CEFR B2 · Upper-intermediate
Read Upper-intermediate Classics in English (B2)
1135 books graded at CEFR B2 (upper-intermediate) — learn English by reading the stories worth reading at exactly your level. Tap any word for an instant translation, listen to the narration, and save the vocabulary you meet. Start with a free sample.
What are the best B2 books to read in English?
The best B2 books to read in English are well-known classics whose own language sits at that level — start with £19,000, Zula and Zoraida: A Romance of the Harem and the Great Sahara. Each is the complete book, labelled CEFR B2 (upper-intermediate), with tap-to-translate, narration and saved vocabulary, so you read a real story while building the English you actually meet in it.
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Level B2AdventureRujub, the JugglerAmid the chaos of the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny in India, a young, fearful soldier confronts his deepest fears and uncovers the mysterious arts of Rujub, a juggler whose secret powers blen…
Level B2HistoricalRufus and Rose; Or, The Fortunes of Rough and ReadyA resourceful street boy, Rufus, rises from newsboy to Wall Street employee while protecting his sister Rose from their harmful stepfather.
Level B2HistoricalRudy and Babette; Or, The Capture of the Eagle's NestIn the breathtaking Swiss Alps, young Rudy navigates towering mountains, snowy glaciers, and deep valleys, guided by his loyal dog and clever cat as he discovers the wild beauty an…
Level B2AdventureRuby Roland, the Girl Spy; or, Simon Kenton's ProtegeAmid the tense wilderness of old Kentucky, a skilled young hunter named Simon Kenton navigates dangerous territory alone, relying on sharp instincts and cunning to survive as he em…
Level B2FantasyRound-about Rambles in Lands of Fact and FancyEmbark on whimsical journeys through forests, ancient cities, and skies, encountering curious creatures, mysterious wonders, and enchanting tales that blend fact with fantasy in de…
Level B2RomanceRound Anvil Rock: A RomanceIn the shadow of ancient cottonwoods along the wide, peaceful river bends of 1811 Kentucky, a tender romance unfolds amid the whispers of the wilderness and the echoes of vanished…
Level B2RomanceRose o' the RiverA river-bound community stirs to life as Stephen Waterman, a true child of the Saco, embraces the river’s beauty and the promise of a new day—where nature’s charms mingle with the…
Level B2AdventureRollo's MuseumA young boy, ordered to rest his eyes during summer vacation, finds himself drawn into an unexpected adventure helping dig a canal and exploring the natural world around his home.
Level B2AdventureRollo in LondonA young traveler explores the sprawling twin cities of London, uncovering the rich history and vibrant contrasts between the ancient commercial heart and the regal political West E…
Level B2MysteryRogues' HavenTwo boys caught poaching face a dangerous chase and an unexpected collision with a mysterious gentleman, Mr.
Level B2HistoricalRoger Davis, LoyalistAs war erupts near Boston, sixteen-year-old Roger Davis faces the loss of his father and the shattering of his Loyalist family’s world, forcing him to confront fierce new responsib…
Level B2HistoricalRodney, the PartisanAs tensions rise on the eve of the Civil War, young Rodney Gray pledges unwavering loyalty to the Southern cause, donning his gray uniform with pride despite the looming conflict a…
Level B2HistoricalRodney, the OverseerAmid the turmoil of the Civil War, Rodney Gray abandons his military studies to join a fiercely independent Southern cavalry company, navigating divided loyalties and chaotic skirm…
Level B2AdventureRobin Hood;: Being a Complete History of All the Notable and Merry Exploits Performed by Him and His Men on Many OccasionsIn a time of lawlessness and greed, a wronged nobleman leads a band of outlaws in Sherwood Forest, robbing the rich to aid the poor while outwitting priests and nobles alike.
Level B2RomanceRobert Tournay: A Romance of the French RevolutionAgainst the backdrop of pre-revolutionary France, a servant’s son navigates the sharp divides of class and passion as noble alliances are forged without love, while revolutionary i…
Level B2HistoricalRobert Coverdale's StruggleIn a struggling New England fishing village, fifteen-year-old Robert Coverdale faces hardship with unwavering honesty and resolve, determined to support his family and resist the d…
Level B2AdventureRivals of the cloudsIn a thick, treacherous fog over the front lines, seasoned pilot Lieutenant Adams and wild newcomer Tex Langdon face life-or-death aerial battles while testing their skills, nerves…
Level B2HistoricalRisen from the Ranks; Or, Harry Walton's SuccessA determined sixteen-year-old leaves his humble New Hampshire farm to master the printing trade, aiming to rise from apprentice to influential editor.
Level B2AdventureRichard of Jamestown : a Story of the Virginia ColonyAt just ten years old, Richard Mutton embarks on a perilous journey to the untamed Virginia Colony, witnessing the struggles, dangers, and triumphs of early settlers alongside the…
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 B2HistoricalRhoda of the UndergroundIn a peaceful riverside town before the Civil War, Rhoda navigates family ties and societal expectations as she eagerly awaits news arriving by steamboat—her poised demeanor hiding…
Level B2AdventureReed Anthony, Cowman: An AutobiographyFollow a young boy’s rugged journey through cattle drives and Civil War supply lines, as he learns the hard realities and traditions of a life spent with cattle in 19th-century Ame…
Level B2AdventureRedskin and Cow-Boy: A Tale of the Western PlainsIn the rugged gold rush camp of Cedar Gulch, three unlikely partners—tough cowboys and a limping, gentle-faced man known as Doctor—face harsh dangers and fierce rivalries while cha…
Level B2HistoricalRed, White, Blue Socks. Part Second: Being the Second Book of the SeriesYoung soldiers of the Dashahed Zouaves eagerly prepare for battle with spirited drills and playful camaraderie under the guidance of a seasoned sergeant, blending youthful bravado…
Level B2AdventureRed stripesCaptured by Wyandot warriors, a defiant Virginian endures brutal captivity while plotting an escape through hostile territory.
Level B2AdventureRed Cloud, the Solitary Sioux: A Story of the Great PrairieA young boy grows up in a small glen, dreaming of the vast world beyond the hills and the sea he glimpses from a mountain top.
Level B2HistoricalRecollections of a Varied LifeA vivid memoir unfolds as a man in his seventies reflects on a lifetime spanning the growth of America, revealing encounters with diverse people and the changing social landscape f…
Level B2RomanceRamonaAmid the sun-drenched ranches of Southern California, a strong-willed senora quietly commands her family's legacy, balancing tradition and change during the tense sheep-shearing se…
Level B2HistoricalRainbow ValleyIn the tranquil village of Glen St.
Level B2AdventureRaiding with MorganIn the aftermath of Shiloh, a daring Confederate general leads secret raids and covert operations, challenged by betrayal and shadowy alliances within the North’s rebellious underg…
Level B2AdventureQueen of the Dawn: A Love Tale of Old EgyptIn a land torn by war, an infant princess named Nefra is hidden from the conquerors who demand her surrender, while mysterious divine forces surround her birth, hinting at a destin…
Level B2FantasyPuck of Pook's HillTwo children’s midsummer play awakens the mischievous Puck, who invites them on a magical journey through England’s ancient past, where history and legend come alive beneath the hi…
Level B2HistoricalPsycheIn ancient Rome, young Gannon rises from humble beginnings to become a trusted secretary to powerful figures, navigating intrigue and ambition in a world where loyalty and danger i…
Level B2HistoricalPrinceton StoriesAt Princeton in the late 19th century, fierce rivalry ignites during the infamous Cane Spree, a wild, midnight campus tradition where freshmen and sophomores battle for honor amid…
Level B2HistoricalPrincess Belle-EtoileThree radiant siblings, born with stars on their foreheads and jewels in their hair, are set adrift by jealous relatives but saved by a corsair's family.
Level B2HistoricalPollyannaA stern woman reluctantly agrees to care for her late sister’s lively eleven-year-old daughter, whose arrival promises to stir the quiet household and challenge its somber ways.
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 B2AdventurePo-No-Kah: An Indian Tale of Long AgoIn a frontier settlement surrounded by wilderness and danger, young Bessie Hedden and her siblings find joy and adventure under the watchful protection of their brave dog, Bouncer.
Level B2AdventurePioneer boys of the gold fieldsThree determined boys from different backgrounds join the 1849 California Gold Rush, facing wild beasts, treacherous terrain, and ruthless thieves in their quest for fortune and ad…
Level B2HistoricalPine NeedlesAs the Franklin family reunites at Mosswood, young Maggie and Meredith plan a joyous outdoor dinner in the woods, hoping to bring their beloved Uncle Eden along for an unforgettabl…
Level B2RomancePimpernel and RosemaryIn war-torn Guillaumet, a weary woman secretly mends soldiers' uniforms, hiding tiny messages within, while enduring a harsh and cynical admirer.
Level B2FantasyPiccolissimaA tiny girl no taller than an inch lives a delicate life in a world crafted from nature’s smallest wonders, from cocoanut cradles to poppy-leaf bonnets.
Level B2HistoricalPeter of New Amsterdam: A Story of Old New YorkAn English boy orphaned and struggling in Dutch New Amsterdam navigates a harsh world shaped by religious exile and colonial ambition, offering a child’s eye view of early American…
Level B2HistoricalPeter Plymley's Letters, and Selected EssaysA witty and wise clergyman tackles the fiery political and religious debates of his time through sharp, ironic letters addressing his brother’s narrow views.
Level B2AdventurePeter Parley's Visit to London, During the Coronation of Queen VictoriaAn eager traveler crosses the Atlantic to witness Queen Victoria’s coronation, exploring London’s bustling streets and marveling at the dazzling new crown and royal treasures amid…
Level B2AdventurePeter Parley's Tales About America and AustraliaEmbark on a thrilling voyage with Columbus as he overcomes skepticism and treachery to set sail for the unknown Western World, unveiling the mysteries of America’s discovery and it…
Level B2AdventurePeter Biddulph: The Story of an Australian SettlerAn orphaned boy rises from poverty on the banks of the Thames, navigating hardship and hope as he searches for a lost diamond ring that could change his fate.
Level B2HistoricalPersonal Recollections of Joan of Arc — Volume 2Amid the turmoil of war, a fearless young woman leads France with unshakable conviction, foretelling both victory and a tragic fate that haunts those around her.