What This Book Is About
Oliver is eleven, he is starting middle school, and he wants to be an astrophysicist. The book is his diary, drawn as much as written, and it moves between what is happening at school and what he has just worked out about the universe.
In between notes on his teachers, his friends and his annoying sister, Oliver explains black holes, neutrinos, supernovas and the Big Bang. The science is real and the format is a cartoon-filled diary, so the nearest comparison on a Grade 3 shelf is Diary of a Wimpy Kid. It was written and drawn by Jorge Cham, who makes the webcomic PhD Comics.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
Oliver's Great Big Universe is one of those rare books that crosses the border between fiction and non-fiction—exactly the kind of interdisciplinary reading that UWC's curriculum encourages. The real astrophysics woven into every chapter means students are absorbing science concepts while they think they're just reading a funny story. It's stealth learning at its finest, and the diary-plus-cartoon format makes it irresistible to even the most reluctant readers.
The book also models something important: it's okay to be the kid who loves science and asks big questions. Oliver's curiosity is treated as a superpower, not something to be embarrassed about. For students in UWC's inquiry-driven learning environment, this is a message worth reinforcing—your questions matter, your interests are valid, and understanding the universe starts with being brave enough to wonder.
Reading Level Guide
Building toward this book. The science vocabulary may be tricky. Try Galaxy Zack or Rex: Dinosaur in Disguise first.
Perfect difficulty. The diary format and cartoons make 256 pages fly by, while science terms are explained in context.
A comfortable, entertaining read. Great for science lovers who want to revisit concepts in a fun way.
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.