What This Book Is About
Resilience is a Mars rover built by NASA, and from the first page he tells his own story: how he was put together, how he was launched, and how his mission on Mars goes. Along the way he discovers that he has picked up something engineers never built into him, which is human feelings.
Running through the book are letters from Sophie, the daughter of one of the engineers who built him. Her side of the story is half the novel, and between the two voices Jasmine Warga asks what it means to be alive and what it means to stay attached to someone you cannot reach.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
A 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 the lab 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 rover's plain first-person voice is easy to follow, 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.