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 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 B2ClassicsOur Casualty, and Other Stories: 1918In the peaceful suburb of Ballyhaine, a group of seasoned men form a volunteer corps to defend their coastal home against a possible German invasion, battling harsh weather and ske…
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 B2ClassicsOur BessieStranded by a sudden snowdrift, cheerful Bessie finds herself sharing a first-class compartment with a frightened young woman, turning an inconvenient delay into an unexpected adve…
Level B2HistoricalOur Base Ball Club and How It Won the ChampionshipAs rain threatens to ruin the decisive final baseball match of the season, young Alice Howell’s passion for the game clashes with her father’s old-fashioned views, setting the stag…
Level B2FantasyOtto of the Silver HandIn a ruthless medieval world ruled by a fearsome robber baron, young Otto navigates the harshness of castle life and the wildness beyond, discovering the power of gentleness and lo…
Level B2ClassicsOtherwise PhyllisAn adventurous father and daughter break camp after a month in the wilderness, sharing a deep bond amid changing seasons and unspoken moods.
Level B2ClassicsOther Worlds: A story concerning the wealth earned by American citizens and showing how it can be secured to them instead of to the trustsIn a world gripped by unemployment and the power of trusts, a visionary story unfolds about securing wealth and freedom for all hardworking citizens.
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 B2ClassicsOrpheus in Mayfair, and Other Stories and SketchesA struggling Greek musician in London dreams of sharing the lost songs of Hellas but faces hardship when his son falls gravely ill just as a career-changing concert beckons.
Level B2HistoricalOrphans of the StormTwo orphaned sisters from Normandy embark on a hopeful journey to Paris, where skilled surgeons might restore the blind Louise’s sight.
Level B2ClassicsOriginal Short Stories — Volume 13In a desolate, haunting landscape, an old boatman reveals the eerie tale of Old Judas, a mysterious wanderer believed to be the legendary Wandering Jew, whose strange presence and…
Level B2ClassicsOriginal Short Stories — Volume 12A devoted widower dotes on his late wife's child, showering him with love and indulgence despite warnings from their stern nurse.
Level B2ClassicsOriginal Short Stories — Volume 11In a household ruled by frugality and pride, a simple umbrella becomes a battleground of secrets and tempers, revealing the hidden tensions beneath a seemingly comfortable marriage…
Level B2ClassicsOriginal Short Stories — Volume 09In a quaint Norman hamlet, the larger-than-life innkeeper Toine, famed for his fiery cognac and boisterous charm, holds court at "The Friends' Meeting-Place," where laughter, local…
Level B2ClassicsOriginal Short Stories — Volume 08In a rural village, a boy’s vivid memories of Mother Clochette—a mysterious, bearded seamstress with a captivating presence—unfold through haunting tales and simple adventures that…
Level B2ClassicsOriginal Short Stories — Volume 07A devoted husband mourns his virtuous wife who adored imitation jewelry, only to face financial ruin after her death.
Level B2ClassicsOriginal Short Stories — Volume 05A devoted father navigates the complexities of family tension and unspoken struggles during quiet moments with his son.
Level B2ClassicsOriginal Short Stories — Volume 04In a rural farmstead, a dying man’s final hours cast a quiet shadow over daily life, revealing the harsh realities and stoic resilience of a peasant family as they prepare for the…
Level B2ClassicsOriginal Penny Readings: A Series of Short SketchesA spirited reflection on the value of hard work and contentment, this series of sketches challenges social pretensions and celebrates the sturdy worth of the common man amidst life…
Level B2Science FictionOrdeal in SpaceIn the depths of space, Lieutenant Mike Logan faces a deadly mission: transport the man who murdered his brother to Earth for execution, all while wrestling with his burning desire…
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 B2Science FictionOperation LorelieIn a post-apocalyptic world where war has wiped out life, two men venture into a ruined city to uncover the fate of missing teams.
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.