B1Children'sHow "a dear little couple" went abroadPolly and Teddy, two dear little friends, embark on an exciting adventure as they prepare to travel abroad across the sea, filled with joyful surprises and the thrill of new experi…
Level B2Children'sHousehold Tales by Brothers GrimmWhen a princess loses her beloved golden ball in a deep well, a mysterious frog offers to retrieve it—on the condition that she welcomes him as her companion.
Level B2Children'sHousehold Stories by the Brothers GrimmEnter a world where rabbits host wedding feasts under rainbows and daring adventurers with extraordinary talents band together to challenge fate, braving enchanted forests and roya…
Level B2Children'sHorse TalesOn John Dobbin’s bustling farm, the old mare Sally tries to keep order among a mischievous donkey, curious animals, and unexpected visitors while her master is away.
Level B1Children'sHoppy Toad TalesA curious young toad named Hoppy disobeys his mother and wanders through the woods, where he encounters new friends and learns important lessons about safety and kindness.
Level B2HistoricalHope and Have; or, Fanny Grant Among the Indians: A Story for Young PeopleA mischievous girl faces a stern warning: behave well or be sent away to live among the Minnesota Indians during a time of great unrest.
Level B2Children'sHope Benham: A Story for GirlsA spirited young girl from the working-class town of Riverview sells delicate arbutus flowers at the elegant Brookside station, navigating the contrast between two worlds as she pu…
Level B2Children'sHonoring ParentsA young boy shows kindness and forgiveness at school, honoring his mother’s teachings even when she’s not present.
Level B2AdventureHonor Bright: A Story of the Days of King CharlesA young boy named Charles, confined in a tower room overlooking a vibrant garden, grapples with mysterious sorrow despite his privileged surroundings and gifts.
Level B2Children'sHonor Bright: A Story for GirlsTwelve-year-old Honor Bright faces life as an orphan in a Swiss boarding school, carrying distant memories of exotic lands and loving parents lost to a sudden tragedy.
Level B2AdventureHoney-SweetAs the steamship Caronia prepares to sail, young Anne navigates the bustling chaos of the dock, her keen eyes catching glimpses of strangers, secrets, and a worried uncle whose mys…
Level C1Children'sHomespun TalesStep into an imagined Maine village where a lively river, a quaint meeting house, and the humble lives of villagers unfold through heartwarming tales of community, love, and tradit…
Level B2Children'sHollyhock: A Spirit of MischiefIn the serene Upper Glen, two families—one naming their daughters after flowers, the other their sons after precious stones—live peaceful lives until a mysterious letter arrives on…
Level C1Children'sHollyhock House: A Story for GirlsThree sisters, each uniquely spirited and bound by loss, navigate life with strength and loyalty under the care of devoted guardians, discovering the meaning of family and resilien…
Level B2Children'sHollowmellA spirited schoolgirl named Minnie battles her careless habits and social challenges as she navigates friendships and responsibilities at her lively school.
Level B2AdventureHollowdell Grange: Holiday Hours in a Country HomeOn a scorching midsummer day, young Fred Morris journeys to Hollowdell station, where cousins Harry and Philip eagerly await his arrival.
Level B1AdventureHollow Tree Nights and DaysDeep in the Big Deep Woods, the Hollow Tree friends—'Coon, 'Possum, and Old Black Crow—gather to share stories, adventures, and friendship, bridging their secret world with the edg…
Level C1HistoricalHolidays at Roselands: A Sequel to Elsie DinsmoreElsie faces the challenge of navigating family love, social expectations, and her own feelings during a holiday season filled with tender moments, unexpected gifts, and the promise…
Level B2AdventureHolidays at BrightonTwo boys explore the bustling seaside town of Brighton, discovering its sparkling sea, grand pier, and strange new buildings while learning about the engineering marvels and seasid…
Level B2Children'sHoliday storiesIn a grand estate shadowed by an irritable matriarch, a devoted maid endures sharp tempers and long years of service, revealing the complex ties of loyalty and hardship beneath the…
Level B2Children'sHoliday TalesSeven spirited brothers imagine grand adventures and dream of transforming their rough "desert" into a beautiful garden to brighten their ailing mother's days, blending childhood m…
Level B2Children'sHoliday Stories for Young PeopleA young girl named Milly Van Doren is entrusted to keep house and care for her grandmother while her parents travel, leading her to eagerly organize a social club and face the real…
Level C1Children'sHoliday RomanceTwo childhood friends, united by secret vows and daring schemes, face a hilarious battle of wits and courage to rescue their brides from a strict school.
Level C1Children'sHoliday House: A Series of TalesMischievous and lively children challenge the rigid, overly strict education of their time, revealing the sparks of natural genius and heartfelt enthusiasm amid lessons and discipl…
Level B2Children'sHold fastA blind grandfather shares a heartfelt story with his granddaughter about faith, sin, and salvation, revealing how even the most faithful must rely on mercy to find hope.
Level B2Children'sHold 'em, Wyndham!At Wyndham School, football coach G.
Level C1HistoricalHistory of the Plague in LondonAmid the turmoil of 17th-century London, witness the gripping account of the plague’s devastating impact on the city and its people, revealing the resilience and chaos that defined…
Level B2Children'sHistory of my petsA young girl finds unexpected joy and companionship in a beautiful white kitten named Keturah, whose playful antics and loyal presence brighten her days and even accompany her to a…
Level B2HistoricalHistory of Orrin PierceRaised by a devout mother in a quaint cottage by the sea, young Orrin Pierce learns Scripture and the wonders of nature, nurturing a tender faith and a heart longing for holiness.
Level B1HistoricalHistory Plays for the Grammar GradesStep into the vibrant world of history as children bring great figures like Columbus and John Smith to life through engaging plays, turning dry facts into thrilling adventures that…
Level B2HistoricalHistoric Girls: Stories Of Girls Who Have Influenced The History Of Their TimesDiscover the inspiring stories of young girls across history who defy their times with courage, wit, and heart, from the dazzling ancient city of Palmyra to far-reaching lands, pro…
Level C2Children'sHistoire du chien de Brisquet / The Story of Brisquet's DogIn a snowy forest plagued by wolves, a devoted dog named Bichonne bravely guards a poor woodcutter’s family, risking everything to protect their two young children from lurking dan…
Level C1RomanceHis fortunate GraceAn heiress determined to redistribute her immense fortune champions socialism and women's suffrage, challenging her privileged upbringing and societal expectations as she prepares…
Level B2Children'sHis big opportunityTwo boys perched atop a sunlit garden wall seize a chance encounter with a mysterious stranger to turn small moments into meaningful adventures, discovering that true opportunity o…
Level B2Children'sHis Little Royal HighnessAfter a fall leaves young Reginald injured, his siblings crown him king in a playful game of bodyguards and crowns, transforming his recovery into a royal adventure filled with ima…
Level C1Children'sHis DogStruggling to keep his family farm alive, Link Ferris discovers a gravely injured collie by the roadside, sparking a bond that will challenge his lonely, relentless life in the rug…
Level B2AdventureHiram the Young FarmerA young farmer, disillusioned by city life and menial jobs, longs to leave the cramped town behind and return to the open fields and fresh air of the countryside where he was born…
Level B2Children'sHiram in the Middle WestA determined young farmer arrives at the lonely Pringleton station, facing rain and mysterious locals as he journeys toward the burned Sunnyside Farm.