What This Book Is About
Twins Alex and Conner Bailey are having the worst year of their lives. Their father has recently died, their mother works double shifts just to keep them afloat, and school feels unbearable. On their twelfth birthday, their grandmother gives them a beloved old storybook called The Land of Stories. But this is no ordinary book. One night it starts glowing, humming, and pulling them in, and the twins tumble through its pages into a magical world where fairy tales are real.
Suddenly Alex and Conner find themselves in a land where Cinderella is a queen, Jack (of beanstalk fame) is a fugitive, and the Evil Queen is plotting revenge. To get home, they must collect items for a mysterious spell called the Wishing Spell, racing against a sinister figure who wants it too. A #1 New York Times bestseller by actor Chris Colfer, this is the book that launched a six-volume series beloved by millions of readers worldwide. It is a love letter to fairy tales, storytelling, and the power of imagination.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
The Land of Stories draws on fairy tales from diverse European traditions, giving students a foundation in the cultural literacy that international curricula expect. Chris Colfer reimagines familiar characters with depth and nuance: villains have backstories, heroes have flaws, and nothing is as simple as "happily ever after." This teaches students to read critically, question assumptions, and look for complexity beneath the surface.
At 438 pages, it is one of the longest books in the G5 collection, making it an excellent choice for building reading stamina and sustained focus. The fast-paced adventure keeps students motivated through the length, and the six-book series gives avid readers a natural next step. For UWC's emphasis on becoming lifelong readers, a book that makes kids ask "Can I read the next one?" is exactly the right kind of success.
Reading Level Guide
Too long and challenging at A2. The 438 pages require sustained stamina. Start with shorter fantasy like The Wild Robot first.
Perfect difficulty. Accessible language paired with a page-turning adventure builds reading stamina naturally.
A fun, fast read at B2. Try The War That Saved My Life or Masterminds 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.