Liam O' Flaherty-Translated by Hammad Younus

یہ ایک پراثر اور چونکا دینے والی کہانی ہے جو آئرش خانہ جنگی کے پس منظر میں لکھی گئی ہے۔ ایک انقلابی نشانے باز کی رات بھر کی جدوجہد، خوف، بہادری اور تنہائی اس کہانی میں شدت سے جھلکتی ہے۔ دشمن کو گرا دینے کے بعد جب وہ لاش کو دیکھنے جاتا ہے، تو اس پر ایک ایسا انکشاف ہوتا ہے جو اس کی روح تک ہلا دیتا ہے۔ آخر کار، اس خونریز جنگ میں نشانے باز نے دراصل کس کو مارا؟ کیا وہ دشمن تھا  یا کوئی  اور؟ جاننےکے لیے آئیے یہ سنسنی خیز کہانی پڑھتے ہیں۔

Historical Fiction

Urdu

Nishanay Baaz

Charles Dickens-Translated by Sobia Hussain

یہ کہانی ایک ایسے بچے کی ہے جو اپنی بہن کے ساتھ آسمان کے ایک روشن ستارے کو دیکھتے ہوئے بڑے خواب بُنتا ہے — مگر وقت کے ساتھ وہ ستارہ اس کے پیاروں کے بچھڑنے کی علامت بن جاتا ہے۔ جیسے جیسے زندگی آگے بڑھتی ہے، ہر جدائی کے بعد وہ ستارہ اسے اپنے قریب بلاتا محسوس ہوتا ہے۔ آخرکار، جب وہ خود عمر کے آخری پڑاؤ پر پہنچتا ہے، تو اسی چمکتے ستارے کو دیکھ کر مسکراتا ہے ۔ کیا اب وہ بھی اپنے پیاروں کے پاس پہنچنے والا ہے؟ یہ جاننے کے لیے آئیے یہ کہانی پڑھتے ہیں ۔

Short Story

Bachay Ki Aankhon Mein Chamakta Aik Khawab

Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal

اردو ادب کی تاریخ میں ’’جوابِ شکوہ ‘‘کو فکری، دینی اور شعری لحاظ سے بےمثال مقام حاصل ہے۔ یہ نظم نہ صرف اقبال کی شاعری کا عروج ہے بلکہ اردو شاعری میں احیائے ملت اور روحِ ایمان کی ایک مضبوط آواز بھی ہے۔علامہ اقبال کی یہ شہرۂ آفاق نظم اُن کی مشہور نظم ’’شکوہ ‘‘کا تسلسل ہے، جس میں اقبال نے اللہ تعالیٰ سے مسلمان امت کے زوال کا شکوہ کیا تھا۔ ’’جوابِ شکوہ ‘‘میں شاعر کو الہامی انداز میں اللہ تعالیٰ کا جواب سنائی دیتا ہے، جو مسلمانوں کو جھنجھوڑتا اور ان کی غفلت، بے عملی اور ایمان کی کمزوری کو بے نقاب کرتا ہے۔ اس نظم میں اقبال نے امتِ مسلمہ کو عمل، اتحاد، اخوت، ایمان اور عشقِ رسول ﷺ کی طرف واپسی کی دعوت دی ہے۔

Poem

Jawab-e-Shikwa (Nazm)

علامہ اقبال کی نظم "شکوہ"ایک عظیم فکری و جذباتی تخلیق ہے جس میں شاعر نے امتِ مسلمہ کی زوال پذیری پر اللہ تعالیٰ سے شکوہ کے انداز میں گفتگو کی ہے۔ اقبال نے اس نظم میں مسلمانوں کے شاندار ماضی، قربانیوں، ایمان و جہاد کی روح اور پھر ان کی موجودہ پستی اور بے عملی کو نہایت پر اثر انداز میں پیش کیا ہے۔ مزید جاننے کے لیے آئیے نظم پڑھتے ہیں ۔

Shikwa (Nazm)

Louisa May Alcott

Once, two eleven-year-old boys, Billy and Tommy, were sitting on a fence, whittling arrows. Tommy, feeling adventurous, suggested they run into the woods and go hunting. While Billy was hesitant and asked many questions in an attempt to avoid the idea, however, Tommy somehow convinced his cautious friend. Together, they headed into the forest with their bows, a few useful accessories, and a basket packed with lunch. Will the boys be able to hunt squirrels or snare any animals? Will they truly enjoy their adventure, or will it turn into real danger? Read this amusing and slightly suspenseful tale to find out what happens to brave Tommy and poor, anxious Billy as they try to live out their wildest dreams.

Adventure

English

How They Ran Away

Hans Christian Andersen -Translated by Atifa Jameel

یہ قصہ ایک بڑے شاندار باغ اور اس کے باہر اگنے والے ایک عام سے اونٹ کٹارے (تھسل) کا ہے، جسے کوئی خاص اہمیت نہ دیتا تھا۔ مگر ایک دن ایک حسین اسکاٹش دوشیزہ نے باغ کے سب پھولوں کو چھوڑ کر اسی کانٹوں بھرے پھول کو پسند کیا۔ کیا واقعی وہ معمولی سا تھسل عزت اور مقام پا سکا؟ کیا اس کے خواب گملوں اور فریموں تک جا پہنچے یا وہ ہمیشہ باڑ کے باہر ہی رہ گیا؟ یہ جاننے کے لیے آئیے  کہانی پڑھتے ہیں ۔

Kaanton Mein Khawab

یہ کہانی خزاں کے موسم میں ایک قیدی کی کوٹھری سے شروع ہوتی ہے جہاں سورج کی کرن اور ایک ننھے پرندے کی آمد اُس کے سخت دل کو لمحہ بھر کے لیے نرم کر دیتی ہے۔ لمحے بھر کی یہ روشنی اور چہچہاہٹ اُس کی  تاریک زندگی میں ایک امید جگاتی ہے۔ کیا واقعی یہ کرن اُس کے دل کو بدل پائے گی؟ کیا ایک پرندے کی معصوم چہچہاہٹ اور سورج کی روشنی جیسے مظاہر انسان کی زندگی میں روشنی لا سکتے ہیں؟ آئیے جاننے کے لیے کہانی پڑھتے ہیں ۔

Roshni Ki Dastak

یہ کہانی ایک ایسے خوشحال گھر کی ہے  جہاں ایک ننھے بچے کی پیدائش پر ہر طرف خوشیاں بکھری ہیں۔ قسمت کی ہر نعمت اس کے جھولے میں رکھ دی گئی ہے: صحت، دولت، محبت اور آسائشیں۔ مگر پھر بھی ایک کمی باقی ہے، ایک ایسا تحفہ جو ابھی نہیں ملااور وہ ہے ’’آخری موتی‘‘۔وہ انمول موتی جو صرف غم کی پری دے سکتی ہے۔مگر وہ پری کہاں رہتی ہے اور کیا اس موتی کے بغیر خوشیاں نامکمل ہیں ؟ کیا یہ موتی مل پائے گا؟ جاننے کے لیےآئیے   کہانی پڑھتے ہیں ۔

Fairytale

Moral

Akhree Moti

یہ کہانی پانچ مٹر کے دانوں کی ہے جو ایک ہی پھلی میں رہتے تھے، ہر ایک اپنی منزل کا خواب دیکھتا تھا—کوئی سورج تک پہنچنے کا ارادہ رکھتا تھا، کوئی صرف لڑھکنے پر خوش تھا، اور کوئی نالی میں جا کر موٹا ہونے پر اتراتا رہا، مگر کیا واقعی یہی انجام سب کا مقدر تھا؟ ان سب میں سے ایک ننھا سا مٹر کھڑکی کے نیچے جا گرا اور کونپل بن کر اُگا، کیا یہ وہی مٹر نہ تھا جس نے ایک بیمار بچی کے دل میں جینے کی امید جگا دی اور اس کی زندگی بدل ڈالی؟اس بیج کے بارے میں جاننے کے لیے آئیے کہانی پڑھتے ہیں۔

Umeed Ka Beej

Frank Stockton

This story is about a semi-barbaric king who built a strange arena for justice. An accused person had to choose between two doors: behind one was a hungry tiger, and behind the other was a beautiful lady who would become his wife. When the king discovered that his daughter loved a young man of low rank, he sent him to the arena. The princess secretly found out which door held the tiger and which held the lady. What would the princess do? Would she give the right hint to the young man? What would come out of the door he opened—the lady or the tiger? Read this mysterious tale to find out if the young man’s life is saved or not.

Mystery

The Lady, or the Tiger?

Charles Dickens

A bachelor lawyer who loves art finds himself haunted by a mysterious figure. On a stormy evening, he encounters a shabby man who introduces himself as a “Model” for painters. This strange man complains of being used in countless artworks and vows to “grow one” that will haunt the narrator. After two years, the lawyer again comes across the same mysterious being. What could he have grown that would haunt the narrator? What does the story reveal about art and painting? Was the narrator truly haunted forever by an overgrown object? Read this mysterious tale to find out!

Horror

The Ghost of Art

H.G. Wells

At a table, a man with a scar on his face began to share a strange tale of survival. Years ago, while searching for rare eggs in Madagascar, he and two native companions discovered enormous Aepyornis eggs؛ remains of a giant bird thought to be extinct. But greed and betrayal left him stranded alone on a deserted island with only a canoe, a few supplies, and three of those precious eggs. To his amazement, one of the eggs hatched, and he found himself raising a giant bird he fondly named “Man Friday.” For nearly two years they lived together on the lonely island, until the bird grew into a towering creature with a dangerous temper. Did the scarred man manage to tame this monstrous bird or was he forced to make a terrible choice? What happened when his only friend turned against him? And how did he finally escape the island? Read this captivating tale of adventure and survival to explore the secrets of Aepyornis Island.

Aepyornis Island

Hans Christian Andersen

When a proud baron pushed a poor goose-girl into the ditch for his cruel amusement, little did he know that fate had already planted the seeds of justice. A humble pedlar saved the girl and, by chance, stuck a broken willow branch into the ground. Years later, the willow grew tall, witnessing how the baron fell into poverty while the pedlar, through honesty and hard work, rose to own the estate and married the kind goose-girl. The magical flute carved from the old willow tree revealed the truth about everyone’s “right place” in life. Who truly belonged in honor, and who was unworthy? How would the mighty flute decide the fates of lords and commoners alike? Read this remarkable tale to discover the theme behind “Everything in the Right Place.”

Everything in the Right Place

On a bitterly cold and dark night, the narrator joins a Thames Police officer, nicknamed Pea, on a patrol down the river. As they drift under bridges and along the black waters of London, they encounter eerie scenes, tales of suicides, strange characters, river thieves, and daring escapes. The narrator listens to stories from a toll-keeper at Waterloo Bridge and learns about the cunning tricks of smugglers, dredgermen, and thieves who haunt the riverbanks. The night is filled with suspense, horror, and glimpses of the hidden life of the Thames. What secrets does the dark river conceal? Who are the strange figures roaming the bridges? Will the police outwit the clever thieves of the water? Read this thrilling story to discover the mysteries of the night hidden under Waterloo Bridge.

Down with the Tide

Once a flax plant felt so happy to be fine and long, dreaming that it would be turned into something beautiful. This thought filled it with joy. But one day, the poor flax was pulled up by its roots and thrown into water, then placed near a fire. Later, it was put on the spinning wheel. These were painful and difficult moments for the flax. Yet, despite all the suffering, it stayed content, knowing that something new awaited. At last, the flax was made into beautiful linen, and it began a new journey full of surprises. But was this really the end of its story or just the beginning of something greater? What will happen to the linen next? Could the flax’s story still continue in an even more unexpected way? Read this story to find out!

The Flax

Kamel Kilani

لقد وقع "المرامق" في كلام ابنة "الموفّق" وانخدع به. فماذا سيحدث الآن؟ هل ستنجح تدبيرها ومكائدها؟ وما دور ابنة الصبّاغ في كل ذلك؟ اكتشفوا الأحداث في هذه القصة

Arabic

Bint Al-Sabbagh al-Juz al-Thalith (Daughter of the Dyer Part 3)

عندما انكشف مكر "المرامق"، صمّمت ابنة "الموفّق" أن تلقّنه درساً على شرّه. فهل نجح "المرامق" في إيذاء عائلة "الموفّق" بخداعه؟ وما الحيلة اللطيفة التي اتّخذتها ابنة "الموفّق" للانتقام؟ لتعرفوا الجواب، اقرأوا هذا القصّة الشيّقة.

Bint Al-Sabbagh al-Juz al-Thani (Daughter of the Dyer Part 2)

هذه قصة عن رجلين من أهل بغداد كانا خصمين منذ الطفولة. والآن بعد أن أوشكتْ شبابهما على الرحيل، أراد الشرير منهما أن ينقل عداوته إلى الجيل القادم. فبأي حيلةٍ دبّر خطته؟ اقرأوا ذلك في هذه الحكاية.

Bint Al-Sabbagh al-Juz' al-Awwal (Daughter of the Dyer Part 1)

Giovanni Boccaccio

Federigo Alberighi was once a wealthy young man in Florence. He was admired for his bravery and generosity. To win the love of the beautiful Monna Giovanna, he spent his fortune on feasts, tournaments, and gifts. But she never returned his affection, and soon Federigo was left poor, with nothing but a small farm and his most prized possession—a falcon. One day, Monna Giovanna’s son fell seriously ill and longed for Federigo’s falcon, believing it would make him well again. Out of love for her child, Monna visited Federigo to ask for the bird. Will Federigo be able to fulfill Monna’s son’s desire, or will something happen to make it impossible? Will true love and sacrifice be rewarded? Read this touching tale to discover how nobility of heart triumphs over wealth!

Prose

Federigo's Falcon

H.H. Munro (SAKI)

A lively discussion takes place between the Minister and the Grand Vizier, starting with ordinary topics but soon turning to a surprising question: under the new constitution, should women have the right to vote? The Vizier is shocked, insisting that women lack the intelligence to make such decisions. But as election day arrives, the Young Turkish Party seems to be winning, until something unexpected happens. What happened that completely changed the scenario? How does H.H. Munro (Saki) use humor to show the attitude of the Turkish Government toward voting? What important idea about politics and society is brought forward in this tale? Read this witty story to discover how “the veiled vote” turned the tables in an unforgettable election!

Contemporary Fiction

A Young Turkish Catastrophe

O. Henry

This humorous tale by O. Henry tells the story of the residents of Beersheba Flats, an apartment building in New York. When a sudden heatwave strikes, the city authorities order everyone to leave their homes and sleep in Central Park to escape the unbearable heat. Families from different backgrounds, including the O’Dowds, Steinowitzes, Callahans, Cohens, and Spizzinellis, are herded together in the dark night, carrying odd belongings like garlic, quilts, and canoes. What happens when strangers are forced to share blankets, bump into each other in the dark, and mistake noses to tell friend from foe? How do they cope with mosquitoes, ants, and sleepless children? And what shocking decision does the landlord of Beersheba Flats make after watching his tenants sleep under the trees? Read this witty tale to discover how city life, human nature, and irony collide.

The City of Dreadful Night

Mary Roberts Rinehart

Mr. William Everett, a wealthy stockbroker, had just gained two thousand dollars in a single day and felt great pleasure in his success. But when he learned that he had been cheated out of three hundred dollars, his joy quickly turned into gloom. All the while, a young boy named John, the son of Everett’s old friend, silently observed him. What could be the reason behind the young boy’s sorrow? How would Everett discover his troubles, and what would he do that would bring him greater happiness than wealth itself? Read this thought-provoking story to discover the true source of real happiness.

Blessing of a Good Deed

This story personifies the seasons, where Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn each take their turn as rulers of the earth. With each change, the world transforms in beauty and struggle, just as human life passes through joy, growth, longing, and decline. January was drawing to its end, and all around, people and animals struggled against the fierce snowy winds and blizzards. The storm howled through the streets, forcing everyone to fight for warmth and safety. But as evening fell, the blizzard grew calm, the stars shone brightly, and the frozen snow sparkled underfoot. Little sparrows huddled together, complaining about the bitter cold of the new year. What would become of Winter when the year came to its end? Does the coming of Spring truly bring hope and renewal? Or does the cycle remind us that every ending is also a beginning? Read this enchanting tale to learn the value of change and renewal in life.

The Story of the Year

Mark Twain

The story humorously shows how an ordinary phone call can turn into pure comedy. The narrator, busy writing a serious article, is constantly disturbed by a telephonic conversation taking place in the room. Though uninterested, he is forced to overhear a lady’s long-distance chat with Mrs. Bagley. The funniest part is that he only hears one side of the conversation, leaving him unable to make head or tail of the talk. Why does the lady shout every word as if the phone were deaf? How many times can “Good-bye” really be said before the call finally ends? And how long can anyone hold up the receiver without fainting? Read this witty tale to discover how Mark Twain could turn even a simple phone call into complete comedy.

Books For 12-to-14-years

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