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 B2AdventureOut with Garibaldi: A story of the liberation of ItalyAmidst the turmoil of 1849 Italy, a daring force led by Garibaldi sets out to liberate a kingdom with just a thousand ill-equipped men against a vast, well-armed army, relying on t…
Level B2HistoricalOut in the Forty-Five: Duncan Keith's VowFour sisters return to a stark country estate where strict Aunt Kezia rules with sharp words and high expectations, while family tensions simmer beneath the surface.
Level B2HistoricalOut for Business; or, Robert Frost's Strange CareerA determined sixteen-year-old boy faces hardship after his father's tragic death and his stepfather's harshness, forcing him to leave home and carve out his own path to success ami…
Level C1FantasyOur trip to BlunderlandThree boys, inspired by Alice’s adventures, try to follow her into Wonderland—not by sleeping, but by imagination and friendship—guided by the very Alice who once slipped through t…![Cover of Our Young Folks at Home and Abroad by Daphne [Editor] Dale](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dabkfqg9638s73a2pnp0.webp)
Level A2PoetryOur Young Folks at Home and AbroadDelight in charming tales and poems that explore friendship, kindness, and adventure through the lives of children and their beloved pets.
Level B2AdventureOur Young Aeroplane Scouts in Russia; or, Lost on the Frozen SteppesTwo young aviators, caught in the icy chaos of wartime Russia, navigate perilous missions and shadowy enemies, including a relentless Cossack pursuer.
Level B2FantasyOur Young Aeroplane Scouts in Germany; or, Winning the Iron CrossTwo young aviators find themselves entangled in a high-stakes game of espionage when a secret agent drags them into a dangerous mission to uncover a mysterious figure named Ardelle…
Level B2AdventureOur Young Aeroplane Scouts in France and Belgium: Or, Saving the Fortunes of the TrouvillesBrave young aviators Billy and Henri embark on a daring sea-plane mission over the stormy Channel, navigating perilous skies and enemy watch as they venture into the heart of war-t…
Level B2Children'sOur Winnie, and The Little Match GirlA delicate young girl named Winifred finds comfort in watching swallows and dreaming by her nursery window, while pondering why the things she loves must often leave.
Level C1HistoricalOur Village in War-timeIn a tight-knit village shaken by war, the arrival of a troubled family in the once-abandoned Tyrrell House stirs curiosity and hope.
Level A2PoetryOur Story Book: Jingles, Stories and Rhymes for Little FolksJoin Wideawake Willy and his friends on playful adventures through seasons of fun and discovery, from cricket matches to exploring faraway places.
Level B2AdventureOur Soldier BoyAmidst the brutal marches and battles of the 200th Fusiliers in war-torn Portugal, a young soldier named Tom navigates the harsh realities of camp life, fierce enemies, and fleetin…
Level A2Children'sOur PetsDiscover the playful antics of Pol-ly's cat Top-sy and the brave loyalty of Har-ry's dog Car-lo, alongside charming tales of pets large and small, from pigeons to lambs, each bring…
Level B1Children'sOur Little Turkish CousinIn the heart of Constantinople, a young boy named Osman grows up surrounded by tradition and mystery under the watchful rule of the Sultan.
Level B1AdventureOur Little Swiss CousinIn the heart of the Swiss Alps, young Carl eagerly awaits a school festival celebrating his country's freedom, while his family prepares for a summer in the mountains filled with t…
Level B2Children'sOur Little Spanish CousinIn sunlit Spain, young Fernando navigates family celebrations, narrow streets, and vibrant customs, inviting readers to explore a warm-hearted world filled with charming traditions…
Level B2Children'sOur Little Siamese CousinJourney to Siam through the eyes of young Chin, whose first year is filled with vibrant customs, colorful festivals, and a life lived on the river in a unique house-boat.
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 B1Children'sOur Little Russian CousinMeet Petrovna, a lively Russian girl from a grand home in St.
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 B1HistoricalOur Little Jewish CousinIn Jerusalem under foreign rule, young Esther and her family cling to their Jewish faith and traditions, gathering weekly at the Wailing Wall to mourn their lost homeland and dream…
Level B1Children'sOur Little Japanese CousinDiscover the gentle daily life of Lotus Blossom, a cheerful Japanese girl whose world is filled with unique customs, beautiful clothing, and a cozy home made of delicate paper scre…
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 C1HistoricalOur Little Czecho-Slovak CousinAmid the oppression and cultural struggles of the Czecho-Slovak people under Magyar rule, a young boy witnesses the harsh realities of persecution and the resilience of his communi…
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 C1AdventureOur Home in the Silver West: A Story of Struggle and AdventureIn the Scottish Highlands, a reluctant scribe finds inspiration in haunting music and sweeping landscapes as he begins to chronicle a tale of ancient feuds, wild adventure, and the…
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 C1PoetryOur GiftA heartfelt collection of poems and moral lessons crafted by devoted Sunday school teachers, offering reflections on memory, duty, and love to inspire young hearts toward kindness…
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.