What This Book Is About
Maggie and her grandmother Teta make the very best doughnuts in the whole neighborhood. Every weekend, their kitchen fills with the warm, sweet smell of dough frying to golden perfection. But these doughnuts aren't just for eating at home—they're for sharing. Maggie and Teta pack them up and deliver them to neighbors, friends, and anyone who could use a little sweetness in their day.
Written by Muslim-Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah and brought to life by illustrator Amani Haydar, this story is a gentle celebration of community, generosity, and the way food connects people across cultures. Maggie's world is richly multicultural—her neighbors come from different backgrounds, speak different languages, and celebrate different traditions, yet they are all united by warmth, kindness, and a love of good doughnuts. The simple, heartfelt prose and vibrant illustrations make this an ideal early chapter book for young readers who are ready to explore stories about real life, real families, and real kindness.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why We Recommend This Book
For A1-level readers (Grade 2), this book is a thoughtful choice for three reasons.
First, it provides a window into a Muslim-Australian family's daily life in a way that feels natural and joyful rather than didactic. For children at international schools like UWCSEA, where classmates come from dozens of cultural backgrounds, seeing diverse families represented in their reading builds empathy and normalizes difference—a cornerstone of UWC's mission.
Second, the story's central theme—that sharing what you have strengthens the whole community—aligns perfectly with UWC's emphasis on service and social responsibility. It's a concept young children can grasp immediately and apply in their own lives.
Third, the language is warm, repetitive in the best way, and supported by illustrations, making it accessible to A1 readers while still telling a meaningful story that rewards re-reading and discussion.
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.