CEFR B2 · Upper-intermediate
Read Upper-intermediate Classics in English (B2)
7164 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.
- 7,164
- books
Level B2Children'sRico and WiseliIn a quiet mountain village, a tall, mysterious man and his sorrowful son, Rico, share a deep bond through music and song.
Level B2AdventureRick Dale, A Story of the Northwest CoastA delicate, bookish boy from a vast Pacific Coast fortune embarks on an unexpected adventure that challenges his sheltered life and uncovers the rugged wilds and mysteries of the N…
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 B2AdventureRichard Dare's Venture; Or, Striking Out for HimselfA determined young country boy leaves his quiet village for bustling New York City, ready to work hard and carve out his own future despite the city's many challenges and temptatio…
Level B2Children'sRich and humbleSibling rivalry and lessons in character clash as Bertha seeks funds for a noble cause while her brother Richard struggles with his own desires and his father’s stern expectations.
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 B2Children'sRhoda's educationA young girl named Rhoda devotes herself to caring for her new baby brother and navigating a challenging home life marked by her mother's sharp mood.
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 B2AdventureRex Kingdon on Storm IslandA summer camping trip on a remote Maine island turns tense when Rex Kingdon and his friends discover impostors have stolen their exclusive permit, sparking unexpected rivalry and a…
Level B2ClassicsRevolution, and Other EssaysAn unprecedented global movement of millions unites under the red banner of revolution, challenging old orders with passionate solidarity and a vision for a new world.
Level B2MysteryRevenge!In a bitter marriage marked by relentless hatred, John Bodman plots a chilling scheme to murder his wife during their Alpine retreat, concealing deadly intent beneath the serene mo…
Level B2RomanceRevelations of a Wife: The Story of a HoneymoonA newlywed woman confronts the realities of marriage, reflecting on her doubts, past pain, and the promise to record their journey.
Level B2Children'sReuben Roy's temptationsA hardworking boy guarding strawberry fields at night faces danger from thieves, testing his courage and resolve.
Level B2AdventureReube Dare's Shad Boat: A Tale of the Tide CountryTwo friends return to their coastal hometown, where one has built a sturdy shad fishing boat to support his struggling family.
Level B2ClassicsRetained for the Defence: A Farce, in One ActIn a drawing room set for a high-society party, a sharp-witted lawyer juggles a curious mix of guests, including a greengrocer turned hapless waiter, as secrets and social blunders…
Level B2Science FictionRestricted ToolA hunter stumbles upon a mysterious forbidden device, triggering a tense encounter with alien explorers bound by strict interstellar laws—forcing him to decide the fate of a powerf…
Level B2Science FictionRescue SquadLost in space and drifting helplessly toward the Sun, a young, inexperienced mail pilot battles fear and isolation while struggling to survive against an overwhelming cosmic force.
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 B2ClassicsReno — a Book of Short Stories and InformationDiscover the hidden soul of Reno, a city famed for its divorce laws yet rich with industry, stories, and vibrant life.
Level B2ClassicsRemarksDive into a lively collection of thoughts and tales spanning humor, history, science, and everyday wisdom, all carefully curated to entertain and enlighten readers from all walks o…
Level B2Children'sReginald Cruden: A Tale of City LifeOn a scorching summer day, young Reginald Cruden and his friends grapple with restless energy and lazy idleness in the garden, setting the stage for a lively tale of friendship and…
Level B2ClassicsReflections of a beginning husbandA young couple rekindles their desire to marry but wrestles with society’s expectations and their uncertain futures.
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 B2FantasyRedcoat Captain: A Story of That CountryIn a whimsical army where elephants guard the fort and promotions depend on passing ABCs, a young Redcoat Captain named Tiny dreams of marrying Mabel and securing a cozy home amid…
Level B2AdventureRedburn. His First Voyage: Being the Sailor Boy Confessions and Reminiscences of the Son-Of-A-Gentleman in the Merchant NavyA young man with a restless spirit leaves his quiet village to join a copper-fastened brig bound for Bremen, drawn by the romance and adventure of the sea.
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 B2ClassicsRed oleandersIn an underground city obsessed with buried gold, Nandini brings light and hope amidst darkness and fear.
Level B2AdventureRed Wagon Stories; or, Tales Told Under the TentStep into the vibrant world beneath the circus tent, where performers share gripping tales of showbiz hustle, daring feats, and the relentless chase for fame on the road.
Level B2AdventureRed Saunders: His Adventures West & EastA sharp-shooting cowboy faces a dangerous standoff when he unknowingly rides into hostile territory, forcing him to rely on wits and speed to escape a fierce band of warriors.
Level B2ClassicsRed Saunders' Pets and Other CrittersIn a remote, rugged landscape, a group of men find companionship and chaos in an unlikely menagerie—from a hawk and a bull-snake to a fierce bobcat named Bob—each pet adding wild h…
Level B2Children'sRed Rose and Tiger Lily; Or, In a Wider WorldTwo spirited sisters return home for the summer, stirring excitement and upheaval in their family’s quiet estate.
Level B2Children'sRed Hunters and the Animal PeopleIn the wild Northwest, a Red hunter lives in harmony with the animal spirits, following sacred traditions that honor the “Great Mystery.
Level B2RomanceRed HairA young woman, unexpectedly disinherited and branded an adventuress, faces a pivotal meeting with the man destined to inherit her home—and possibly her future.
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 B2ClassicsRebellionIn a bustling ward controlled by the powerful "big fellow," Jim Connor navigates the gritty world of political favors, loyalty, and the tension between public duty and private stri…
Level B2Children'sRebecca of Sunnybrook FarmA spirited young girl embarks on a lively journey from her farm to live with relatives in Riverboro, navigating new surroundings and adventures with determination and charm.
Level B2Children'sRebecca MaryA young girl faces a daunting challenge as she approaches the final stitch of an enormous sheet, wrestling with fear and determination at the crucial moment when she must decide wh…
Level B2AdventureReal Gold: A Story of AdventureTwo boys set out from a sun-drenched Pacific shore toward towering, snow-capped mountains rumored to hide untold riches.
Level B2Children'sReal FolksTwo sisters, Frank and Laura, navigate childhood from their shaded city rooftop, imagining forests and seas while facing their father’s long illness and the quiet absence of their…
Level B2Children'sReady, aye ready!A hardworking family faces the challenge of leaving their beloved countryside home for a cramped, bustling town cottage, where they must adapt and find hope amidst unfamiliar surro…
Level B2ClassicsRe-creationsA determined young woman leaves college abruptly to care for her ailing mother and manage her family’s struggles, facing the harsh realities of sacrifice, duty, and lost dreams.
Level B2Science FictionRats in the BelfryA determined couple commissions a wildly eccentric home that defies all architectural logic, pushing their contractor to the brink as he struggles to build their bizarre "dream cas…
Level B2AdventureRataplan, a Rogue Elephant; and Other StoriesIn the tangled forests of Ceylon, a solitary elephant named Rataplan roams with a mischievous spirit and a fierce temper, shunned by his herd and feared by all.