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 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 C1HistoricalOur Little Brown House, A Poem of West Point: Written for the New Year's Festival at the Cadets': Sabbath-school of the Methodist Episcopal Church, January: 1, 1879Step into the world of West Point’s Cadets through heartfelt poems and vivid sketches, capturing moments from daily life, celebrations, and camaraderie at the military academy in t…
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 C1HistoricalOur Lady of the PillarIn 1474 Segovia, Don Ruy de Cardenas, a gallant young knight devoted to Our Lady of the Pillar, navigates honor, love, and rivalry near the shadowed church where fate and faith int…
Level C1HistoricalOur Lady of DarknessIn late 19th-century London, the eccentric Viscount Murk, a fading dandy obsessed with vanity and decay, shares sharp-witted clashes with his austere young heir, setting the stage…
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 C1HistoricalOur Irish Theatre: A chapter of autobiographyA passionate account of the birth of Irish theatre unfolds through personal memories, revealing the artistic ambitions and cultural stirrings behind a movement to revive romantic d…
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…
Level C1ClassicsOur Friend the CharlatanA weary vicar grapples with dwindling income and domestic tensions while anxiously awaiting news from his son, Dyce, whose uncertain plans stir hope and frustration in this intimat…
Level C1ClassicsOur Friend John BurroughsStep into the serene world of a beloved naturalist whose essays reveal the divine in everyday earth and sky.
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 C1HistoricalOur Fathers Have Told Us: Part I. The Bible of AmiensAmidst political unrest and a call for justice, a young English governess seeks to inspire her pupils with a history that reveals the courage and virtue behind Britain's past, chal…
Level C2PhilosophyOur EternityConfront the ultimate mystery as fear and denial cloud our understanding of death, the one inevitable event that shapes our existence and defies our intellect.
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 C1Children'sOur Christmas partyAs Christmas Eve approaches, preparations for a lively party bring together old friends and spirited young guests in a cozy house filled with laughter, costumes, and holiday cheer.
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 C1HistoricalOur Catholic Heritage in English Literature of Pre-Conquest DaysExplore the rich tapestry of England’s early Christian poetry and prose, tracing the profound influence of Catholic heritage on the nation’s literary roots through the lives of poe…
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 B1PoetryOur Boys, and Other PoemsPoignant poems penned by a young boy before his tenth birthday capture the spirit of patriotism and childhood wonder during wartime.
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…
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.