What This Book Is About
Lottie Brooks is eleven years old, and her life is a non-stop parade of embarrassment. Her best friend Molly has just moved to the other side of the world, her annoying little sister won't stop copying everything she does, and to make things worse, she has developed a massive crush on a boy called Daniel. Naturally, every single interaction with Daniel goes spectacularly wrong. Told through Lottie's hilarious diary entries and Katie Kirby's brilliant stick-figure illustrations, this book captures the agony and comedy of growing up with pitch-perfect honesty.
Think of it as Diary of a Wimpy Kid meets Bridget Jones for the tween generation. From disastrous school plays to cringe-worthy family moments, Lottie faces each humiliation with a mix of horror and wry humor that readers will recognize instantly from their own lives. The illustrated diary format makes it feel more like reading a friend's secret journal than a traditional novel, which is exactly why reluctant readers absolutely devour it.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
Not every book on the reading list needs to be serious literature. The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks serves a vital purpose: it gets kids reading. The diary format, short entries, and abundant illustrations lower the barrier to entry, making it one of the most accessible books in the G5 collection. For students who find traditional novels intimidating, Lottie Brooks proves that books can be genuinely fun.
Beyond accessibility, the book deals honestly with the social and emotional challenges of growing up: navigating friendships, handling embarrassment, and learning that everyone feels awkward sometimes. These themes connect to UWC's emphasis on social-emotional learning and self-awareness. Students who read Lottie Brooks often laugh out loud, and that joy is the beginning of a lifelong reading habit.
Reading Level Guide
May be challenging at A1 despite the illustrations. Try Diary of a Wimpy Kid first for similar diary format at a lower level.
Right in the sweet spot. The diary format and illustrations make 432 pages fly by.
A breezy, fun read at B2. Try Wonder or Murder Most Unladylike for more literary challenge.
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.