What This Book Is About
Weir Do is the new kid at school, and things are not going well. His last name is literally "Do," so his full name—Weir Do—sounds exactly like "weirdo." His dad drives a prawn truck that smells like the ocean on a bad day. His homework gets eaten by Sally the slobbery dog. And on his very first day, he accidentally sits on his lunch, catapulting a sandwich into the teacher's face. It's going to be a long year.
But Weir has a secret weapon: he genuinely doesn't care what people think. Armed with terrible jokes, an infectious laugh, and the kind of stubborn optimism that turns disasters into adventures, he slowly wins over his classmates—including Bella, the smartest girl in school, and Henry, the toughest kid in the playground. Written by Anh Do, one of Australia's most beloved comedians, WeirDo is packed with cartoon illustrations by Jules Faber that make every page a visual gag. With over five million copies sold across Australia alone, the series proves that being weird is actually the coolest thing you can be.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
In a school where every child is, in some sense, "the new kid," WeirDo hits close to home. Weir's experience of arriving at an unfamiliar school, trying to fit in, and learning that your differences are actually your strengths mirrors the journey of countless students in Singapore's international schools. The humor makes it safe to discuss topics like belonging and social anxiety that children often struggle to articulate.
From a reading perspective, WeirDo is an ideal bridge book. The heavy illustrations support comprehension for English language learners, while the simple, conversational text builds fluency and confidence. Anh Do's own background as a Vietnamese refugee who came to Australia as a child adds an authentic layer of multicultural understanding—a value that sits at the heart of UWC's educational philosophy.
Reading Level Guide
Building reading foundations? Start with picture books and simple labeled stories.
The sweet spot. Accessible for A1 readers; A2 readers will read fluently.
An easy, quick read. Great for building speed and confidence.
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.