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Oculum
The middle-grade dystopia from award-winning children's author, Philippa Dowding. Nominated for the OLA Forest of Reading Silver Birch Award 2020; SYRCA Diamond Willow Award 2019-2020
As far as Miranda1 knows, there is one world: Oculum. Its dome, its walls and its garden are all there is. That's what the residents have been taught since birth. But William1 shows her something: a door in Oculum's wall. And if there is a door, there must be something on the other side...
What they don't know is that there is a shattered world outside where a ragged few, such as Mannfred, Cranker and their friends, struggle to survive among the ruins. These people have heard of a paradise within Oculum. And they, too, have found a door.
As far as Miranda1 knows, there is one world: Oculum. Its dome, its walls and its garden are all there is. That's what the residents have been taught since birth. But William1 shows her something: a door in Oculum's wall. And if there is a door, there must be something on the other side...
What they don't know is that there is a shattered world outside where a ragged few, such as Mannfred, Cranker and their friends, struggle to survive among the ruins. These people have heard of a paradise within Oculum. And they, too, have found a door.
208 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2018
About the author
Philippa Dowding
22 books66 followersPhilippa Dowding is an author, poet, and composer/musician based in Toronto. She is the winner of the Governor General's Literary Award, Young People's Literature, Text, and the Ruth & Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Award, for her book FIREFLY.
Philippa began writing poetry and short stories at age nine. She studied English Language & Literature at Western University in London, Ontario, and completed an M.A. in English at The University of Toronto. Soon after graduating, she began her professional writing life as a copywriter in the magazine and newspaper industry, where she won many industry awards.
When she had a family, she began telling bedtime stories to her children. One story, about a lost gargoyle living in a child's backyard in downtown Toronto, became her first published book in The Lost Gargoyle series.
Philippa has won dozens of literary nominations across Canada, the U.S. and Europe, including the Diamond Willow, Hackmatack, Silver Birch, Red Cedar and Red Maple awards. Her third book, The Gargoyle at the Gates, was named a White Raven Book by the International Youth Library in Munich.
Philippa's newest book, THE WAR LANTERN (Oct/2026), has received a starred review from School Library Journal, and is available now. Her 2025 book, The Love Song of Mr. Byrd, a chapter book for young readers, is available too!
Visit Philippa's website for more about her books, poetry, and music: http://pdowding.com/
Philippa began writing poetry and short stories at age nine. She studied English Language & Literature at Western University in London, Ontario, and completed an M.A. in English at The University of Toronto. Soon after graduating, she began her professional writing life as a copywriter in the magazine and newspaper industry, where she won many industry awards.
When she had a family, she began telling bedtime stories to her children. One story, about a lost gargoyle living in a child's backyard in downtown Toronto, became her first published book in The Lost Gargoyle series.
Philippa has won dozens of literary nominations across Canada, the U.S. and Europe, including the Diamond Willow, Hackmatack, Silver Birch, Red Cedar and Red Maple awards. Her third book, The Gargoyle at the Gates, was named a White Raven Book by the International Youth Library in Munich.
Philippa's newest book, THE WAR LANTERN (Oct/2026), has received a starred review from School Library Journal, and is available now. Her 2025 book, The Love Song of Mr. Byrd, a chapter book for young readers, is available too!
Visit Philippa's website for more about her books, poetry, and music: http://pdowding.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 16, 2018
I was totally speechless!!
To be honest, I know dystopian genre is everywhere these days, but this narrative was so refreshingly original!!
From the flow of the scenes, alternating viewpoints and the intertwining of characters....of this culminating in H.O.P.E. This is a terrific middle grade tale .... wholly approachable and engaging for not only those struggling readers keen on dystopian literature, but also for new readers to this genre.
A brilliant, outstanding imaginative tale that I highly recommend for grades 3/4 to 5/7.
FIVE STARS!!!
To be honest, I know dystopian genre is everywhere these days, but this narrative was so refreshingly original!!
From the flow of the scenes, alternating viewpoints and the intertwining of characters....of this culminating in H.O.P.E. This is a terrific middle grade tale .... wholly approachable and engaging for not only those struggling readers keen on dystopian literature, but also for new readers to this genre.
A brilliant, outstanding imaginative tale that I highly recommend for grades 3/4 to 5/7.
FIVE STARS!!!
January 14, 2019
Divergent lives seamlessly intersect in Philippa Dowding’s middle grade dystopian novel, Oculum, and from the very first pages I became deeply emotionally attached to her characters, particularly Miranda1 and Mann. Dowding’s story fuses two opposite realities – one pristine and beautiful, but mechanical; loveless; the other, diseased and destroyed, yet its inhabitants thrive through human connection. Told from differing points of view, Dowding’s novel captivated me entirely, and after devouring its final pages, I was left longing for more. The characters in Oculum became so real to me that I found myself thinking about them throughout my day, rooting for their victory over their circumstances, and worried for their well-being. Philippa’s story is perfect for a middle grade audience, and I would recommend that you get your order in for a class set – there are so many talking points in this novel, that any educator will find weeks of “big theme” learning outcomes at his or her fingertips. Oculum is more accessible and comprehensive than The Chrysalids, yet on the same level of philosophy and ideology. My hope for Philippa’s novel it that she writes the pilot for a Netflix series, as there is nothing else like it out there that will resonate so fully with the pre-teen genre. The world of Oculum is all at once soft and gritty, bleak, yet full of hope: everything you want a novel to be.
May 12, 2018
Wow! I was truly engaged in this story. The dystopian world setting just came to life. Truly awesome story with wonderful characters including the dogs. I hated that it had to end. Left me wanting more.
March 4, 2021
A heartwrenching read! truly one of my favorite books. I developed true connections with the characters and the writing was great!
March 20, 2019
My kids are grown and gone, but I've made a pact with myself that this year I'm going to read more YA books. So glad I chose Dowding's dystopian novel! It is simply terrific and I am sure it will become a classic!
July 15, 2018
Enjoyed this book from beginning to end.
December 6, 2019
I cannot say enough good things about this middle grade dystopia novel. Every library in Ontario probably has it already because it's a Forest of Reading book, but libraries and readers everywhere should consider it!
The story takes place long after an apocalyptic environmental collapse wiped out most of humanity. Some humans survived, and now live a farming and scavenging life amongst the piles of garbage left by humanity. All bees and fruit have become extinct. In the middle of a rundown city is a giant pearly globe. 1000 children live inside, raised by robots called Mothers. They have no knowledge of the outside world. But they do have a seed library, and real fruit trees. What will happen when the two oldest children discover a door to the outside?
Similar to The Giver in quality, content, appeal, and originality, Oculum really is children's literature. It's written beautifully, simply, and thoughtfully, and covers subject matter that is not common enough in Middle Grade. Every scene can be pictured in vivid detail, and readers of any age will be desperate to learn more about this strange world.
This is one of the surprising and best books I read this year. It is so easy to talk to kids about, and I'm grateful to a girl into the library who said so much about it that I had to read it!
The story takes place long after an apocalyptic environmental collapse wiped out most of humanity. Some humans survived, and now live a farming and scavenging life amongst the piles of garbage left by humanity. All bees and fruit have become extinct. In the middle of a rundown city is a giant pearly globe. 1000 children live inside, raised by robots called Mothers. They have no knowledge of the outside world. But they do have a seed library, and real fruit trees. What will happen when the two oldest children discover a door to the outside?
Similar to The Giver in quality, content, appeal, and originality, Oculum really is children's literature. It's written beautifully, simply, and thoughtfully, and covers subject matter that is not common enough in Middle Grade. Every scene can be pictured in vivid detail, and readers of any age will be desperate to learn more about this strange world.
This is one of the surprising and best books I read this year. It is so easy to talk to kids about, and I'm grateful to a girl into the library who said so much about it that I had to read it!
June 5, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It is outside of my usual reading wheelhouse. I found the characters interesting and was drawn in easily.
May 26, 2018
This is the best middle grade science fiction I have read. As a science teacher it's hard to find books that with both the science message and a great plot. My students wanted to discuss and share their thoughts and opinions. The story takes you in directions you won't expect and the ending does not disappoint.
December 12, 2019
Don’t question the giant dome enclosure that surrounds Oculum. Don’t question the teachings of the WillBook. And especially don’t question the shadowy figures and faces outside the dome. This is what the children of Oculum are taught from the day they are awoken.
Miranda1 and William1 accept their roles as the eldest children in Oculum. Every morning they are woken up by the mechanical whirr of their automated Mothers, who have fed and cared for them since their awakening. Then they are given a strict schedule for the day. They might give lessons to the younger children, tend to the seed park, or follow other instructions given by the robotic leader, Regulus. While fulfilling their daily duties, they are watched carefully by the Sentries, machines which protect Oculum under the authority of Regulus and force the children to follow the rules. Their lives are safe and structured in the industrial city of Oculum.
Then William1 discovers a secret that threatens to destroy the foundation Oculum, and contradicts everything they have ever known. A hidden door lies in the wall of Oculum! Now, the future of Oculum relies on William1 and Miranda1. What unimaginable horrors and terrors may the door lead to?
Beyond the city of Oculum, the earth is black with oil and pollution. Cranker and Mann have had a rough life, full of growling stomachs and unwashed bodies. Grannie tries her best to take care of Mann, Cranker, and the numerous “Littluns”. However, when the “Black Rain” floods Grannie’s house, the family is forced to make the grueling journey to The City, a place once occupied by the Olden Begones of the past. Along the trip, the family must withstand many obstacles and hardships. As Cranker and Mann edge closer to their new way of life, they must learn to navigate the intimidating past world of the Olden Begones, and deal with the problems they caused in the present.
What would happen if these completely different worlds collided? Is a life that lacks the bitter and harsh reality of death and danger, but doesn’t know the sweet triumph of love and freedom, really a life at all? How will our actions towards the earth, now, affect the future of humanity, later? In this eye-opening novel, ponder the future of humanity and earth as we know it. Discover Oculum today.
Oculum is an innovative and lively novel that gives important signification wrapped in a comical package. One thing that makes Oculum stand out compared to other books is its connection and acknowledgement of present-day issues. The novel gives a grave metaphorical warning of the consequences of being environmentally irresponsible. In a time where climate change is a major global issue, Oculum spreads awareness of the costly effects it causes, which is a very important lesson for present-day children to learn. The novel illuminates’ important moral lessons in a fun and entertaining plot, with alternating chapters taking on the viewpoint of two different places and people.
Majority of the novel is voiced from the perspective of Miranda1 and Mann, although a few chapters are told by other important characters. The language, ideas, and thought processes of Miranda1 and Mann differ greatly, showcasing the intricate details of each plot. The book is highly descriptive of the climate and general atmosphere of each setting, and it does a wonderful job of winding the two individual stories together. The imagery used in the story is wonderful. Whether it be the orderly and futuristic utopia of the city of Oculum, or the bleak and rugged landscape of the world beyond, everything is described to a point of perfection.
Oculum discusses complex and important concepts but is not particularly difficult to comprehend. The level of reading cognition required for this book is not extremely demanding. Therefore, I believe children nine and up should thoroughly enjoy the novel.
Oculum is a gripping, dystopian page-turner that leaves you on the edge of your seat, hanging on to every word. The plot and writing style leaves readers begging for more of the story, unable to put the book down. Oculum is a wonderful mix of suspense, humor, and resplendence. It is a truly fantastical story, which leads the mind to ponder whether such minor acts could lead to such consequential outcomes. The detail and charm of Oculum makes it well worthy of five stars.
Reviewed by Tessa H., Age 14, Oklahoma Central Mensa
Miranda1 and William1 accept their roles as the eldest children in Oculum. Every morning they are woken up by the mechanical whirr of their automated Mothers, who have fed and cared for them since their awakening. Then they are given a strict schedule for the day. They might give lessons to the younger children, tend to the seed park, or follow other instructions given by the robotic leader, Regulus. While fulfilling their daily duties, they are watched carefully by the Sentries, machines which protect Oculum under the authority of Regulus and force the children to follow the rules. Their lives are safe and structured in the industrial city of Oculum.
Then William1 discovers a secret that threatens to destroy the foundation Oculum, and contradicts everything they have ever known. A hidden door lies in the wall of Oculum! Now, the future of Oculum relies on William1 and Miranda1. What unimaginable horrors and terrors may the door lead to?
Beyond the city of Oculum, the earth is black with oil and pollution. Cranker and Mann have had a rough life, full of growling stomachs and unwashed bodies. Grannie tries her best to take care of Mann, Cranker, and the numerous “Littluns”. However, when the “Black Rain” floods Grannie’s house, the family is forced to make the grueling journey to The City, a place once occupied by the Olden Begones of the past. Along the trip, the family must withstand many obstacles and hardships. As Cranker and Mann edge closer to their new way of life, they must learn to navigate the intimidating past world of the Olden Begones, and deal with the problems they caused in the present.
What would happen if these completely different worlds collided? Is a life that lacks the bitter and harsh reality of death and danger, but doesn’t know the sweet triumph of love and freedom, really a life at all? How will our actions towards the earth, now, affect the future of humanity, later? In this eye-opening novel, ponder the future of humanity and earth as we know it. Discover Oculum today.
Oculum is an innovative and lively novel that gives important signification wrapped in a comical package. One thing that makes Oculum stand out compared to other books is its connection and acknowledgement of present-day issues. The novel gives a grave metaphorical warning of the consequences of being environmentally irresponsible. In a time where climate change is a major global issue, Oculum spreads awareness of the costly effects it causes, which is a very important lesson for present-day children to learn. The novel illuminates’ important moral lessons in a fun and entertaining plot, with alternating chapters taking on the viewpoint of two different places and people.
Majority of the novel is voiced from the perspective of Miranda1 and Mann, although a few chapters are told by other important characters. The language, ideas, and thought processes of Miranda1 and Mann differ greatly, showcasing the intricate details of each plot. The book is highly descriptive of the climate and general atmosphere of each setting, and it does a wonderful job of winding the two individual stories together. The imagery used in the story is wonderful. Whether it be the orderly and futuristic utopia of the city of Oculum, or the bleak and rugged landscape of the world beyond, everything is described to a point of perfection.
Oculum discusses complex and important concepts but is not particularly difficult to comprehend. The level of reading cognition required for this book is not extremely demanding. Therefore, I believe children nine and up should thoroughly enjoy the novel.
Oculum is a gripping, dystopian page-turner that leaves you on the edge of your seat, hanging on to every word. The plot and writing style leaves readers begging for more of the story, unable to put the book down. Oculum is a wonderful mix of suspense, humor, and resplendence. It is a truly fantastical story, which leads the mind to ponder whether such minor acts could lead to such consequential outcomes. The detail and charm of Oculum makes it well worthy of five stars.
Reviewed by Tessa H., Age 14, Oklahoma Central Mensa
February 2, 2020
I feel like I would have loved this book in late elementary school. Maybe it’s because the author mentions the White Mountain Trilogy as an inspiration... it’s a very interesting look at what the future might be like if we keep killing the environment.
April 21, 2021
I read this book based on a prompt for I Read Canadian day. Great MG dystopian, with an interesting split between the kids from inside and outside of oculum. I especially liked the description of a dog wagging it's tail from someone who didn't know what it was!
January 30, 2019
I loved this book so much. A good children's book is one that adults can also enjoy. This one is certainly that.
January 14, 2020
This is exactly the type of book that I looked for as a child. It is authors like Philippa Dowding that made reading such an important part of my adult life.
I would compare this novel to “The Other Place” by Monica Hughes, and “The City of Ember” by Jeanne DuPrau.
I would compare this novel to “The Other Place” by Monica Hughes, and “The City of Ember” by Jeanne DuPrau.
January 31, 2020
goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood
January 10, 2023
Loved it!
November 21, 2018
Yay, another SF book! In the future, the environment is slowly recovering from whatever it was that triggered Black Rain and other disasters, and the few survivors huddle together, mostly well-meaning but with the odd bad guy at a guard post or running with a gang of feral kids. Inside the Oculum, vastly privileged vat-babies are growing up it's time for these two worlds to meet!
Our heroes are Mann on the outside and Miranda1 and William1 from the inside. Together they save the world! Or at least most of the Oculum kids, if not Mann's young siblings.
Our heroes are Mann on the outside and Miranda1 and William1 from the inside. Together they save the world! Or at least most of the Oculum kids, if not Mann's young siblings.
April 2, 2020
it was good at the start,but didn't make sence but neer the end it makes sense and realy good book when u relise manfred is where willam1 is it gets to be an awsome book
November 15, 2018
Miranda 1 and William 1, are the eldest of one thousand children growing up in a dome full of fruit trees, clean air, and zero death, unaware that life is going on outside the dome, and that maybe they should be a part of making it better, until one of them discovers a door.
Meanwhile, on the outside, environmental damage and sickness reigns, Mannfred, and his makeshift family have never tasted fruit and they’re all too familiar with death, but new life, a move that draws them to the curiosity that is the dome, bring more hope than they’ve ever known before.
With the short length of this novel there isn’t a ton of world-building, so I was left with some questions like, for instance, why girls are so scarce on the outside and how the littluns end up with the Grannies, I get that the parents must have passed on or something, but it just seemed curious that a sort of traveling salesman drops babies off with the Grannies, and I was left wanting to know more.
However, enough is explained about the state of things inside and outside of the dome that you’ll have a firm grasp of what’s going on, even if it isn’t overly detailed with information. It’s probably just as well since often a lot of detail can end up feeling unnecessary and bog things down and this has a really strong pace to it, a sense of urgency nicely balanced with getting a solid sense of who the characters are and what they’re feeling.
I loved that all the characters were intelligent in their own way (including Cranker), they tugged at me emotionally, I wanted everything to work out for them, it wasn’t just the humans, either, the one-eyed dog, and the Mothers (robots) easily found a place in my heart, too.
I received this book through a giveaway.
Meanwhile, on the outside, environmental damage and sickness reigns, Mannfred, and his makeshift family have never tasted fruit and they’re all too familiar with death, but new life, a move that draws them to the curiosity that is the dome, bring more hope than they’ve ever known before.
With the short length of this novel there isn’t a ton of world-building, so I was left with some questions like, for instance, why girls are so scarce on the outside and how the littluns end up with the Grannies, I get that the parents must have passed on or something, but it just seemed curious that a sort of traveling salesman drops babies off with the Grannies, and I was left wanting to know more.
However, enough is explained about the state of things inside and outside of the dome that you’ll have a firm grasp of what’s going on, even if it isn’t overly detailed with information. It’s probably just as well since often a lot of detail can end up feeling unnecessary and bog things down and this has a really strong pace to it, a sense of urgency nicely balanced with getting a solid sense of who the characters are and what they’re feeling.
I loved that all the characters were intelligent in their own way (including Cranker), they tugged at me emotionally, I wanted everything to work out for them, it wasn’t just the humans, either, the one-eyed dog, and the Mothers (robots) easily found a place in my heart, too.
I received this book through a giveaway.
November 24, 2021
I was originally introduced to this book by my school librarian a few years ago. Let me tell you, I'm so glad I checked this book out! I did not expect such twists and secrets! I loved how the children were so real! Their curiosity contradicts their expectations to obey the rules. It was a very different story, the plot was amazing and intriguing. My young mind did not get bored at all, considering people of my age group during the time had very low attention spans. I remember staying up all night just to see if the *Spoiler* kids had escaped safely! Beautiful story and definitely recommend it.
April 20, 2020
Spoilers ahead.
The first (or second, I suppose) page had me very excited. Were we actually going to see the results of attempting to create robotic humans and the impact that would have on children raised by robotic replacements of mothers? How would robots attempt to recreate a "human" society? What horrors await? Will this book be honest with children?
Sadly, no. The robots are written with virtually no logic and the story breaks down rapidly from that point. A robot society that teaches Shakespeare's "The Tempest", but also outlaws the use of the word/concept "love"? I know that with enough questioning, virtually any fictional world will break down, but I would hope that it would take more than a couple of questions to completely destroy any sense of immersion in the world. Why were the robots programmed to be counter-productive?
So much of the world didn't make sense, and the more it neglects answering questions with the hopes that the story and characters will be exciting enough to keep those questions out of the reader's mind, the more it breaks down.
To the story's credit, the narrative voices are successfully differentiated. I particularly enjoyed the stilted language of children raised by robots (though again, they learn Shakespeare, but are unfamiliar with the word "phantom" somehow).
The first (or second, I suppose) page had me very excited. Were we actually going to see the results of attempting to create robotic humans and the impact that would have on children raised by robotic replacements of mothers? How would robots attempt to recreate a "human" society? What horrors await? Will this book be honest with children?
Sadly, no. The robots are written with virtually no logic and the story breaks down rapidly from that point. A robot society that teaches Shakespeare's "The Tempest", but also outlaws the use of the word/concept "love"? I know that with enough questioning, virtually any fictional world will break down, but I would hope that it would take more than a couple of questions to completely destroy any sense of immersion in the world. Why were the robots programmed to be counter-productive?
So much of the world didn't make sense, and the more it neglects answering questions with the hopes that the story and characters will be exciting enough to keep those questions out of the reader's mind, the more it breaks down.
To the story's credit, the narrative voices are successfully differentiated. I particularly enjoyed the stilted language of children raised by robots (though again, they learn Shakespeare, but are unfamiliar with the word "phantom" somehow).
November 11, 2020
I really enjoyed the world setup of this one. It had such good potential. A world of children and seeds, everything needed to restart the earth, kept safe in a giant glass dome. A world outside that was broken, but still struggling along.
But... it fell flat. The writing style leaned hard toward tell vs. show, and the pacing was slow and sloggish. And the ending? Far too optimistic, everything-is-going-to-be-fine-now (even though things are very clearly not fine), and everyone is happy and not questioning anything. It all just felt too neat, and disappointing.
But... it fell flat. The writing style leaned hard toward tell vs. show, and the pacing was slow and sloggish. And the ending? Far too optimistic, everything-is-going-to-be-fine-now (even though things are very clearly not fine), and everyone is happy and not questioning anything. It all just felt too neat, and disappointing.
March 2, 2020
The kind of story and characters that I would have been drawn to in about grade 7 or 8. As I read, I wondered how many of our grade 4 and 5 students could appreciate the genre and its conventions.
I think about how Greta Thunberg’s passion and vision of the future causes anxiety in many children (and adults too).
I think about how Greta Thunberg’s passion and vision of the future causes anxiety in many children (and adults too).
January 7, 2020
This book was enjoyable if you don't mind reading a different version of The Giver. For myself I give a little eye-roll when I read something that is too similar to a famous book. Nevertheless I enjoyed the story and found that the differences were enough to keep me reading to the end.
January 2, 2020
Got better as the book went on. Interesting idea and concept.
A few oddities made this book just ok.
A few oddities made this book just ok.
February 3, 2020
Felt a little disjointed.
February 6, 2020
This book was really hard to understand and I don’t recommend it to anyone. Don’t read this book!
March 1, 2024
A fun read. It reminded me a lot of The City of Ember. I think kids between 10-13 would really enjoy this dystopian novel.
March 10, 2024
I wasn’t able to finish this book because it made absolutely no sense. I could not tell you what was happening for the life of me. Would not recommend
November 22, 2019
An enjoyable read in the post-apocalyptic sci-fi genre for middle grades. Juxtaposition of life inside vs. outside the Oculum is interesting. If I were to take issue with one tiny detail, it would be the continuous misuse of the word 'opaque.' Things can be seen through the Oculum dome, albeit distorted, which would not happen if light were not getting through. It's a silly minor detail, but it bugged me nonetheless.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews