The Library
Read Classic Literature in English
Learn English by reading the books worth reading. Every book is the complete text, labelled A2 to C2 — tap any word for an instant translation, hear natural audio narration, and save the vocabulary you meet as you go. Pick your level and start with a free sample.
Level B2Children'sOur Little Scotch CousinTwo Scottish boys discover a tiny abandoned puppy and set out to find its owner, weaving a heartwarming tale of friendship, family, and the charming traditions of Scottish life.
Level B2Children'sOur Little Roumanian CousinIn a bustling Romanian port city, young Jonitza struggles with illness and the restless stirrings of childhood.
Level B2Children'sOur Little Quebec CousinDiscover the charming world of little Oisette Mary Tremblent, a spirited Quebecois girl growing up amid the vibrant culture and traditions of French Canada, surrounded by family, f…
Level B2Children'sOur Little Porto Rican CousinOn a sunlit Puerto Rican morning, young Manuel awakens in his centuries-old stone home, dreaming of snowy New England games far from his tropical island.
Level B2Children'sOur Little Polish CousinJourney across Europe to discover the heart of Poland, a land divided yet rich in tradition, where children learn the joys and hardships of Polish life through vibrant stories of i…
Level B2PoetryOur Little Ones and The Nursery, Vol. V, No. 9, July 1885A mischievous coati-mondi named Nasna, with a long inquisitive nose and a bushy ringed tail, explores her lively household, stirring up trouble and curiosity in this charming colle…
Level B2HistoricalOur Little Lady: Six Hundred Years AgoStep into six hundred years ago, where the grand Countess of Lincoln navigates muddy, narrow streets while common folk prepare for a rare visit from a holy Bishop.
Level B2Children'sOur Little Korean CousinIn a land where ancient customs meet new light, Yung Pak, a curious Korean boy with unique toys and a lively pet monkey, invites young readers to explore the vibrant life and tradi…
Level B2Children'sOur Little Irish CousinTwo ragged but joyful Irish girls, Norah and Molly, navigate life in their humble village, surrounded by the beauty of the Emerald Isle and the warmth of family, friendship, and si…
Level B2Children'sOur Little Hindu CousinTwo young Hindu boys, Chola and Mahala, start their day with playful adventures among goats, mango trees, and a mischievous pet monkey in a vibrant Indian courtyard.
Level B2AdventureOur Little Hawaiian CousinIn a lush Hawaiian paradise under new American rule, young Auwae lives a simple, joyful life surrounded by tropical beauty and tradition.
Level B2Children'sOur Little German CousinStep into a German village where family traditions, from secret Christmas preparations to heartfelt songs by the fireside, reveal the warmth and hardworking spirit of fair-haired c…
Level B2HistoricalOur Little French CousinAmid the turmoil of World War I, a young girl in Normandy experiences the courage, sacrifice, and enduring spirit of France as her country faces invasion and rallies for freedom.
Level B2Children'sOur Little Finnish CousinIn the golden Finnish forest, siblings Juhani and Maja gather berries and navigate lake waters, offering a glimpse into rural life shaped by nature and tradition.
Level B2Children'sOur Little Eskimo CousinJourney to the frozen shores of northern Alaska, where baby Etu's first winter ride unveils the harsh yet joyful life of the Eskimo people, living warmly beneath the snow in snug h…
Level B2Children'sOur Little English CousinJoin Edith and her friends as they embark on a joyful summer outing along England’s iconic River Thames, exploring ancient sights, enjoying a classic “gipsy” tea, and experiencing…
Level B2Children'sOur Little Dutch CousinJoin Pieter and Wilhelmina, lively Dutch twins, as they race through charming Holland, catching candies from a wedding carriage and exploring a land of canals, windmills, and quain…
Level B2Children'sOur Little Danish CousinIn a cozy Copenhagen home, young Karen eagerly awaits the arrival of her distinguished uncle, a celebrated sculptor returning from Rome, and their American cousins, bringing tales…
Level B2HistoricalOur Little Cuban CousinIn a Cuban village torn by war, nine-year-old Maria faces danger with courage and hope as her family struggles to protect their home and fight for freedom against Spanish oppressor…
Level B2AdventureOur Little Cossack Cousin in SiberiaIn the harsh wilderness of Siberia, a young Cossack boy faces thrilling adventures and encounters mysterious Manchurian horsemen along the frozen Ussuri River, where courage and tr…
Level B2Children'sOur Little Canadian CousinTwo young siblings in a charming New Brunswick town eagerly anticipate a summer filled with outdoor adventures, family visits, and the thrill of camping under the vast Canadian sky…
Level B2Children'sOur Little Brazilian CousinIn the lush tropical beauty of Brazil, young Affonzo longs for adventure beyond his quiet garden and daily siesta.
Level B2AdventureOur Little Arabian CousinTwo young Bedouin children navigate the rugged desert life, their customs rich with tradition and adventure.
Level B2Children'sOur KatieA determined young girl from an Irish immigrant family in Brooklyn devotes herself to the Sabbath school, inspiring others with her kindness, discipline, and tireless efforts to br…
Level B2HistoricalOur Holidays: Their Meaning and Spirit; retold from St. NicholasExplore the rich origins and evolving traditions behind beloved holidays, from Halloween's ancient fires to Thanksgiving's grateful feast, revealing the deeper meanings and spirits…
Level B2Children'sOur Frank: and other storiesIn a quiet Buckinghamshire village, Mrs.
Level B2AdventureOur Fellows; Or, Skirmishes with the Swamp DragoonsTwin brothers Joseph and Mark, inseparable and often mistaken for each other, navigate life on a vast plantation filled with wild beasts, fierce dogs, and adventures alongside thei…
Level B2Children'sOur DenWhen Edric, a delicate boy recovering from illness, faces a boisterous invasion of cousins turning the tower room into a wild "den," he must navigate fear, family, and the hope tha…
Level B2Children'sOur Davie PepperYoung Davie Pepper navigates charming small-town life, helping neighbors while hiding secret jars of quince sass.
Level B2Children'sOur Children: Scenes from the Country and the TownA young girl’s joyful visit to her grandmother’s cozy country home unfolds into a tender exploration of family, nature, and timeless tales, where birds sing and stories of enchante…
Level B2AdventureOur Boys: Entertaining Stories by Popular AuthorsYoung readers embark on enchanting adventures filled with imaginative tales, from a boy crafting a magical cat-tail arrow to the mysterious origins of Christmas presents in a conve…
Level B2FantasyOswald Bastable and OthersTwo brothers' playful bet over a fives ball leads to a mysterious disappearance and a leaking greenhouse that invites unexpected adventures.
Level B2Children'sOscar; Or, The Boy Who Had His Own WayA bright but stubborn boy, Oscar is used to getting his own way, but his headstrong habits lead to trouble at home, school, and beyond.
Level B2AdventureOscar in AfricaA determined young American ventures into the untamed African interior on a daring sporting expedition, facing suspicion and sabotage from local speculators who want to block his p…
Level B2RomanceOpposite neighboursTwo soon-to-be-married couples prepare to start new lives as neighbors on Myrtle Street, where friendships, hopes, and hidden challenges bloom alongside their gardens.
Level B2Children'sOpportunitiesA young girl’s gentle spirit shines through a challenging morning as she navigates family tensions and reaches out to a troubled boy, discovering the promise of kindness and growth…
Level B2AdventureOpening the iron trailIn the thrilling race to build the transcontinental railroad, follow Terry Richards and his comrades as they battle the rugged plains and mountains, laying iron rails that will uni…
Level B2Children'sOnly an Irish Boy; Or, Andy Burke's FortunesA spirited Irish boy with a determined heart clashes with a proud young aristocrat as he seeks work and a place to belong in a new village, standing up for his family and himself a…
Level B2AdventureOne of the 28th: A Tale of WaterlooAmid family tensions and hidden pasts, a young boy arrives at Penfold Hall, stirring long-held secrets and challenging the authority of those who have ruled there for years.
Level B2AdventureOne of Clive's Heroes: A Story of the Fight for IndiaAmidst the turbulent years of 1754 to 1757, a young adventurer becomes entwined in the daring capture of Gheria and the fierce Battle of Plassey, navigating loyalty, honor, and the…
Level B2AdventureOn to Pekin; or, Old Glory in ChinaA young lieutenant is sent from Manila to join an international allied force combating the deadly Boxer rebellion in China, facing fierce battles to protect foreigners and restore…
Level B2Children'sOn the mountainA young girl wrestles with harsh judgments and neighborhood gossip about a troubled family, challenging her own beliefs and prejudices in a small community shadowed by secrets and…
Level B2AdventureOn the face of the floodA young boy troubled by his uncle’s mysterious behavior seeks refuge and guidance from trusted friends in a remote forest village, uncovering secrets that threaten his safety and c…
Level B2PoetryOn the Tree TopA miller’s daughter faces a deadly challenge: to spin straw into gold by sunrise or lose her life.
Level B2AdventureOn the Trail of Pontiac; Or, The Pioneer Boys of the OhioYoung pioneers Dave and Henry Morris navigate the uncertain peace after the French and Indian War, facing the wrath of Chief Pontiac and his allies as tensions ignite on the Ohio f…
Level B2AdventureOn the Pampas; Or, The Young SettlersA struggling English architect and his family decide to leave behind their crowded life for the vast, untamed Pampas, seeking new opportunities and a fresh start in the wilderness.
Level B2MysteryOn the Edge of the Arctic; Or, An Aeroplane in SnowlandTwo Canadian boys debut their innovative aeroplane, the "Spirit of the Wind," at Calgary's Stampede, hoping to prove its worth in the harsh Arctic wilderness.
Level B2AdventureOn the Border with Andrew JacksonIn the untamed Muscogee forests of 1812 Alabama, two young frontiersmen and a Cherokee brave navigate a wilderness filled with danger, mystery, and the looming threat of Red Stick…
Why it works
Why read classics to learn English
Graded by real CEFR level
Every book is labelled B1, B2 or C1 so you can pick something that stretches you without overwhelming you.
Tap any word to translate
Touch a word or phrase to see it in your language instantly — no dictionary, no leaving the page.
Audio narration & pronunciation
Listen to clear, natural narration and read along to train your ear as well as your eye.
Vocabulary from your own reading
Save the words you meet; they become flashcards built from the books you actually read.
Questions
Learning English by reading
Reading exposes you to real grammar, vocabulary and phrasing in context — far more memorably than word lists. With instant translation and audio on every page, you stay in the story instead of stalling on unknown words, which is what builds fluency.
Choose a book one notch above where you feel comfortable: B1 if you read everyday English, B2 if you can follow longer articles, C1 for literary prose. You can always tap words you don’t know — a little stretch is exactly how you level up.
Sample chapters are free to read with no account. To read a full book — with tap-to-translate, audio narration and saved progress — you start your trial at quiz.nikmas.studio.
Not for sample chapters — they open with no signup. To read a whole book you start your trial at quiz.nikmas.studio, which keeps your vocabulary and place across devices.