What This Book Is About
When a new kid named Zeke arrives at Harris's school, everyone thinks he's just a regular boy. But Harris notices something strange right away: Zeke can run impossibly fast, knows facts no normal kid would know, and there are weird lights flashing from his house at night. Harris is convinced his new neighbor is an alien from outer space—and he's determined to prove it.
Meanwhile, Zeke is just trying to fit in. He's actually from the planet Tragas, and his family has been sent to Earth on a secret mission. Pretending to be human is harder than it sounds—especially when Harris keeps watching his every move. With Anjan Sarkar's playful black-and-white illustrations on nearly every page, this early chapter book reads almost like a graphic novel, making it irresistible for young readers who are just starting to transition from picture books to longer stories.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why We Recommend This Book
For A1-level readers (Grade 2), this book is an ideal stepping stone into independent reading for three reasons.
First, the text is perfectly calibrated for emerging readers—short sentences, high-frequency vocabulary, and illustrations that provide context clues on every page. Children feel successful because they can read it on their own, which builds the confidence that fuels further reading.
Second, the story naturally explores themes of belonging and accepting differences. Zeke's experience of being "different" and trying to fit in resonates deeply with children at international schools, where many students are themselves navigating new cultures and friendships. This aligns directly with UWC's values of intercultural understanding and empathy.
Third, it's the first book in a series—once a child finishes and loves it, there are multiple sequels waiting, creating a self-sustaining reading habit that is one of the strongest predictors of English language growth.
Reading Level Guide
Still building foundations. Start with picture books and read-alouds to build vocabulary first.
Perfect difficulty. Challenging enough to grow, accessible enough to enjoy.
A comfortable, confidence-building read. Great for fluency practice or a relaxing weekend book.
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.