CEFR B2 · Upper-intermediate
Read Upper-intermediate Classics in English (B2)
182 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 The Mansion of Mystery: Being a Certain Case of Importance, Taken from the Note-book of Adam Adams, Investigator and Detective, The Manor School and The Mandarin's Fan. 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.
- 182
- books
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…
Level B2PoetryPoems of OptimismAmid the turmoil of war and peace, these poems weave courage, sacrifice, and hope into vivid verses that honor the resilience of nations and the quiet strength of those who support…
Level B2PoetryPoems of LifeExplore intimate reflections and tender moments captured in heartfelt verses that reveal the rhythms and whispers of everyday life through a poetic lens.
Level B2PoetryPoems of James Russell Lowell: With biographical sketch by Nathan Haskell DoleExplore the rich heritage and poetic journey of a New England gentleman whose verses and life intertwine with historic families and the literary circles of 19th-century Cambridge.
Level B2PoetryPoems of ExperienceDive into a collection of heartfelt poems exploring resilience, hope, and the human spirit—from prayers for strength to tributes honoring everyday heroes—each verse inviting reflec…
Level B2PoetryPoems Every Child Should Know: The What-Every-Child-Should-Know-LibraryDelight in a carefully curated collection of poems, chosen for their appeal and memorability, from beloved voices that inspire young minds to explore rhythm, story, and imagination…
Level B2PoetryPoemsExplore a world united by faith and hope, where diverse cultures embrace peace and renewal through tender memories, sacred reflections, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
Level B2PoetryPoemsImmerse yourself in a collection of heartfelt poems that blend fairy tales, rural life, and tender moments from the Isle of Man, where common flowers hold magic and everyday storie…
Level B2PoetryPoemsA heartfelt collection of verses dedicated to the memory of a beloved mother, exploring nature, faith, and human kindness through vivid imagery and reflective musings.
Level B2PoetryPlish and PlumTwo mischievous dogs, Plish and Plum, turn a quiet summer day upside down with playful chaos, from daring rescues to garden raids, testing the patience of the Fittig family and the…
Level B2PoetryPlain JaneA studious and well-mannered girl hopes to reform her mischievous cousin during a visit filled with playful clashes and gentle lessons in good behavior.
Level B2PoetryPieces People Ask For: Serious, Humorous, Pathetic, Patriotic, and Dramatic Selections in Prose and Poetry for Reading and RecitationsA rugged wanderer, haunted by memories and yearning for home, finds solace in a fading light that brings visions of his past and a final, heartfelt prayer.
Level B2PoetryPhebe, the Blackberry GirlA poor girl sells blackberries to buy clothes and dreams of going to church, but hardship and kindness intertwine when a stranger’s generosity offers hope.
Level B2FantasyPhantasmagoria and Other PoemsOn a cold winter night, a shy little ghost unexpectedly appears, ready to share the curious etiquette of haunting and the unseen world of spectres, phantoms, and goblins that dwell…
Level B2AdventurePhaeton Rogers: A Novel of Boy LifeThree adventurous boys set out on a thrilling morning ride through the countryside, facing wild dogs and learning the ropes of horseback riding.
Level B2PoetryPetunia blossoms: Ballads and poemsJourney back to April 1865 aboard a slow sailing vessel trapped among towering icebergs in the North Atlantic, where memories of hardship and hope unfold through vivid ballads and…
Level B2PoetryPerverted Proverbs: A Manual of Immorals for the ManyWitty and irreverent verses twist familiar proverbs into sharp, humorous insights on human folly and vice.
Level B2PoetryPansy's Sunday BookTwo childhood friends, Robert and Claire, explore their differing views on circuses during a summer by the sea, revealing how upbringing and personal beliefs shape their experience…