What This Book Is About
Gilly wouldn't call herself a villain—she's just a girl who steals to feed her family. But when she pickpockets the wrong person, twelve-year-old Gillian Cobbler is sentenced to Fairy Tale Reform School, a place where former villains like the Big Bad Wolf, the Evil Queen, and the Sea Witch have been "reformed" and now serve as professors. The school's mission? To turn troublemakers into heroes. Gilly has no interest in being reformed—she just wants to break out and get back to her five younger siblings.
But Fairy Tale Reform School is full of surprises. Secret passageways, enchanted mirrors, a looming threat from a villain who hasn't been reformed at all, and classmates who are far more complicated than they first appear. As Gilly uncovers the school's secrets, she begins to realize that being a hero might not be so different from being the scrappy kid who'd do anything for her family. The first in the bestselling six-book Fairy Tale Reform School series, Flunked is a clever, fast-paced twist on classic fairy tales that hooks readers from page one.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
Flunked challenges students to think critically about labels and identity—who gets called a "villain" and who gets called a "hero," and whether people can change. These are exactly the kinds of questions UWC's curriculum encourages: examining assumptions, understanding different perspectives, and recognizing that people's stories are more complex than they appear. Gilly's situation also opens conversations about poverty, family responsibility, and systemic fairness.
For Grade 5 readers, the fairy-tale setting provides a familiar, inviting entry point while the themes go deeper than a typical fantasy. The series format is another strength—once students finish Flunked, five more books await, building a sustained reading habit that is one of the strongest predictors of English proficiency growth. In Singapore's multicultural context, the book's message that everyone deserves a second chance resonates powerfully.
Reading Level Guide
Too challenging at A1. The vocabulary and plot complexity will be frustrating. Try Magic Tree House or Diary of a Wimpy Kid first.
Sweet spot. The fairy-tale vocabulary is familiar, dialogue is snappy, and the fast-paced plot keeps you turning pages.
A quick, fun read at B2. Great for building reading fluency, then try The Land of Stories for more complex fantasy.
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.