Poetry
Read Poetry Classics in English
151 poetry 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 poetry classics to read in English as a learner?
The best poetry classics for English learners are the well-known titles you can read in the original — start with The Butterfly's Ball and the Grasshopper's Feast, The Bustān of Sadi and The Bush Fire, and Other Verses. 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.
- 151
- books
Level B2PoetryThe Book of NonsenseDive into a whimsical world where quirky characters and absurd situations unfold in playful limericks, blending nonsense and humor in delightful poetic form.
Level B2PoetryThe Book of American Negro PoetryExplore the rich voices and vibrant rhythms of American Negro poets, whose words challenge perceptions and celebrate a unique cultural heritage.
Level B2PoetryThe Big Book of Nursery RhymesDiscover timeless nursery rhymes, from playful jingles to charming tales, lovingly collected and illustrated for young readers to enjoy and treasure across generations.
Level B2PoetryThe Bay and Padie bookDive into a whimsical collection of poems that blend playful nonsense with tender lullabies, capturing childhood’s magic and everyday moments through a vivid tapestry of voices and…
Level B2PoetryThe Bashful Earthquake, & Other Fables and VersesWhen an earthquake grows bashful and flees in shame after causing chaos, whimsical fables and verses explore nature’s quirks and curious creatures, blending humor and gentle lesson…
Level B2PoetryThe Ballad of the QuestA weary soul abandons comfort to roam under open skies, seeking faith, peace, and honest love amid life's harsh trials.
Level B2PoetryThe Bab BalladsA devoted captain strives to delight his crew with unmatched comforts and surprising matchmaking schemes, while rival curates compete in mildness and mischief in a whimsical world…
Level B2FantasyThe Animals' RebellionIn a kingdom ruled by a lion king, the animals spark a secret rebellion led by a defiant tiger tired of tyranny.
Level B2AdventureThe Adventures of Seumas Beg; The Rocky Road to DublinJourney alongside Seumas Beg through enchanting orchards, mysterious woods, and bustling Dublin streets, where playful adventures and curious encounters bring the vibrant Irish cou…
Level B2FantasyThe Adventures of A Brownie: As Told to My Child by Miss MulockA tiny, mischievous Brownie living unseen in a Devonshire coal-cellar faces a crisis when his nightly bowl of milk goes missing, prompting him to venture out into the kitchen and d…
Level B2FantasyThe Adventure of Two Dutch Dolls and a 'Golliwogg'On a magical Christmas Eve, two wooden Dutch dolls awaken to explore a world where toys come alive, facing thrilling rides, mischievous tricks, and enchanting new friends like the…
Level B2PoetrySugar and Spice: Comical Tales Comically DressedChildren transform daily chores into lively adventures, from playful parties to inventive boot-making and garden games, revealing the joy and lessons hidden in everyday moments.
Level B2PoetryStories of Many LandsJourney across continents to meet children from England to China, discovering that despite cultural differences, their joys, mischiefs, and dreams are remarkably alike.
Level B2HistoricalStories from VirgilAmid the gods' favor protecting Troy, a cunning Greek plot unfolds as a giant wooden horse conceals warriors inside, sparking a deadly dilemma for the city’s defenders torn between…
Level B2PoetrySt. Nicholas, Vol. 5, No. 4, February 1878A young chorister struggles under the exacting tutelage of a stern choir-master whose high expectations spark jealousy and hardship, but also inspire growth, hope, and unexpected b…
Level B2PoetrySt. Nicholas, Vol. 5, No. 2, December, 1877A determined boy battles a fierce tide in his little skiff, striving to prove his manhood and keep control against overwhelming odds, while unexpected encounters on the water hint…
Level B2AdventureSt. Nicholas, Vol. 13, No. 10, August 1886Isolated in a solitary cabin deep within Wyoming's Rocky Mountains, a lone hermit embraces the wild with only his horse and dog for company, sharing the rugged beauty and challenge…
Level B2PoetrySpun-yarn and SpindriftExplore a world where angels wait patiently and memories of distant homelands sing through the verses.
Level B2PoetrySpring BlossomsCelebrate the joys of spring and the innocence of childhood through vibrant poems that teach kindness, virtue, and the beauty of nature, while introducing timeless characters like…
Level B2PoetrySongs of a SavoyardWitty and sharp, these poems offer a satirical glimpse into human nature, society, and identity—from stubborn English pride to the quirks of disagreeable men—blending humor and ref…
Level B2HistoricalSongs of Heroic DaysAmid the turmoil of war, powerful poems honor heroes like King Albert of Belgium and reflect on the devastation of battle, blending patriotism with poignant reflections on courage,…
Level B2PoetrySongs for All Seasons, and Other PoemsExplore a collection of heartfelt poems reflecting on faith, life's challenges, and the enduring hope found in spiritual devotion.
Level B2PoetrySongs and rhymes of a lead minerExperience the gritty life of a lead miner through heartfelt songs and rhymes that capture the struggles, joys, and resilience of a working-class Scottish community during the earl…
Level B2PoetrySome One Like YouA heartfelt tribute to a steadfast companion whose presence turns life’s hardships into joys, this poem celebrates unwavering loyalty, genuine friendship, and the simple happiness…
Level B2PoetrySome Broken TwigsExplore the beauty and challenges of life through heartfelt poems that reflect on nature’s wonders and the lessons hidden in both bright days and broken twigs.
Level B2PoetrySmall Means and Great EndsA young girl’s yearning to be rich turns to compassion as she encounters a struggling family, learning how small acts of kindness can bring great blessings and inspire hope amidst…
Level B2PoetrySimple Poems for Infant MindsDelight in gentle poems that spark the imagination of little ones, exploring simple wonders like sailboats, dolls, birds, and ants through tender verses crafted for infant minds.
Level B2PoetrySilver liningsDiscover a world of hope, joy, and resilience through heartfelt poems that celebrate life's simple beauties, the courage to embrace one's unique gifts, and the strength to face eac…
Level B2PoetryShellsExplore heartfelt reflections and vivid emotions through poems that capture life’s joys, sorrows, and the quiet moments in between, weaving music and meaning from everyday experien…
Level B2PoetrySelections from Five English PoetsExplore the rich melodies and moods of English poetry through stirring lyrics, epic tales, and reflective verse by five master poets, revealing how rhythm and story intertwine to a…
Level B2PoetryScott's Lady of the LakeAmid the breathtaking Highlands and the mysterious Loch Katrine, ancient customs and heroic tales come alive in a poetic journey that weaves romance, valor, and the rugged beauty o…
Level B2PoetrySaddle room songs and hunting balladsImmerse yourself in vivid verses that celebrate the rugged charm of hunting, horses, and rural life, capturing moments from the thrill of the chase to quiet reflections on old sadd…
Level B2PoetryRosemary and Rue, by AmberImmerse yourself in a poetic journey to a serene island where nature’s beauty and simple joys offer solace from life’s hardships, inviting readers to find peace in wild strawberrie…
Level B2PoetryRippling RhymesWitty prose poems capture the spirit of early 20th-century life with humor and insight, reflecting on themes from farm machinery to personal virtue.
Level B2PoetryRight off the Bat: Baseball BalladsCelebrate the spirit of baseball through vivid ballads capturing the thrill of the game, the hopes of minor leaguers, and the timeless clash between pitcher and batter.
Level B2PoetryRide A Cock-Horse To Banbury Cross & A Farmer Went Trotting Upon His Grey Mare: R. Caldecott's Picture BooksDelight in a charming collection of illustrated nursery rhymes, where playful verses and vivid pictures bring timeless songs like "Ride A Cock-Horse To Banbury Cross" and "A Farmer…
Level B2HistoricalRhymes of the Rookies: Sunny Side of Soldier ServiceExperience the gritty camaraderie and raw realities of soldier life through vivid poems that capture the humor, hardship, and heart behind the uniforms, from bunkmates’ loyalty to…
Level B2PoetryRhymes of the RockiesJourney through the rugged beauty and solitude of the Rocky Mountains in vivid poems that capture the spirit of trappers, hunters, and nature’s quiet wonders, celebrating the wild…
Level B2PoetryRhymes for the nurseryDelight in gentle, soothing verses that capture the tender moments of childhood—from morning wake-ups to bedtime lullabies—inviting little ones to explore the world through simple…
Level B2PoetryRequired Poems for Reading and Memorizing: Third and Fourth Grades, Prescribed by State Courses of StudyDive into a rich collection of poems embraced by schoolchildren, where playful adventures, mysterious unseen friends, and the changing seasons come alive through captivating verses…
Level B2PoetryPrison PoetryImprisoned yet unbroken, a poet’s soul transcends cold bars, voicing the raw, unfiltered emotions and hopes of those confined.
Level B2PoetryPretty Verses for All Good Children: In Words of One, Two, and Three SyllablesGentle tales and simple verses teach young readers the value of honesty, kindness, and the beauty found in everyday life—using only words of one, two, and three syllables to deligh…
Level B2HistoricalPoets and Dreamers: Studies and translations from the IrishTwo old women debate the fierce rivalry between two legendary Irish poets, Raftery and Callinan, whose songs and sharp tongues still echo through the memories of their homeland.
Level B2PoetryPoems with Power to Strengthen the SoulDiscover a unique collection of poems chosen for their power to inspire moral strength and elevate daily living, blending heartfelt spirituality with poetic grace to nurture the so…
Level B2PoetryPoems of William BlakeStep into a world of vivid imagination where innocence, nature, and spirituality intertwine through playful songs and poignant reflections, capturing the joys and sorrows of childh…
Level B2PoetryPoems of SentimentExplore heartfelt reflections on love, society, and truth through vivid floral metaphors and soulful verses that challenge judgment and celebrate resilience in the face of adversit…
Level B2PoetryPoems of PurposeA young man’s journey through youth’s temptations and disillusionments unfolds in stirring verse, exploring the costs of reckless choices and the quest for meaning amid society’s c…
Level B2RomancePoems of PassionFiery and heartfelt poems explore the grand passion of love—its power, despair, and triumph—capturing moments of intense emotion and timeless human experience that challenge sentim…