What This Book Is About
Pinmei's grandmother is the best storyteller in the village—her tales of the Jade Dragon, the luminous Stone of Bright Moon, and the legendary rulers of old China are so vivid they seem to shimmer in the air. But when soldiers of the cruel Tiger Emperor kidnap her grandmother, Pinmei must journey into a world where those stories are terrifyingly real. Accompanied by her brave friend Yishan, she sets out across frozen mountains, enchanted forests, and a sea that has turned to silver, searching for a way to save the person she loves most.
Grace Lin weaves dozens of traditional Chinese folktales into the main adventure, each story-within-a-story illustrated with her own luminous full-color paintings. A National Book Award finalist, this is the stunning conclusion to the trilogy that began with Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (a Newbery Honor book). Think of it as a Chinese Thousand and One Nights for young readers—a book that celebrates the power of storytelling itself.
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.