Poetry
Read Poetry Classics in English
227 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 B2PoetryTo Your Dog and to My DogCelebrate the unique bond between humans and their dogs through heartfelt poetry that honors loyalty, companionship, and shared adventures across nature’s landscapes.
Level B2PoetryThrills of a Bell BoyDive into a collection of one hundred poems blending humor, heartfelt moments, and witty observations that turn everyday experiences into laugh-out-loud verses with a tender human…
Level B2PoetryThree Minute StoriesDelight in charming tales and rhymes where playful kittens host moonlit parties and a boy named Tommy meets the New Year, who offers him a chance to change his ways with magical le…
Level B2PoetryThe tongues of toil, and other poemsExplore powerful poems that give voice to laborers, justice, and the struggles for freedom, weaving themes of toil, courage, and defiance into stirring verses that resonate with th…
Level B2FantasyThe star jewels, and other wondersA spoiled little mermaid, Wavilocks, desires a necklace of twinkling stars instead of her treasured pearls, sparking a desperate quest that challenges the limits of oceanic magic a…
Level B2PoetryThe poems of LeopardiA brilliant young poet haunted by melancholy and physical frailty wrestles with the suffocating monotony of his provincial life and the bitter realities of unfulfilled genius, seek…
Level B2Science FictionThe legacyIn a post-apocalyptic wasteland, the last man walks through the ruins of civilization, collecting remnants of humanity’s past to preserve a legacy for those who might come after.
Level B2HistoricalThe kings and queens of England, with other poemsExplore the turbulent reigns of England’s monarchs from William the Norman to Bloody Mary, blending history and verse to reveal power struggles, legendary figures, and the human st…
Level B2PoetryThe hermit thrushAmid blue hills and whispering pines, a solitary thrush sings in the twilight, evoking the serene beauty and gentle arrival of spring through vivid, lyrical imagery.
Level B2PoetryThe World Turned Upside Down: Or, No News, and Strange NewsExplore a whimsical collection of curious and topsy-turvy poems where animals and humans swap roles and the strange becomes ordinary, challenging your sense of reality with playful…
Level B2PoetryThe World Turned Upside DownIn a whimsical world where coats talk back and hares wield guns, everyday objects and creatures challenge their roles with humor and mischief, turning ordinary life into a topsy-tu…
Level B2PoetryThe Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 14Step into a world of childhood wonder with poems that capture summer nights, seaside adventures, and dreams of distant lands.
Level B2PoetryThe Wonderful "One-Hoss-Shay", and Other PoemsA masterfully crafted carriage defies wear for a century, built with equal strength in every part—until one fateful day when logic dictates its sudden and surprising end.
Level B2FantasyThe Wonder Clock; or, four & twenty marvellous Tales: being one for each hour of the dayEnter a magical world where every hour unlocks a new marvelous tale from a wondrous clock that brings to life dancing puppets and forgotten stories.
Level B2PoetryThe Wit and Humor of America, Volume V. (of X.)In a bustling Philadelphia drawing school, young Marianne Atmore embarks on a creative journey to design exquisite china patterns destined to dazzle society, blending art, ambition…
Level B2PoetryThe Wit and Humor of America, Volume IX (of X)Dive into a whimsical collection of American wit and humor, where mischievous goblins with green-glass eyes and quirky tales bring laughter and mystery to life.
Level B2PoetryThe Wit and Humor of America, Volume I. (of X.)Discover a rich tapestry of American humor, from Mark Twain's witty tales to gentle raillery and tender verse, celebrating laughter’s power to unite and uplift in a uniquely nation…
Level B2PoetryThe Universal Reciter: 81 Choice Pieces of Rare Poetical GemsDive into a vibrant collection of 81 poetic gems blending eloquence, humor, and tender pathos, alongside lively dialogues that capture the spirited clashes and heartfelt moments of…
Level B2PoetryThe Twentieth Century EpicExplore a heartfelt poetic critique of early 20th-century society, examining the rise of legal socialism, public education, and political corruption, while advocating a return to l…
Level B2PoetryThe Three BearsWhen adventurous Goldenhair stumbles upon the empty home of three bears, she samples their porridge, chairs, and beds—only to face a surprising encounter upon their return.
Level B2PoetryThe Story of the Two BullsA peaceful deacon's life is upended when he buys a rival bull, sparking a fierce and chaotic battle that threatens his home and sanity.
Level B2PoetryThe Story of a Pumpkin PieDelight in the charming journey of a pumpkin pie’s creation through playful verses and whimsical illustrations that capture the spirit of childhood fun, ingenuity, and wholesome ad…
Level B2HistoricalThe Story of TroyStep into the epic saga of brave warriors and divine beings as gods intervene in the legendary siege of Troy, weaving a timeless tale of heroism, betrayal, and fate that shaped anc…
Level B2FantasyThe Story of Sigurd the VolsungEnter a world of ancient myths and heroic deeds, where valor and destiny intertwine in the saga of Sigurd the Volsung, a tale of legendary quests and timeless battles that shape th…
Level B2PoetryThe Story of Hiawatha, Adapted from LongfellowAcross vast forests and prairies, tribes gather at the sacred Pipestone Quarry to forge peace under the Great Manito’s watchful gaze, while heroic Mudjekeewis embarks on a quest to…
Level B2RomanceThe Story and Song of Black RoderickA proud and brooding earl marries to unite clans, yet his cold heart turns away from the young bride who longs for love.
Level B2RomanceThe Songs of a Sentimental BlokeA rough yet tender-hearted bloke navigates the struggles of working-class life, yearning for love and a better future amidst the vibrant streets and fleeting joys of springtime.
Level B2PoetryThe Sleeping Beauty Picture BookA princess cursed to sleep for a hundred years awakens to a world transformed, where a brave prince must navigate enchanted thorns and a silent palace to break the spell and restor…
Level B2PoetryThe Slant BookA runaway go-cart careens down a steep hill, causing chaos and laughter as it collides with townsfolk, animals, and objects in a whirlwind adventure.
Level B2PoetryThe Royal Picture AlphabetExplore a whimsical alphabet where each letter unveils a vivid scene of childhood mischief, moral lessons, and gentle humor, encouraging young readers to learn through charming poe…
Level B2PoetryThe Rocket BookA mischievous rocket ignites in a basement and chaotically blasts through an apartment building, disrupting breakfasts, bursting bubbles, and toppling pianos in a hilarious whirlwi…
Level B2PoetryThe Remarkable Adventures of an Old Woman and Her Pig: An Ancient Tale in a Modern DressAn old woman embarks on a whimsical journey with her pig, weaving ancient charm into a lively modern tale filled with quirky challenges and unexpected twists.
Level B2HistoricalThe Red Flower: Poems Written in War TimePoignant poems emerge from the turmoil of war, capturing the clash of duty, honor, and sacrifice amid the shadows of conflict.
Level B2PoetryThe Rainbow and the RoseA reflective voice contemplates the simple yet profound knowledge of daily life, from cooking to caring for others, while wrestling with the meaning behind endless chores and moral…
Level B2PoetryThe Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes — Volume 05: Poems of the Class of '29 (1851-1889)Revisit the vibrant camaraderie and enduring bonds of a cherished college class through heartfelt poems that capture the joys, trials, and timeless memories of youth and friendship…
Level B2PoetryThe Pearl Story Book: A Collection of Tales, Original and SelectedA pale English musician finds solace and inspiration while wintering at a monastery on Mount Carmel, where his haunting violin melodies charm both a kind old monk and the gentle tu…
Level B2PoetryThe Old-Time Spelling School; In Three PartsStep back into pioneer days with a poetic tribute to the spirited spelling contests and vibrant communities of early Kansas, celebrating the joy of learning and the enduring legacy…
Level B2PoetryThe Old Soldier's Story: Poems and Prose SketchesIn the heat of battle, a wounded soldier’s plea for help leads to a darkly humorous and poignant tale of courage, comradeship, and the chaos of war as told through heartfelt poetry…
Level B2PoetryThe Old Soak, and Hail And FarewellA nostalgic, wryly humorous diary captures the Old Soak’s reflections on prohibition, home-made liquor mishaps, and the vanished world of the lively barroom, blending sharp social…
Level B2PoetryThe Old Arm-ChairA cherished old arm-chair holds the sacred memories of a mother's love, guidance, and final moments, binding heart and soul through loss and enduring devotion.
Level B2PoetryThe Nursery Rhyme BookDive into a charming collection of timeless nursery rhymes, filled with mysterious kings, brave princes, and curious characters whose stories have been passed down through generati…
Level B2PoetryThe Norsk Nightingale; Being the Lyrics of a "Lumberyack"Dive into the rugged world of Scandinavian-American lumberjacks through heartfelt, dialect-rich verses that capture the humor, hardships, and tender moments of life in the Northern…
Level B2PoetryThe Night Before Christmas and Other Popular Stories For ChildrenEnchanting poems and stories capture the magic of Christmas Eve and the joyful surprises that follow, where Santa Claus visits, children dream of sugar-plums, and festive lessons u…
Level B2PoetryThe Mouse and the Christmas CakeA clever little mouse makes a cozy home inside a festive Christmas cake shaped like Windsor Castle, only to cause a joyful stir when her presence is discovered during a holiday gat…
Level B2PoetryThe Mother's Dream, and Other PoemsExplore tender reflections on nature, faith, and human emotion through a collection of poems that capture moments of beauty and insight—from the delicate weaving of a silver bird's…
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…