What This Book Is About
Twelve-year-old Sophie Foster has never quite fit in. She's the youngest student ever to attend high school, and she can hear the thoughts of everyone around her. Then one day a mysterious boy named Fitz appears, and everything changes. Sophie discovers she's not actually human. She's an elf, stolen from a magical world called the Lost Cities and placed in the human world as an infant. Now she must leave everything she knows and start a new life in a glittering elvin civilization she never knew existed.
But the Lost Cities are not the paradise they appear to be. A secret organization is plotting something sinister, and Sophie's mysterious past holds the key to their plans. As she struggles to master her unique telepathic abilities at Foxfire, the elite elvin academy, Sophie realizes that the people she trusts most may be hiding dangerous truths. Often compared to Harry Potter for its richly imagined world-building and school-based setting, Keeper of the Lost Cities has become one of the most beloved middle grade fantasy series of the decade, with over ten books and millions of devoted fans worldwide.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
Keeper of the Lost Cities is one of the most powerful reading stamina builders on the G4 list. At 512 pages, it's a genuine commitment, but the addictive plot ensures that students who start it will finish it. The series format then creates a self-sustaining reading habit that can last an entire year. For G4 students ready to take their reading to the next level, this is the book that proves they can tackle something big.
Thematically, Sophie's story resonates deeply with international school students. She's uprooted from everything familiar and must build a new identity in an unfamiliar world, navigating different social rules and discovering where she truly belongs. These themes of identity, belonging, and cultural adaptation are central to UWC's mission and the lived experience of many students in Singapore's international school community.
Reading Level Guide
Challenging at A2. The 512-page length and fantasy vocabulary may be overwhelming. Try The Land of Stories or The Wild Robot first.
Perfect difficulty. The Lexile of 670L keeps the language accessible while the epic plot keeps you turning pages.
A comfortable, immersive read at B2. A great series to binge. Consider Pax or Bronze and Sunflower for more literary depth.
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.