What This Book Is About
Resilience is a Mars rover built by a team of scientists at NASA, but from the very first page, he tells his own story. As he's assembled piece by piece in the lab, Res develops a personality, a curiosity about the world, and an unexpected friendship with a young engineer named Sophie. He learns about music, poetry, and what it means to be alive. Then Res is launched into space on a one-way trip to Mars, where he must navigate dust storms, mechanical failures, and the vast loneliness of an alien planet.
Jasmine Warga has written something truly special here—a science fiction novel with the emotional depth of literary fiction. Told through Res's journal entries, poetry, and mission logs, the story asks big questions about consciousness, connection, and what makes someone "real." Inspired by the actual Mars Exploration Rover missions, it's the kind of book that will make readers look up at the night sky a little differently. Fans of The Wild Robot and The One and Only Ivan will find a new favorite here.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
Rover's Story aligns beautifully with UWC's emphasis on scientific inquiry and empathy. The novel invites students to think critically about what constitutes consciousness and whether a machine can truly "feel"—questions that connect directly to STEM learning, philosophy, and ethics. In Singapore, where technology and innovation are central to the national curriculum, this book makes science deeply personal and emotionally engaging.
The story also models resilience, curiosity, and the courage to face the unknown—core values that UWC cultivates in every student. Res's journey from a lab in California to the surface of Mars mirrors the experience of any child stepping into a new environment, making it a powerful read for students in international school settings who understand what it means to navigate unfamiliar territory.
Reading Level Guide
Too challenging at A1. The 320-page length and sci-fi vocabulary will be overwhelming. Start with shorter chapter books first.
Sweet spot. The journal-entry format keeps chapters short and accessible, while the science vocabulary provides healthy challenge.
A comfortable, enjoyable read at B2. Great for leisure reading or as a stepping stone to harder sci-fi like The Giver.
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.