What This Book Is About
Pinmei's grandmother is the Storyteller of their village, and her tales are the centre of Pinmei's world. Then the Emperor's soldiers come and seize her. To ransom her grandmother, Pinmei sets out with the boy Yishan to find the Luminous Stone That Lights the Night.
Traditional Chinese stories are woven through the quest, told as tales within the tale, and Grace Lin illustrated the book herself. It was a National Book Award finalist in 2016, and it is a companion to her Newbery Honor book Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
UWC's curriculum values diverse cultural perspectives, and this book brings Chinese mythology and folklore into the English-language classroom in a way that is both authentic and enchanting. For students of Chinese heritage in Singapore, it provides a rare opportunity to see their cultural stories celebrated in an English novel; for students from other backgrounds, it opens a door into a rich storytelling tradition they may never have encountered.
The nested story structure—tales within tales within tales—also develops sophisticated reading skills. Students learn to track multiple narrative layers, identify recurring motifs, and understand how smaller stories illuminate the larger quest. These are exactly the analytical skills UWC's English programme aims to build at the Grade 5 level.
Reading Level Guide
Too challenging at A1. The book's length (400 pages) and layered storytelling require stronger reading stamina.
The sweet spot. The lyrical but clear prose is accessible at strong A2, while the folklore vocabulary naturally builds B1 skills.
A comfortable, immersive read at B2. The beautiful illustrations and cultural depth reward readers at any level.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free 30-minute English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.