Historical
Read Historical Classics in English
26 historical 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 historical classics to read in English as a learner?
The best historical classics for English learners are the well-known titles you can read in the original — start with Zigzag Journeys in Northern Lands;: The Rhine to the Arctic; A Summer Trip of the Zigzag Club Through Holland, Germany, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, Yule-Tide Yarns and Youth. 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 B1HistoricalThe Lost ArmyTwo boys from Iowa, barely sixteen, answer the call to enlist as the Civil War erupts, joining the Northern fight to preserve the Union.
Level B1FantasyThe Boy Volunteers with the Submarine FleetTwo American boys embark on a thrilling voyage aboard a submarine during wartime, facing torpedo attacks and the perils of the underwater battlefield.
Level B1AdventureThe Boy Volunteers on the Belgian FrontTwo American boys caught in the chaos of war speed toward the Belgian frontier, pursued by enemy forces.
Level B1AdventureThe Boy Scouts on War Trails in Belgium; Or, Caught Between Hostile ArmiesAmidst the turmoil of war-torn Belgium, three brave Boy Scouts navigate hostile armies and treacherous landscapes to reach a friend’s ailing mother trapped in Antwerp.
Level B1AdventureThe Boy Scouts on Belgian BattlefieldsYoung Boy Scouts land in war-torn Antwerp, determined to navigate the dangers of a German invasion while pursuing a mysterious man tied to a valuable secret.
Level B1HistoricalThe Belgian TwinsAmid the serene Belgian countryside, young twins Jan and Marie Van Hove help their family with farm chores, unaware that their peaceful life is about to be upended by the turmoil o…
Level B1HistoricalStories from English HistoryJourney back to ancient Britain, where fierce tribes clash with ambitious Roman invaders in a land of wild forests and untamed warriors.
Level B1HistoricalSi Klegg, Book 6: Si and Shorty, with Their Boy Recruits, Enter on the Atlanta CampaignAmid the chaos of trains and battle, Si Klegg and Shorty struggle to keep their young recruits safe while navigating the dangers of the Atlanta Campaign.
Level B1HistoricalSaratoga National Historical Park Junior Ranger ProgramStep into the heart of the American Revolution at Saratoga National Historical Park, where you become a Junior Ranger exploring the 1777 campaign that turned the tide against Briti…
Level B1HistoricalProfessor JohnnyA young boy nicknamed Professor Johnny finds himself facing an unexpected crisis when a sudden fire threatens his home, forcing him to act quickly and courageously while caring for…
Level B1HistoricalPictures and Stories from Uncle Tom's CabinA desperate mother flees with her young son to escape the cruel sale that tore them apart, braving icy rivers and relentless pursuers in a heart-wrenching tale of courage and hope.
Level B1HistoricalOur Little Jewish CousinIn Jerusalem under foreign rule, young Esther and her family cling to their Jewish faith and traditions, gathering weekly at the Wailing Wall to mourn their lost homeland and dream…
Level B1HistoricalLucia Rudini: Somewhere in ItalyIn a hilltop Italian village surrounded by ancient walls, spirited Lucia Rudini navigates the tensions of war and daily life, guarding her beloved goats and engaging with soldiers…
Level B1AdventureLodrix, the Little Lake DwellerIn a hidden lake village high in the mountains, young Lodrix, son of the chief, faces the threat of war as the Bear tribe plans to burn their homes.
Level B1HistoricalLittle Robins Learning to FlyA curious boy discovers a robin caring for another bird's nest, sparking a gentle exploration of kindness and cooperation in nature.
Level B1HistoricalLittle Prudy's Captain HoraceIn a quiet Indiana town, young Horace dreams of becoming a soldier while his sister Grace imagines angelic harps under starry skies.
Level B1AdventureJoe the Hotel Boy; Or, Winning out by PluckA resourceful country boy navigates storms and social divides as he works his way from a summer hotel to the bustling city, relying on honesty and determination to overcome hardshi…
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 B1HistoricalFor the School ColoursWhen a rival school closes, its students flood into Silverside, upending traditions and threatening the established order among the boarders.
Level B1HistoricalDocasJourney back to a Pacific Coast Indian village where young Docas and his family live, play, and learn the ways of their ancestors long before modern settlers arrived.
Level B1HistoricalCaptain HoraceYoung Horace dreams of adventure and soldiering, while his sister Grace imagines angelic harps under starry Indiana skies.
Level B1AdventureArmy Boys on German Soil: Our Doughboys Quelling the MobsAmerican soldiers patrol a tense German city where hostility simmers beneath the surface, and threats escalate from uneasy glances to deadly gunfire.
Level B1AdventureArmy Boys marching into GermanyAmidst relentless German assaults, a small band of American soldiers fiercely holds their ground, preparing for a desperate bayonet charge that will decide their fate in a brutal,…
Level B1HistoricalAmong the Meadow PeopleA newly emerged butterfly explores the meadow, discovering the unique lives and homes of flowers and creatures, learning that every being thrives best in its own special place.
Level B1AdventureA sailor boy with DeweyA sixteen-year-old merchant’s son embarks on a perilous journey to the Philippines, navigating treacherous storms and a drunken captain as he explores America’s new Pacific territo…
Level B1HistoricalA Walk and a Drive.A curious little girl named Rosy explores a sunlit French villa and its surroundings, discovering fresh milk, grapevines, and the mystery of missing birds.