Poetry
Read Poetry Classics in English
182 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 Thrills of a Bell Boy, Three Women and Three Sunsets and Other Poems. 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 B2HistoricalThe Legends of San FranciscoAn ancient Tamalpais maiden recounts the sacred legend of her people, revealing the mystical origins of Mount Tamalpais and the vanished tribes who once thrived along San Francisco…
Level B2HistoricalThe Land of Evangeline: The Authentic Story of Her Country and Her People: With Evangeline by H. W. LongfellowIn the blossoming landscapes of Grand-Pré, a young Acadian maiden faces exile and separation from her beloved Gabriel during the 1755 Deportation.
Level B2HistoricalThe Kiltartan History BookJourney through ancient Ireland’s rich tales of legendary tribes, master craftsmen, and cunning women who shape fate with wit and wisdom in a land where love and invention define s…
Level B2PoetryThe Jade Flute: Chinese Poems in ProseImmerse yourself in delicate Chinese prose poems that capture serene landscapes, tender emotions, and timeless reflections on love, nature, and solitude.
Level B2RomanceThe Hidden Cabin: a pathetic story in condensed formHigh atop Palomar Mountain, a mysterious hidden cabin becomes the backdrop for a heartfelt romance filled with nature’s beauty, deep friendship, and inspiring messages of manhood a…
Level B2AdventureThe Grateful Indian, and Other StoriesIn the rugged wilderness of North America, a family settles among diverse Indian tribes and faces unexpected dangers when a wounded Ojibway seeks refuge from a hostile Sioux war pa…
Level B2PoetryThe Goop Directory of Juvenile Offenders Famous for their Misdeeds and Serving as a Salutary Example for all Virtuous ChildrenDiscover a whimsical directory of mischievous children whose naughty habits serve as playful warnings—each verse revealing the amusing antics of a Goop and guiding young readers to…
Level B2PoetryThe Good ResolutionOn her fourteenth birthday, Isabella grapples with an angry temper that clouds her happiness and strains family bonds.
Level B2PoetryThe Glugs of GoshEmbark on a whimsical journey through the mysterious land of Gosh, where curious seekers chase elusive Glugs guided by riddles, starry skies, and curious creatures in a poetic ques…
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 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 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 B2PoetryThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX, No. 994, January 14, 1899Amid the hardships of war and captivity, a young artist and his wife navigate the uncertainties of life as prisoners in a foreign town, while friends quietly rally to support them…
Level B2HistoricalThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX, No. 984, November 5, 1898Amid the Franco-English War, a young boy named Roy battles illness under the watchful care of a weary soldier and a mysterious, gentle girl scarred by smallpox.
Level B2PoetryThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. VIII, No. 354, October 9, 1886A jealous baron defies luxury and convention by secretly whisking his infant daughter away from her pampered nursery to a rugged life at sea.
Level B2PoetryThe Fox and the Geese; and The Wonderful History of Henny-PennyThree clever geese face the cunning Fox Reynard, who uses trickery and fire to prey on them.
Level B2PoetryThe Four SeasonsWitness the epic tale of Earth’s fiery birth, where ancient forces clash and reshape the world in a timeless dance of fire, water, ice, and life—ushering in the majestic cycle of t…
Level B2PoetryThe Fairy Godmother-in-lawWhen Cinderella marries the prince, her fairy godmother-in-law arrives uninvited, turning royal life upside down with whimsical spells and mischievous jokes that challenge the pala…
Level B2PoetryThe Entertaining History of Jobson & NellIn a lively village near the Bell, cobbler Jobson and his wife Nell navigate the humorous trials of daily life, from missed church shoes to stolen roast beef, blending mischief and…
Level B2PoetryThe Englishman and Other PoemsExplore a stirring collection of poems that celebrate the spirit and heritage of the Englishman, the bonds between England and its colonies, and the call of progress and destiny in…
Level B2PoetryThe Ducks and Frogs, a Tale of the Bogs.In a sunlit brook, two curious Ducks encounter a solemn assembly of Frogs petitioning for mercy from humans who threaten their peaceful bog home.
Level B2PoetryThe Diving Bell; Or, Pearls to be Sought forDive beneath the surface with tales and fables that invite you to think deeply and discover hidden wisdom, much like exploring the depths with a diving bell.
Level B2PoetryThe Diverting History of John Gilpin: Showing How He Went Farther Than He Intended, and Came Safe Home AgainA frugal London linendraper sets off on a holiday ride with his family, but his horse has other plans, galloping wildly and sending John on an unexpected, riotous adventure beyond…
Level B2PoetryThe Deaf Shoemaker: To Which Are Added Other Stories for the YoungIn a world where every soul embarks on a tempestuous voyage towards eternity, a noble hero’s fearless rescue amid a fiery shipwreck offers hope—and a life-preserver named Christ.
Level B2PoetryThe Dead Men's Song: Being the Story of a Poem and a Reminiscent Sketch of its Author Young Ewing AllisonDive into the haunting tale behind the creation of the infamous pirate poem "Fifteen Men on the Dead Man’s Chest," intertwined with personal recollections and rare manuscripts reve…
Level B2PoetryThe Dance of DinwiddieStep into a vivid tapestry of voices and melodies where dancers gather on a rustic acre, weaving tales of love, dreams, and quarrels through evocative songs and stories that echo t…
Level B2PoetryThe Courtship, Marriage, and Pic-Nic Dinner of Cock Robin & Jenny Wren: With the Death and Burial of Poor Cock RobinFollow the whimsical journey of Cock Robin and Jenny Wren as they navigate courtship, marriage, a festive picnic, and the unexpected trials that follow, brought to life with charmi…
Level B2PoetryThe Coo-ee Reciter: Humorous, Pathetic, Dramatic, Dialect, Recitations & ReadingsA young couple's playful battle over carrying their restless baby unfolds amid a sunlit journey, revealing tender tensions and affectionate banter that explore the challenges and h…
Level B2PoetryThe Complete Works of James Whitcomb Riley — Volume 1Step into the heartfelt world of a shy Indiana boy whose childhood and home life shape a lifetime of poetic reflections.
Level B2PoetryThe Collected Works in Verse and Prose of William Butler Yeats, Vol. 2 (of 8): The King's Threshold. On Baile's Strand. Deirdre. Shadowy WatersStep into a world where kings, warriors, and witches collide as the mighty Cuchulain faces an oath that could bind his wild spirit, while shadows of betrayal and destiny loom from…
Level B2PoetryThe Children's Own LongfellowJourney through stirring tales and vivid scenes where heroic sailors brave fierce storms, steadfast blacksmiths forge their destinies, and timeless legends unfold, all brought to l…
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…