What This Book Is About
Aven Green is eight years old. She was born without arms, does everything with her feet, and is quite sure that her super-powered brain makes her a great detective. Nobody is going to talk her out of it.
She works three cases at once: food keeps going missing at school, her great-grandma's dog Smitty has disappeared, and the new girl, Sujata, looks sad and Aven wants to know why. The narration is Aven's own, confident and funny, with illustrations by Gina Perry. This is the first Aven Green book; Aven is the younger version of the character in Dusti Bowling's Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why We Recommend This Book
For A1-level readers (Grade 2), Aven Green is an outstanding choice for three reasons.
First, mysteries are natural page-turners for young readers. The "whodunit" structure keeps children engaged and actively thinking—predicting, eliminating suspects, and piecing together clues. These are exactly the critical-thinking skills that UWC's inquiry-based curriculum aims to develop.
Second, Aven is one of the most joyful, capable characters in children's fiction—and she happens to have a disability. The book never treats her difference as a problem to solve; instead, it is simply part of her identity. In Singapore's inclusive school environment, this kind of representation matters deeply, helping all children understand that ability looks different for everyone.
Third, the language is accessible and playful at the A1 level, with short chapters and plentiful illustrations that support comprehension. Aven's voice is so funny and confident that reluctant readers find themselves drawn in before they realize they are reading a whole chapter book.
Reading Level Guide
Building foundations. Pre-A1 readers can enjoy this as a read-aloud—the mystery plot keeps even the youngest listeners hooked.
Perfect difficulty. Clear language and an exciting mystery make this a confidence-building independent read.
Comfortable read at A2. Kids can fly through this and continue with Aven Green Music Machine and Baking Machine.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.