What This Book Is About
October and her father live off-grid in the woods, away from school and from the outside world, and that life is the whole of who she is. Then her father falls and is badly injured, and October is taken to London to live with the mother who left.
In London she finds her way back to herself through two things: mudlarking on the Thames for whatever the river turns up, and an owl she rescues and cares for. The book won the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing in 2022. Illustrated by Angela Harding.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
October, October speaks directly to themes at the heart of UWC's values: environmental stewardship, identity, and navigating change. October's deep bond with nature resonates powerfully in Singapore, where students often have limited exposure to wilderness, making the book a window into a radically different way of living. It sparks conversations about sustainability and our relationship with the natural world.
The novel also explores what happens when a child is uprooted from everything familiar—a lived experience for many international school students who move between countries. October's struggle to settle in a city she did not choose, with a mother she barely knows, mirrors the transitions that UWC families navigate regularly. The poetic, accessible prose makes it a beautiful bridge between A2 and B1 reading levels.
Reading Level Guide
Too challenging at A1. The lyrical prose and emotional themes need stronger reading skills. Start with simpler chapter books first.
The sweet spot. The poetic language is beautiful without being dense, and the emotional story keeps readers turning pages.
A gentle, moving read at B2. The beauty is in the language itself—worth reading at any level for the prose alone.
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.