US  Reading Level

ESL Reading Level (CEFR)

Title

Author

Synopsis

 6–7

B1

A Christmas Carol 

Charles Dickens

This classic work follows the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man, who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, and three spirits representing Christmases Past, Present, and Yet to Come.

 6–7

B1

Alicen Wilde

Metta V. Victor 

The story revolves around Alice Wilde, the daughter of a raftsman, who navigates her idyllic yet tumultuous life in a remote cabin, facing the complexities of love and identity in a forest setting.

 6–7

B1

Anne of Green Gables 

Lucy Maud Montgomery

Considered a classic children's novel since the mid-twentieth century. Set in the late 19th century, the novel recounts the adventures of Anne Shirley, an 11-year-old orphan girl, who was mistakenly sent to two middle-aged siblings; Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, originally intending to adopt a boy to help them on their farm in the fictional town of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island. 

 6–7

B1

Emily of New Moon

Lucy Maud Montgomery

Emily Starr never knew what it was to be lonely -- until her beloved father died. Now Emily's an orphan, and her mother's snobbish relatives are taking her to live with them at New Moon Farm. She's sure she won't be happy.

 6–7

B1

General Washington's spies on Long Island and in New York 

Morton Pennypacker

A historical account about the clandestine operations of spies during the American Revolutionary War, specifically focusing on figures like Nathan Hale and Robert Townsend, who undertook significant espionage efforts under General Washington's orders.

 6–7

B1

Tales of King Arthur

Howard Pyle

The legend of Arthur, King of England, and his Knights of the Round Table of Camelot, including Sir Lancelot, Sir Galahad, Sir Gawain, Merlin and Guinevere. The legend herein tells of the sword in the stone, the Lady of the Lake, the forming of the Round Table and of course, the search for the greatest treasure of all: the Holy Grail.

 6–7

B1

The Blue Fairy Book

Andrew Lang

Timeless stories characterized by magic, adventure, and moral lessons, appealing to readers of all ages who enjoy tales of extraordinary beings and transformative journeys. 

 6–7

B2

The Call of the Wild

Jack London

A novel written in the late 19th century, during the time of the Klondike Gold Rush. The story revolves around Buck, a domesticated St. Bernard-Scotch Shepherd mix, who is thrust into the brutal and primal world of the Yukon wilderness.

 6–7

B1

The Enchanted Castle

E. Nesbit

Is about three children, who, while playing in the forest, discover a secret passageway into the garden of a castle. They make believe that it is enchanted, and wake a young girl sleeping there, who they pretend is a princess

 6–7

B1

The Gift of the Magi

O. Henry

The narrative revolves around the themes of love and sacrifice, showcasing the lengths to which two devoted partners are willing to go to express their love for each other despite their financial struggles. 

 6–7

B1

The Green Fairy Book

Andrew Lang

This enchanting anthology features stories borrowed from various cultures, including French, German, Russian, Italian, Scottish, English, and Arabic, showcasing the universal appeal of fairy tales across different societies.

 6–7

B1

The Jungle Book

Rudyard Kipling

This is a collection of fables featuring talking animals and moral lessons, set primarily in the Indian jungle.

 6–7

B1

The Prince and the Pauper 

Mark Twain

A story of two boys—one a poor beggar, the other a royal prince—who switch places and experience life in each other's shoes. They learn about justice, kindness, and the true meaning of identity.

 6–7

B1

Treasure Island 

Robert Louis Stevenson

An adventure about a boy named Jim who finds a pirate's map and sets out to find hidden treasure. Along the way, he meets dangerous pirates, and learns about bravery, loyalty, and betrayal.

 6–7

B2

White Fang

Jack London

A wolf dog that is rescued from its brutal owner and gradually becomes domesticated through the patience and kindness of its new owner

 6–7

B1

Little Men

Louisa May Alcott

The sequel to 'Little Women' about a boys’ school run by Jo Bhaer.

 6–7

B1

Eight Cousins

Louisa May Alcott

An orphaned girl navigates life with her extended family and a progressive uncle.

 6–7

B2

The Water-Babies

Charles Kingsley

A chimney sweep falls into a river and becomes a water-baby in a magical underwater world.

 6–7

B2

The Violet Fairy Book

Andrew Lang

A global collection of fairy tales compiled by Andrew Lang.

 6–7

B2

The Pink Fairy Book

Andrew Lang

Stories from Japan, Sicily, and Scandinavia among others, retold for children.

 6–7

B2

The Orange Fairy Book

Andrew Lang

Fairy tales from Eastern Europe, Africa, and India in simplified English.

 6–7

B2

The Brown Fairy Book

Andrew Lang

Includes tales from the American Indians, Australia, and Africa.

 6–7

B2

At the Back of the North Wind

George MacDonald

A boy named Diamond is guided through life by the mysterious North Wind.

 6–7

B2

The Princess and Curdie

George MacDonald

A sequel to 'The Princess and the Goblin', involving a magical quest.

6–7

B1–B2

Spinning-Wheel Story

Louisa May Alcott 

A charming collection of short tales framed by a winter gathering of children and elderly women in a New England farmhouse