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 C1Children'sHindu Tales from the SanskritJourney into ancient India with a humble woodcutter whose quiet life is transformed by mysterious forest maidens, inviting children to explore timeless tales that weave adventure,…
Level B2Children'sHills of the ShatemucAmid early spring’s gentle hills and fertile fields, a hardworking family rises with the dawn to tend their farm, balancing youthful energy and steadfast tradition in a landscape w…
Level B2Children'sHildegarde's NeighborsWhen the Merryweather family moves into the big yellow house next door, young Hildegarde Grahame eagerly spies on their lively arrival, sparking curiosity and the promise of new fr…
Level B2Children'sHildegarde's HomeAfter losing their fortune, Hildegarde and her mother leave the bustling city for a mysterious inherited country house filled with faded treasures and charming old-world charm, whe…
Level B2Children'sHildegarde's Holiday: A Story for GirlsAnxious yet hopeful, Hildegarde awaits news of her dear friend Rose's recovery after a long illness and operation.
Level B2Children'sHildegarde's HarvestA spirited girl named Hildegarde navigates village life with charm and kindness, bridging friendships and brightening the days of neighbors old and young.
Level B2Children'sHilda's Mascot: A Tale of "Maryland, My Maryland"Two children, Jerusha and Horace, face the harsh reality of an orphan asylum after leaving their ailing mother’s care, where Jerusha’s pride in her fine clothes clashes with the st…
Level B2AdventureHiking Westward: Being the Story of Two Boys Whose Ambition Led Them to Face Privations and Hardships in Their Quest of a Home in the Great WestTwo determined brothers leave their city life behind to claim a homestead in the untamed West, facing hardship and hardship with grit and hope to secure a future for their ailing m…
Level B2AdventureHike and the aeroplaneTwo adventurous boys navigate treacherous canyons and unexpected dangers on horseback along the California coast, testing their courage and friendship as they face thrilling challe…
Level B2AdventureHighway Pirates; or, The Secret Place at CoverthorneTwo rival schoolboy tribes, the daring Foxes and the ruthless Eagles, clash in secret woods where adventure and danger lurk at every turn.
Level B2Children'sHidden seedA determined fifteen-year-old girl resolves to become a missionary and wrestles with her mother’s expectations of music lessons and household duties.
Level A2Children'sHey Diddle Diddle and Baby Bunting: R. Caldecott's Picture BooksDelight in whimsical nursery rhymes where playful animals leap over the moon and a baby's cozy adventures begin with a father's thoughtful gift.
Level B2Children'sHetty's garden-party, and what came of itWhen cousins Lettice and Harry come to visit, young Hetty is determined to host a grand garden-party to impress her friends—despite her family's modest means and the challenges tha…
Level B2Children'sHetty Gray;In a charming English village, curious four-year-old Hetty Gray explores the world with wide-eyed wonder, from the fiery forge to fluttering butterflies, as she navigates childhood…
Level B2Children'sHester's Counterpart: A Story of Boarding School LifeAt the brink of boarding school life, Hester faces a reluctant farewell to home and the woman who raised her with love and firm resolve.
Level B2AdventureHervey WillettsA fearless but rebellious scout, Hervey Willetts blazes his own trail at Temple Camp, charming everyone despite constant trouble and expulsion.
Level B2HistoricalHeroines That Every Child Should Know: Tales for Young People of the World's Heroines of All AgesDiscover stories of courageous women whose strength and sacrifice stand beside history’s greatest heroes, revealing the quiet heroism that shapes nations and inspires generations t…
Level C1Children'sHeroes Every Child Should KnowDiscover the inspiring tales of legendary heroes from diverse cultures and ages, brought to life through captivating stories that reveal the qualities admired across history.
Level C1RomanceHero-Myths & Legends of the British RaceExplore the heroic ideals and ancient legends that shaped the British race, revealing timeless tales of honor, loyalty, and valor set against the vivid backdrop of medieval life an…
Level B2HistoricalHerbert Carter's Legacy; Or, the Inventor's SonIn a small village, young Herbert Carter faces taunts for his family's poverty but stands firm with courage and kindness.
Level B2Children'sHer own wayIn a modest London home shadowed by family tensions, Juliet defies expectations and stirs worry with her independent spirit and questionable friendships, while her sisters navigate…
Level B2AdventureHer Benny: A Story of Street LifeIn the foggy, cold streets of Liverpool, young Benny and his sister Nelly struggle to survive as street waifs, peddling matches and facing hardship with unwavering sibling devotion…
Level B2Children'sHelps and hints for Hallowe'enStep into a world of magical Halloween traditions with festive party ideas, spooky games, and ancient customs that bring witches, fairies, and fortune-telling to life.
Level B2HistoricalHelping Himself; Or, Grant Thornton's AmbitionA minister’s son faces crushing debt and family hardship, compelling him to seek work and forge his own path in 1857 New York.
Level B2Children'sHelen in the Editor's ChairIn a small town where Thursday means press day, young Helen steps into her family’s newspaper office to help with the weekly edition—but when her father falls ill, she must take ch…
Level B2Children'sHelen and Arthur; or, Miss Thusa's Spinning WheelYoung Helen and Arthur embark on a charming journey filled with vivid Southern scenery and heartfelt lessons, guided by the enigmatic Miss Thusa’s spinning wheel.
Level B2Children'sHelen Grant's SchooldaysAt Hope Center, fourteen-year-old Helen Grant navigates the challenges of schooldays, family secrets, and a yearning for belonging while surrounded by lively community traditions a…
Level C1Children'sHelen FordIn a bustling boarding house filled with working-class residents, a determined young girl leads her ailing father in search of a humble room, revealing themes of resilience and soc…
Level C1AdventureHeld by Chinese BrigandsIn the mysterious and treacherous lands beyond Hong-Kong, a daring American adventurer confronts ruthless Chinese brigands who defy law and order.
Level C1AdventureHeld Fast For England: A Tale of the Siege of Gibraltar (1779-83)Amid the relentless Siege of Gibraltar, mischievous yet plucky Bob Repton faces schoolyard battles and harsh discipline, embodying youthful defiance against a backdrop of historic…
Level B2Children'sHeimatlos: Two stories for children, and for those who love childrenIn a quiet mountain village, young Rico finds solace in music and his father's rare visits, while navigating the loneliness of home and the challenges of growing up.
Level B1Children'sHeedless HettyWhen Mrs.
Level B2HistoricalHector's Inheritance, Or, the Boys of Smith InstituteA young boy's future hinges on his uncle’s choice between two vastly different schools—one expensive and elite, the other affordable and homey—setting the stage for challenges, sec…
Level B2AdventureHearts of OakSet against the daring life of Horatio Nelson, this thrilling naval adventure follows young heroes navigating the perils of war, duty, and courage at sea, capturing the spirit of B…
Level C1Children'sHead of the Lower SchoolIn the windswept marshlands of Lincolnshire, the spirited Graham children navigate childhood’s challenges with resilience and resourcefulness.
Level C1Children'sHazelhurstIn a grand estate known for its powerful voices and proud lineage, the arrival of a mysteriously different child challenges the Le Mesurier family’s traditions and secrets.
Level B1AdventureHazel Squirrel and Other StoriesTwo city squirrels, Hazel and Bushy-Tail, embark on a playful adventure through the park in search of a magical tree bearing every kind of nut.
Level B2Children'sHazelRain keeps Hazel indoors, nursing a cold and longing for the simple joys of childhood outside her narrow Boston apartment.
Level B2HistoricalHayslope Grange: A Tale of the Civil WarIn the shadow of England’s Civil War, a young man returns to his ancestral home, Hayslope Grange, where family loyalty, secret tensions, and the turmoil of divided loyalties threat…
Level B2MysteryHawaiian Sea Hunt MysteryIn the lush setting of a Hawaiian hotel, a mysterious man silently intrudes, while distant phone calls hint at hidden dangers and secretive plots involving the Brewster family.
Level C1HistoricalHaviland's ChumAt Saint Kirwin’s, a new boy named Mpukuza—an African Zulu—faces prejudice and bullying but finds unexpected support from a determined prefect, challenging the school’s rigid socia…
Level B2Children'sHatty and Marcus: or, First Steps in the Better PathAmid the joyful chaos of children eager to welcome their sister Hatty home, young Marcus learns the value of kindness and responsibility through everyday family adventures.
Level C1Children'sHathercourtIn the quiet, ancient Hathercourt Church, young Mary Western’s Sunday daydreams awaken the echoes of centuries-old lives and forgotten mysteries, blending history with the lively b…
Level B2AdventureHaste and Waste; Or, the Young Pilot of Lake Champlain. A Story for Young PeopleA seasoned young pilot steers a lumber-laden sloop across Lake Champlain, bracing for an unexpected squall that threatens the voyage.
PoetryHarry's Ladder to LearningExplore a charming collection of illustrated lessons, nursery rhymes, and simple verses designed to introduce young learners to everyday objects, animals, and playful scenes, nurtu…
Level B2AdventureHarry's IslandThree schoolboy captains of athletic teams bask in the summer heat on Fox Island, eagerly awaiting a grand boat race and school graduation festivities along the Hudson River.
Level B2Children'sHarry Watson's High School Days; Or, The Rivals of RivertownA new student arrives at Rivertown High, ready to prove his mettle against the school bully's challenge.
Level B2AdventureHarry Milvaine; Or, The Wanderings of a Wayward BoyA restless boy with a vivid imagination turns rainy days into daring naval battles and forest adventures alongside his loyal dog, exploring the wild Scottish pine woods and the rus…
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.