365 Days of Books

Dragon Rider features a dragon, a cranky brownie, a homonculus, a rat, and a boy. Firedrake, a silver dragon, is searching for the Rim of Heaven. The Rim is thought to be a safe haven for dragons and Firedrake is in need of a haven because humans are encroaching on the valley where he and other dragons have been living. Sorrell, a mushroom munching brownie, accompanies him. As they look for clues they pick up a young boy. There is evil looking for them; the great "Golden One" is some sort of super dragon who does not fly and who hunts silver dragons.

Sorrell isn't secure with the other creatures who join the quest but even she can see the positive connections between their journey and different prophecies.

I read this book with several children and the book sparked discussions about dealing with fear and bullies and what makes a family.

This is a lighter story than Inkheart or Thief Lord.