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 B2AdventureMad Anthony's scouts; or, The rangers of KentuckyTwo seasoned frontiersmen forge an uneasy alliance in the untamed Kentucky wilderness, each hiding secrets amid the dangers of the forest and the threat of hostile forces.
Level B2HistoricalLuke WaltonAmid the bustling streets of Chicago, a principled newsboy named Luke Walton faces a test of honesty when a generous stranger entrusts him with a five-dollar bill.
Level B2RomanceLucy HardingA group of determined American women embarks on a journey to St.
Level B2RomanceLove and tea: A comedy-drama of colonial times in two actsIn a colonial village torn by revolution, a tea-loving spinster’s secret habit sparks conflict and romance as her niece’s engagement to a fiery Minuteman challenges loyalties.
Level B2AdventureLouise de la VallièreAmid the intrigue-filled court of 1661 France, a young woman named Louise de la Vallière navigates love, loyalty, and danger as the legendary D’Artagnan and his companions face pol…
Level B2AdventureLost with Lieutenant Pike: How from the Pawnee Village the boy named Scar Head marched with the young American Chief clear into the Snowy Mountains; how in the dead of winter they searched for the Lost River and thought that they had found it; and how the Spanish Soldiery came upon them and took them down to Santa Fé of New Mexico, where another surprise awaited themA young lieutenant leads a daring expedition through the snowy mountains in search of the legendary Lost River, facing starvation, freezing cold, and the threat of Spanish soldiers…
Level B2AdventureLost in the Cañon: The Story of Sam Willett's Adventures on the Great Colorado of the WestIn the rugged wilderness of Southwestern Colorado, a young hunter named Sam Willett and his companions brave towering cliffs and scarce resources to capture a rare mountain bighorn…
Level B2HistoricalLost GipIn the sweltering alleys of London’s East End, a compassionate boy named Sandy clings to the fragile hope embodied in a newborn baby girl amidst poverty and despair.
Level B2RomanceLorraine: A RomanceIn the shadowed forests of Lorraine, a fierce young woman confronts strangers mapping her land, suspecting a brewing war across the border.
Level B2AdventureLords of the World: A story of the fall of Carthage and CorinthAs Carthage faces its final days against the rising power of Rome, a sacred ship races homeward, pursued by a relentless Roman warship.
Level B2HistoricalLive to be Useful: or, The Story of Annie Lee and her Irish NurseConfined by illness but rich in compassion, Annie Lee seeks to transform her suffering into purpose by reaching out to a struggling Irish family, determined to bring hope and faith…
Level B2HistoricalLittle soldiers allAs war erupts, a young girl from India is sent to live with her English relatives, testing the bonds of family and culture amid uncertain times.
Level B2HistoricalLittle Sister SnowIn a serene Japanese garden, young Yuki Chan faces the consequences of her mischief on the special Festival of Dolls, a day when tradition and family love intertwine amid humble me…
Level B2RomanceLittle Robins' Love One to AnotherIn a charming countryside setting, the lively Robin family navigates lessons of behavior, kindness, and family dynamics as young Jack tests boundaries and each bird learns the valu…
Level B2HistoricalLittle Paulina: Christmas in RussiaIn the bleak Russian winter, a determined young girl braves snow and danger to reach her exiled father, guided by a lost stranger whose own hardships intertwine with her perilous j…
Level B2HistoricalLittle Men: Life at Plumfield With Jo's BoysA ragged boy arrives at Plumfield, a welcoming home buzzing with lively children and warm lights, where Aunt Jo’s boys learn, play, and grow together.
Level B2HistoricalLittle HomespunIn a sunny Virginia homestead by the sparkling Potomac, a beloved grandmother and her spirited grandson, Brevet-Captain Joe, embark on charming adventures that blend history with h…
Level B2HistoricalLittle GrandmotherBorn at the dawn of the 19th century in a small Maine town, a baby named Patience faces a world full of challenges and hope.
Level B2HistoricalLittle Daffydowndilly: (From: "The Snow Image and Other Twice-Told Tales")A carefree boy who loves beauty and play is forced to face the harsh discipline of a strict schoolmaster named Mr.
Level B2HistoricalLiterary New York: Its Landmarks and AssociationsExplore the origins of New York through its earliest literary figure, Jacob Steendam, a poet who brought creativity to the struggling Dutch colony of New Amsterdam as it transforme…
Level B2AdventureLightning Jo, the Terror of the Santa Fe Trail: A Tale of the Present DayTrapped by a relentless Comanche siege, a desperate courier races on a dying mustang to Fort Adams, carrying a grim plea for reinforcements to save women and children stranded fort…
Level B2HistoricalLife in LondonYoung George Weston eagerly seeks employment in a bustling London office, navigating the challenges of social awkwardness and office dynamics while meeting intriguing characters li…
Level B2HistoricalLet us follow HimA Roman patrician, once a wild soldier and lover of luxury, seeks relief from tormenting visions in Jerusalem as the city faces the crucifixion of Jesus.
Level B2RomanceLatitude 19°: A Romance of the West Indies in the Year of Our Lord Eighteen Hundred and TwentyStranded in the West Indies in 1820, a castaway recounts harrowing adventures amid pirate caves, mystical rites, and colonial courts, all while grappling with danger and an unexpec…
Level B2AdventureKobo: A Story of the Russo-Japanese WarAmid the looming Russo-Japanese War, a young British observer aboard a ship witnesses the tense approach to conflict in East Asia, uncovering the courage and strategy behind Japan’…
Level B2HistoricalKingsford, QuarterA tired fifteen-year-old boy arrives at a new school only to face a rough welcome from rowdy upperclassmen.
Level B2HistoricalKing-ErrantStep into the vivid world of young Babar, heir to the tiny kingdom of Ferghana, whose adventurous life unfolds against a backdrop of beauty, struggle, and the heavy mantle of kings…
Level B2AdventureKing Matthias and the Beggar BoyA mysterious fortress with no doors or windows guards secrets as a lone traveler arrives, weary and curious.
Level B2AdventureKibun Daizin; Or, From Shark-Boy to Merchant PrinceA determined orphan boy journeys alone to Kumano, seeking to become an apprentice at the town’s leading dry-goods house.
Level B2HistoricalKathie's SoldiersAs war looms over Brookside, young Robert eagerly embraces the thrill of marching off to battle, while his family debates the true meaning of courage, duty, and sacrifice.
Level B2HistoricalKate Danton, or, Captain Danton's Daughters: A NovelIn a rain-soaked estate by the great St.
Level B2AdventureJungle and Stream; Or, The Adventures of Two Boys in SiamTwo adventurous boys navigate life in the wilds of Siam, surrounded by exotic jungles, rivers, and creatures, as they face daily challenges from nature and culture in a remote, tro…
Level B2HistoricalJoseph II. and His Court: An Historical NovelAmid the tense atmosphere of Empress Maria Theresa’s council chamber, powerful statesmen gather to confront a critical political crisis that will shape the fate of her empire and h…
Level B2HistoricalJoscelyn Cheshire: A Story of Revolutionary Days in the CarolinasAmid the turbulent days of the American Revolution, a young Continental soldier returns home, stirring fierce loyalties and sharp wit among those around him.
Level B2RomanceJohn Stevens' Courtship: A Story of the Echo Canyon WarIn the rugged frontier of Utah during the Echo Canyon War, John Stevens navigates love and loyalty amidst pioneer hardships and stirring conflicts.
Level B2HistoricalJohn Brown: Confessions of a New Army CadetA reluctant soldier named John Brown arrives at a bleak cadet school, facing grueling training and tough military discipline as he prepares to lead men into battle.
Level B2HistoricalJoel: A Boy of GalileeIn ancient Galilee, young Joel navigates bustling markets, encounters caravan dangers, and dreams of companionship while witnessing the vibrant life surrounding the coming of the N…
Level B2AdventureJoe's Luck; Or, Always Wide AwakeFifteen-year-old Joe Mason, honest and proud despite his ragged clothes, faces hardship and humiliation from his employer's son while earning his place through hard work and integr…
Level B2AdventureJoe Wayring at Home; or, The Adventures of a Fly-RodA spirited fly-rod narrates its thrilling adventures with young angler Joe Wayring, battling fierce fish and enduring rugged outdoor trials.
Level B2AdventureJoe Napyank; or, The River RiflesA skilled hunter navigates the dangers of the Ohio River wilderness, evading hostile forces while seeking to rendezvous with allies aboard a flat-boat.
Level B2AdventureJesse James' Bold Stroke; Or, The Double Bank RobberyCaught between mysterious fires and the threat of U.
Level B2AdventureJacqueline of the Carrier PigeonsIn the serene city of Leyden, a golden-haired girl and her younger brother embark on a journey steeped in history and courage, where carrier pigeons carry messages of hope amid tal…
Level B2HistoricalJack's Ward; Or, The Boy GuardianIn post-Civil War New York, young Jack Harding faces hardship with a hopeful heart, stepping up to support his unemployed father and struggling family.
Level B2AdventureJack Hardy: A Story of English Smugglers in the Days of NapoleonAmidst the rugged English coast during the Napoleonic Wars, young midshipman Jack Hardy faces the dull task of hunting smugglers while uncovering family ties and local secrets.
Level B2RomanceJack Chanty: A Story of AthabascaDrifting down the Spirit River with a bag of gold and a banjo, Jack Chanty embraces the wild freedom of the North, where fortune and danger await amid rugged hills and a small fron…
Level B2MysteryJack Archer: A Tale of the CrimeaA young schoolboy’s dull routine is shattered when a sudden summons from home hints at an urgent family matter, thrusting him toward an unexpected destiny beyond Latin verses and s…
Level B2AdventureInto Mexico with General Scott: When attached to the Fourth United States Infantry, Division of Major-General William J. Worth, Corps of the famous Major-General Winfield Scott, known as Old Fuss and Feathers, campaign of 1847, lad Jerry Cameron marched and fought beside Second Lieutenant U. S. Grant all the way from Cera Cruz to the City of Mexico, where six thousand American soldiers planted the Stars and Stripes in the midst of one hundred and fifty thousand amazed peopleFollow young Jerry Cameron as he marches and fights alongside Second Lieutenant U.
Level B2MysteryInside the LinesA spirited traveler’s lost luggage sparks a tense encounter at a busy train station, leading to an unexpected alliance with a mysterious stranger.