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 C1ClassicsLo, Michael!In a city torn by hunger and anger, a fearless boy throws himself between a vengeful crowd's bullet and a wealthy bank president’s innocent baby, igniting a fierce clash between de…
Level C1ClassicsLizzy Glenn; Or, The Trials of a SeamstressA young seamstress struggles to survive in a harsh labor market where her skill barely pays the bills.
Level C1ClassicsLizzie LeighA widow, burdened by years of hidden estrangement, faces Christmas Day with grief and regret after her husband's final, forgiving words.
Level C1ClassicsLiza; Or, "A Nest of Nobles"In a vivid portrayal of Russian provincial life, a young noblewoman named Liza navigates the complexities of society, love, and personal conscience during a time of social transfor…
Level B2Children'sLiving Up to BillyA young woman faces prison once more, leaving her sister to care for her child and navigate the harsh realities of street life.
Level B2Children'sLiving Too Fast; Or, The Confessions of a Bank OfficerTwo former schoolmates compete for the same bank clerk position, each harboring different ambitions and secrets.
Level C1FantasyLiving AloneAmid a war-torn London committee room, a mysterious young woman disrupts the routine by confessing to stealing a bun—and reveals she has just gambled away her fortune on a magical…
Level C1ClassicsLives of the most eminent literary and scientific men of France, Vol. 2 (of 2)Explore the turbulent life of Voltaire, a fearless critic of religious dogma and champion of intellectual liberty, as he challenges the powerful church and ignites a revolution in…
Level C1ClassicsLives of the most eminent literary and scientific men of France, Vol. 1 (of 2)Explore the fascinating lives of France's most influential literary and scientific figures, beginning with Montaigne, whose unique upbringing and groundbreaking essays reveal a viv…
Level C1HistoricalLives of the Poets, Volume 1Explore the lives and works of England’s greatest poets through candid biographies that reveal their characters, controversies, and the moral lessons behind their art, all delivere…
Level C1HistoricalLives of the English Poets: Gay, Thomson, Young, Gray, &c.Explore the lives and works of English poets from the late 17th and early 18th centuries, revealing their literary contributions, personal struggles, and the cultural backdrop of t…
Level C1ClassicsLives of the English Poets: From Johnson to Kirke White, Designed as a Continuation of Johnson's LivesExplore the lives and works of English poets from Samuel Johnson to Henry Kirke White, revealing their struggles, inspirations, and literary achievements through intimate and detai…
Level C1ClassicsLives of Two CatsTwo cats, Pussy White and Pussy Gray, weave through the tender memories of a home filled with warmth, play, and quiet companionship.
Level B2ClassicsLively plays for live peopleA wealthy man obsessed with his family tradition of twins stirs up chaos and comedy when he places an unusual advertisement seeking twins to inherit his oyster business.
Level B2Children'sLive toysFollow the charming adventures of children and their beloved pets, from a gentle white rabbit named Moppy to a lively goldfinch named Goldie, as they learn the joys and challenges…
Level B2HistoricalLive to be Useful: or, The Story of Annie Lee and her Irish NurseConfined by illness but rich in compassion, Annie Lee seeks to transform her suffering into purpose by reaching out to a struggling Irish family, determined to bring hope and faith…
Level B2Children'sLittlebourne LockOn a misty July morning by the Thames, young Philip and his sister Emily help their lock-keeper father tend to the river's locks, while their family grapples with worries about rel…
Level C1RomanceLittle sweetheartA handsome young traveler becomes intrigued by a mysterious widow and her sleeping child on a dreary train journey, sparking curiosity and quiet longing amidst the humdrum of a res…
Level B2HistoricalLittle soldiers allAs war erupts, a young girl from India is sent to live with her English relatives, testing the bonds of family and culture amid uncertain times.
Level A2PoetryLittle peopleExplore a vivid alphabet where each letter introduces a different culture or character from around the world, brought to life through charming verses and colorful illustrations.
Level B2Children'sLittle maid MarigoldIn a humble London flat, young Marigold helps her hardworking widowed mother care for her brothers while uncovering the secrets of her family's past and the sacrifices made for lov…
Level B1Children'sLittle Yellow Wang-loA young boy named Little Yellow Wang-lo embarks on a lively adventure selling ducks and buying a pig, only to be caught in a wild chase and unexpected encounters that test his cour…
Level B2ClassicsLittle Women Letters from the House of AlcottExperience the heartfelt letters and journals behind the beloved story of four sisters growing up in a warm, intellectual home, revealing the real-life inspirations of "Little Wome…
Level B2PoetryLittle WillieA whimsical glimpse into the mischievous world of Little Willie, where bedtime rituals and childhood antics stir both humor and curiosity in this charming collection of poetry.
Level B2PoetryLittle Wideawake: A story book for little childrenJoin Rosie, a spirited little girl, and her lively siblings on a snowy countryside adventure filled with playful mischief, unexpected thrills, and heartwarming moments that capture…
Level A2Children'sLittle White BarbaraA pale, thin girl named Little White Barbara lives with two aunts who try every remedy to make her rosy and fat, until a mischievous boy with a frog and a guinea-pig brings laughte…
Level C1ClassicsLittle Travels and Roadside SketchesSet off from a cozy English inn to bustling coaches and stately duchesses, journeying through vivid scenes of aristocratic life, lively travel companions, and the spirited atmosphe…
Level B2Children'sLittle Tora, The Swedish Schoolmistress and Other StoriesA determined little Swedish girl, longing for new shoes, bravely sings for a kindly doctor and his family, inspired by tales of a famous singer’s success.
Level B1Children'sLittle Tony of ItalyIn the bustling streets of Naples, young Tony finds an unlikely companion in a stray dog from a marionette show.
Level B2FantasyLittle TomIn a secluded forest hut, a mysterious widow brews powerful herbal remedies that cure the village’s ailments, while ancient legends whisper of knights, ruins, and a precious altar…
Level B2Children'sLittle Tales of The DesertAmidst the rugged desert winter, young Mary experiences a magical Christmas unlike any other, complete with a desert-dressed Santa and surprising gifts.
Level B2Children'sLittle Susy's Little ServantsA curious little girl discovers the mysterious "servants" that help her explore the world—her eyes, ears, and tongue—each revealing new wonders and joys in her everyday life.
Level B2Children'sLittle Susan and her lambOn a summer morning, kind-hearted Susan rescues a weak lamb destined for the market, nurturing it back to health while learning lessons of mercy, faith, and the joy found in kindne…
Level B2Children'sLittle SunbeamBlind since infancy, Peggy "Little Sunbeam" Pringle faces the bustling streets of London with courage and cheerfulness.
Level B2ClassicsLittle Stories of Married LifeA wife longs for her husband to remember their wedding anniversary and rekindle the love that has quietly endured amidst daily life’s demands.
Level A2Children'sLittle Stories for Little ChildrenGentle tales reveal the lessons of kindness, honesty, and care through the everyday adventures and mistakes of children like John, Jane, and Ann.
Level B1PoetryLittle SongsDelight in charming rhymes and gentle melodies that invite children into a world of gardens, moons, lullabies, and playful creatures, blending whimsical verses with tender lessons…
Level B2AdventureLittle Snap the Postboy; Or, Working for Uncle SamA young postboy braves a wild mountain route, carrying mysterious messages and encountering shadowy figures who threaten his dangerous journey.
Level B2AdventureLittle Sky-High; Or, The Surprising Doings of Washee-Washee-WangWhen a mysterious Chinese boy named Sky-High arrives to live below stairs, the Van Buren children discover a world of surprising friendships and cultural lessons sparked by his uni…
Level B2HistoricalLittle Sister SnowIn a serene Japanese garden, young Yuki Chan faces the consequences of her mischief on the special Festival of Dolls, a day when tradition and family love intertwine amid humble me…
Level A2Children'sLittle Scenes for Little Folks: In Words Not Exceeding Two SyllablesFollow the charming adventures of thoughtful children as they explore kindness, nature, and play in simple, heartwarming scenes crafted with gentle lessons and everyday joys.
Level B2PoetryLittle SarahA determined girl races through each step of growing grain to bake her grandmother’s Johnny-cake in record time, discovering the patience and effort behind simple blessings.
Level B2Children'sLittle Saint Elizabeth and Other StoriesAn eleven-year-old heiress raised under the stern care of her austere aunt navigates a lonely life of wealth and sorrow in New York, longing to discover the joys and warmth of chil…
Level B2RomanceLittle Robins' Love One to AnotherIn a charming countryside setting, the lively Robin family navigates lessons of behavior, kindness, and family dynamics as young Jack tests boundaries and each bird learns the valu…
Level B1HistoricalLittle Robins Learning to FlyA curious boy discovers a robin caring for another bird's nest, sparking a gentle exploration of kindness and cooperation in nature.
Level C2ClassicsLittle Rivers: A Book of Essays in Profitable IdlenessEscape the weariness of city life to wander by gentle rivers, where nature’s music and quiet streams invite reflection, friendship, and simple joys.
Level C1AdventureLittle Rifle; or, The Young Fur HuntersA skilled young trapper navigates the wilds of the Upper Columbia, alone and alert, setting traps and surviving in a rugged landscape filled with danger and mystery—while pondering…
Level B2Children'sLittle Prudy's Sister SusyThree Parlin sisters prepare for Christmas with secret gifts and sibling mischief, revealing their unique personalities and close family bonds.
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.