What This Book Is About
In the magical land of Perodia, a dark shadow is spreading. The evil vulture Thorn and his army of spies are taking over, and the once-beautiful land is withering. Tag, a young barn owl, and his best friend Skyla, a grey squirrel, have always heard legends about the firehawks—magnificent birds of fire who once protected their world. But firehawks haven't been seen in ages. They're just a myth… aren't they?
When Tag and Skyla discover a golden egg glowing with warmth in a hidden cave, everything changes. The last firehawk is about to hatch, and with it comes the secret of the Ember Stone—a powerful magical object that could save Perodia or destroy it. Part of Scholastic's acclaimed Branches line designed specifically for newly independent readers, The Ember Stone features full-colour illustrations on every page, short chapters, and a cliffhanger ending that makes kids immediately reach for Book 2. It's fantasy made accessible—a gateway to bigger worlds for small readers.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why We Recommend This Book
For A1-level students (G2), The Ember Stone is an ideal first step into fantasy literature.
First, the Scholastic Branches format is purpose-built for emerging readers. Full-colour art on every page means children are never staring at a wall of text—the illustrations provide context clues that support comprehension, which is especially valuable for EAL learners still building vocabulary.
Second, the themes resonate with UWC values. Tag and Skyla must work together, trust each other, and show courage in the face of an overwhelming threat. These are the same qualities UWC nurtures: collaboration, integrity, and the willingness to stand up for what is right even when it's scary.
Third, the series structure (twelve books and counting) gives students a long, rewarding reading runway. Once they bond with Tag and Skyla, they have a reason to keep reading independently—and that sustained practice is what transforms a hesitant reader into a confident one.
Reading Level Guide
Manageable with the illustrations helping, but shared reading is recommended.
Perfect difficulty. The full-colour illustrations and short chapters make this an ideal independent read.
A comfortable read at A2. Great for building speed and enjoying fantasy without frustration.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
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