What This Book Is About
Zack Nelson's life is about to change in the biggest way possible—his family is moving from Earth to a planet called Nebulon. That's right: not a new city, not a new country, but a whole new planet. Zack is already nervous about starting at a strange school, making new friends, and eating alien food. The night before the move, he has nightmares about slimy classmates with tentacles, pizza covered in bugs, and never being able to talk to his Earth friends again.
But when Zack arrives at Sprockets Academy on his first day, things aren't nearly as terrifying as he imagined. He meets Drake Taylor, a Nebulite boy who is just as curious and adventurous as Zack himself. Together, they start exploring their wild new world—and Zack begins to realize that even though everything looks different, the things that matter most (friendship, laughter, and a sense of belonging) are the same across the entire galaxy. With illustrations on nearly every page and short, punchy chapters, this is the kind of book that turns reluctant readers into eager ones.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
For students at an international school like UWC, Zack's story hits close to home. Many of them have experienced exactly what Zack goes through—arriving in a new place where everything feels unfamiliar, from the food to the language to the social rules. The book validates those anxieties while showing that openness and curiosity can turn a scary new world into an exciting adventure.
The science fiction setting is a brilliant hook for young readers, especially those who love space, robots, and futuristic technology. But beneath the intergalactic fun, the book teaches a quietly powerful lesson: different doesn't mean bad, and home is wherever you find people who care about you. These are themes that resonate deeply in UWC's multicultural community.
Reading Level Guide
Building foundations? Start with picture books.
The sweet spot. Illustrations on every page and simple dialogue make this an ideal early chapter book.
A quick, easy read. Great for a fun afternoon.
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.