There are many exciting fantasy books with dragons, but which are the incredible ones penned for tweens? If that question brought you to this page, you’re in luck. Whether you’re here for uplifting adventures, heartwarming friendships, or just an age-appropriate story, this list has you covered.
Here are 14 amazing dragon books for tweens to read:
- Dragonwatch by Brandon Mull
- Fires of Invention by J. Scott Savage
- The Dragon With a Chocolate Heart by Stephanie Burgis
- Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke
- Fledgling by Nicole Conway
- Novice Dragoneer by E. E. Knight
- The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T. Sutherland
- Dragon’s Milk by Susan Fletcher
- Dragonspell by Donita K. Paul
- Dealing With Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
- The Neverending Story by Michael Ende
- The Last Dragon by Silvana de Mari
- Dragonsong by Anne McCaffrey
- Hatch: The Dragons of Laton by James Stevens
The books on this list star dragon protagonists, dragon-riders, dragon and human friendships, egg-hatching and more.
I’ve included book descriptions, readers’ ratings and summaries of positive and negative comments for each book are below. On the other hand, if you’d like a quick summary, here’s a comparison chart.
Dragonwatch by Brandon Mull
Description
In the hidden dragon sanctuary of Wyrmroost, Celebrant the Just, King of the Dragons, plots his revenge. He has long seen the sanctuaries as prisons, and he wants nothing more than to overthrow his captors and return the world to the Age of Dragons, when he and his kind ruled and reigned without borders. The time has come to break free and reclaim his power.
No one person is capable of stopping Celebrant and his dragon horde. It will take the ancient order of Dragonwatch to gather again if there is any chance of saving the world from destruction. In ancient times, Dragonwatch was a group of wizards, enchantresses, dragon slayers, and others who originally confined the majority of dragons into sanctuaries. But nearly all of the original Dragonwatch members are gone, and so the wizard Agad reaches out to Grandpa Sorenson for help.
As Kendra and Seth confront this new danger, they must draw upon all their skills, talents, and knowledge as only they have the ability to function together as a powerful dragon tamer. Together they must battle against forces with superior supernatural powers and breathtaking magical abilities.
How will the epic dragon showdown end? Will dragons overthrow humans and change the world as we know it?
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.35
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
First on our list of dragon books for tweens is Dragonwatch. This adventure tale dazzled fans with its imaginative fantasy world and captivating cocktail of action, adventure and dragons.
With its fast-pace, Dragonwatch kept readers glued to its pages as they explored enchanted lands, encountered magical creatures and survived danger. The story struck them as imaginative and immersive, with rich descriptions bringing the world to life.
On another note, readers who were familiar with the prequel series, Fablehaven, said it was a delight to reacquaint themselves with Seth and Kendra, the protagonists. Overall, they were happy to report that Dragonwatch wove the same storytelling magic over them as Fablehaven had.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t enjoy Dragonwatch, what did they say? For the most part, critics had two reasons.
The first was that the book was heavy on explanations and expositions. As for the second, readers familiar with the prequel series, which starred the same protagonists, said that the book reset their character growth. Because they enjoyed the characters’ previous maturation, they were disappointed to see the characters act in ways that seemed childish.
Fires of Invention by J. Scott Savage
Description
Trenton Colman is a creative thirteen-year-old boy with a knack for all things mechanical. But his talents are viewed with suspicion in Cove, a steam-powered city built inside a mountain. In Cove, creativity is a crime and “invention” is a curse word.
Kallista Babbage is a repair technician and daughter of the notorious Leo Babbage, whose father died in an explosion—an event the leaders of Cove point to as an example of the danger of creativity.
Working together, Trenton and Kallista learn that Leo Babbage was developing a secret project before he perished. Following clues he left behind, they begin to assemble a strange machine that is unlike anything they’ve ever seen before. They soon discover that what they are building may threaten every truth their city is founded on — and quite possibly their very lives.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.17
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Second on our list of dragon books for tween is Fires of Invention. This steampunk fantasy grabbed fans’ attention with its imaginative, dystopia-inspired world, mysteries to unravel, and likeable character cast.
These readers described it as a joy to explore the world of Cove, which resonated with secrets and rich history. Moreover, its ban on inventing and creativity came across as darky intriguing. Finding out more about this world was a treat, and it’s part of what made Fires of Invention stand out to readers as refreshing.
In addition, others described the characters as easy to like. While they mentioned the cast in general as each fascinating in their own right, several mentioned that Trenton, the protagonist, came across as particularly well-fleshed out and relatable.
Negative Comments
What did critics say? In general, if readers didn’t enjoy Fires of Invention, they had two reasons. For some, the love triangle felt unnecessary or out of place. On the other hand, others said the adult characters came across as one-dimensional – the villains in particular – with contrived actions or motivations.
The Dragon With a Chocolate Heart by Stephanie Burgis
Description
Aventurine is the fiercest, bravest dragon there is. And she’s ready to prove it to her family by leaving the safety of their mountain cave and capturing the most dangerous prey of all: a human.
But when the human she finds tricks her into drinking enchanted hot chocolate, Aventurine is transformed into a puny human girl with tiny blunt teeth, no fire, and not one single claw.
But she’s still the fiercest creature in the mountains – and now she’s found her true passion: chocolate! All she has to do is get herself an apprenticeship (whatever that is) in a chocolate house (which sounds delicious), and she’ll be conquering new territory in no time…won’t she?
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.28
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Third on our list of dragon books for tweens is The Dragon With a Chocolate Heart, an adventure full of dragons, memorable female characters and, of course, chocolate!
Fans enthused over this book’s unique combination of story elements: Aventurine as a dragon and a businesswoman, the fish-out-of-water fun, or feel-good ‘girl power’ themes.
Moreover, while Aventurine was a favorite for her boldness and well-rounded character, the rest of the cast impressed readers as well. Fans described them as having distinct personalities from one another, goals of their own, and being admirable in their own ways.
Negative Comments
No book is without its critics, including The Dragon With a Chocolate Heart. If readers didn’t enjoy the story, what did they say?
In general, they cited two reasons. The first was that the beginning of the story was slow-paced, which made it difficult to connect with the book until the momentum picked up.
The second was that its ‘fish-out-of-water’ premise wasn’t developed as much as these readers had hoped. Some said that Aventurine seemed to adapt to her transformation too quickly, which disappointed them because they were looking forward to seeing her struggles and triumphs. Related to that, others said that despite being a dragon, she came across mostly as a regular human protagonist.
Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke
Description
Firedrake, Ben, and their furry friend, Sorrel, are in search of the mythical place where dragons can live in peace forever.
Together they embark on a journey that takes them to magical lands where they meet marvelous creatures-and one ruthless villain.
Along the way, they will discover allies in odd places, courage they didn’t know they had, and a hidden destiny that changes everything.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.97
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Fourth on our list of dragon books for tweens is a book outright titled Dragon Rider. A whirlwind adventure, this fantasy novel is aimed at kids but delighted both adults and children with lighthearted fun.
Several commented that even though the book itself is long, the pages seemed to rush by. In addition, readers who loved dragons in particular said that this story was a treat.
Overall, fans highly recommended this fantasy book for kids between 8-12 years old.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t enjoy Dragon Rider, they typically said it was because the story sticks too closely to the classic fantasy quest tale. The book is straightforward, without unexpected twists or surprises.
Other readers, though, said that they wished the character cast had more dimension. The characters sounded and acted the same, making it difficult for this section of the audience to connect with them.
Fledgling by Nicole Conway
Description
When Jaevid Broadfeather is given the rare opportunity to become a dragonrider for the king’s army, the 15-year-old boy has no idea that he is part of a conspiracy that will rock the very foundations of the kingdom.
Jaevid Broadfeather has grown up as a wartime refugee, hiding from the world because of his mixed racial heritage.
He feels his future is hopeless, until a chance encounter with a wild dragon lands him in Blybrig Academy — a place usually forbidden to anyone but the rich and royal.
But Jaevid’s case is special; no dragon has voluntarily chosen a rider in decades, so the proud riders of Blybrig must begrudgingly let him join their brotherhood despite his bloodline.
Lieutenant Sile Derrick, a sternly tempered man with a mysterious past, becomes his instructor and immediately takes a peculiar interest in Jaevid’s future.
While struggling through the rigorous physical demands of training, things begin to go awry. Jaevid witnesses the king’s private guards kidnapping Sile in the dead of night.
When none of the elder riders are willing to help him, Jaevid begins a dangerous adventure to save his instructor.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.09
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Fledgling is another one of our dragon books for tweens that readers praised. If you’re looking for a fantasy book that adults, young adults and tweens can enjoy, readers say that this novel is it.
A mixture of an underdog story and a coming-of-age tale, readers found themselves inspired and rooting for Jaevid and his dragon throughout the story. In particular, they praised the heartwarming relationship between the two.
By the end of the book, they were eager to hear more about the pair’s adventures.
Negative Comments
What did readers say if they didn’t enjoy the book? A few of them commented that Fledgling had uneven pacing. Sometimes, critics said, the story seemed to jump ahead too quickly. At other times, it seemed too slow.
On the other hand, others said that they found aspects of the story unconvincing. For example, the training scenes seemed artificially harsh to meet an expected fantasy trope, rather than for practical reasons.
Novice Dragoneer by E. E. Knight
Description
In the first book in an exciting and charming new coming-of-age fantasy series from the author of the Age of Fire series, an impoverished girl enters into a military order of dragonriders, but her path won’t be as easy or as straightforward as she expected.
Fourteen-year-old Ileth grew up in an orphanage, and thanks to her stutter was never thought to be destined for much beyond kitchen work and cleaning. But she’s dreamed of serving with the dragons ever since a childhood meeting with a glittering silver dragon and its female dragoneer.
For years she waits, and as soon as she is old enough to join, Ileth runs away to become a novice dragoneer at the ancient human-dragon fortress of the Serpentine.
While most of her fellow apprentices are from rich and influential families, Ileth must fight for her place in the world, even if it includes a duel with her boss at the fish-gutting table. She’s then sent off to the dragon-dancers after a foolish kiss with a famously named boy and given charge of a sickly old dragon with a mysterious past.
But she finds those trials were nothing when she has to take the place of a dead dragoneer and care for his imprisoned dragon in enemy lands…
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.06
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Sixth on our list of dragon books for tweens is Novice Dragoneer. This novel captured fans’ hearts with its likable protagonist, Ileth, and its intriguing portrayal of dragons.
Ileth struck readers as a courageous, strong-willed main character, one determined to succeed despite all those fighting against her. Several mentioned how refreshing it was that her strength didn’t come from her skills as a warrior, but her ability to persevere to achieve her dreams. As such, these readers found her journey inspiring.
In addition, other fans said that the story’s portrayal of dragons and how the world was impacted by them was excellent. Many described themselves as feeling the same sense of awe and excitement that Ileth did the more she learned about individual dragons as well as the story’s dragon-influenced culture.
Negative Comments
No book is without its critics and Novice Dragoneer is no exception. For the most part, these readers either focused on the plot’s pace or the novel’s handling of sexual harassment.
In terms of the former, several critics came in expecting an action-adventure, whereas Novice Dragoneer centers more on Ileth’s personal growth.
For the latter: when Ileth is sexually harassed, her classmates and teachers blame her instead of the perpetrators. Critics thought that this injustice wasn’t addressed strongly enough. As such, they thought the book glossed over the issue.
The Dragonet Prophecy: Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland
Description
Seven dragon tribes have been at war for generations. A secret movement called the Talons of Peace is determined to bring an end to the fighting, with the help of a prophecy.
Five dragonets are enlisted, against their will, to end the terrible war. But when they escape their prison, the result may be more than intended…
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.28
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Another story on our list of dragon books for tweens is Wings of Fire. Adult readers were delighted that their kids, most of whom were picky about their books, devoured this novel.
The book bristles with conflict but also rings with themes of friendship, loyalty and self-sacrifice. Moreover, the plot is full of action and hurdles to its conclusion at a breakneck pace.
Readers also loved the unique concept of the novel, which entirely revolves around dragons. They highly recommended it for any dragon-lover.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t enjoy Wings of Fire, what did they say?
Readers remarked that the story was interesting, but felt that the characters didn’t have much depth. Whether it was the heroes or the villains, the characters didn’t evoke strong emotions from them.
However, others said that the book was unexpectedly violent for a novel aimed toward children. The story features dragon warfare and doesn’t shy away from portraying war as grisly.
However, several adult readers cited this aspect of the novel as a plus: they appreciated the artful manner in which it introduced its audience to adult themes.
Dragon’s Milk by Susan Fletcher
Description
“You must go to the dragon. You must leave tonight.”
Before she even hears the words, Kaeldra already knows what she must do. She must search out the mother dragon whose draclings have just hatched and somehow get some of her precious milk. It’s the only way to save her foster-sister’s life.
Kaeldra would rather not go. It’s much too terrifying, much too dangerous. But Kaeldra knows that she’s the only one who can do it. For she is the only one who can actually communicate with dragons.
But little does Kaeldra know what she’s getting into. She’s about to begin a journey that will entwine her fate with that of three little draclings and one would-be dragonslayer.
A journey the will become a struggle for life.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.93
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Next on our list of dragon books for tweens is Dragon’s Milk. Readers said that this book was suitable for both kids and early teens. Its’s a light fantasy adventure that delighted readers with its fresh spin on dragon lore.
However, they also mentioned that it impressed them by being more than an action-based story: it touched on themes of friendship, persecution and fitting in.
Many readers remembered this book fondly from their teen and pre-teen years, saying it was one of the books that made them fall in love with the fantasy genre.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t like Dragon’s Milk, what did they say? Mostly, these readers said that the plot itself was weak.
Some of them described it as being episodic, mostly consisting of Kendra running and hiding. Others said that they found the ending dissatisfying, feeling that it was resolved too easily.
Dragonspell by Donita K. Paul
Description
One Dragon Egg Holds the Key to the Future
Once a slave, Kale is given the unexpected opportunity to become a servant to Paladin. Yet this young girl has much to learn about the difference between slavery and service.
A Desperate Search Begins…
A small band of Paladin’s servants rescue Kale from danger but turn her from her destination: The Hall, where she was to be trained. Feeling afraid and unprepared, Kale embarks on a perilous quest to find the meech dragon egg stolen by the foul Wizard Risto.
First, she and her comrades must find Wizard Fenworth. But their journey is threatened when a key member of the party is captured, leaving the remaining companions to find Fenworth, attempt an impossible rescue, and recover the egg whose true value they have not begun to suspect…
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.89
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Another story on our list of dragon books for tweens is Dragonspell. Fans of this novel praised it as a great middle-grade fantasy book. In particular, many of them mentioned it had an entertaining story and delightful characters.
Negative Comments
What did critics say? Generally, these readers mentioned that they expected Dragonspell to be more complex with the characters and themes. However, my impression of this is that these were readers who expected Dragonspell to be written for adults.
Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
Description
Meet the princess who rescues herself and the female dragon who would be king in this first fantasy adventure in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles.
The traditional duties of a princess fail to please Cimorene, the daughter of a very proper king. She is quite sure that there’s more to the world than curtseying and courting. And what she finds in her chosen career as a dragon’s princess is sometimes more than she can handle.
But fear not! Our intrepid heroine has just what it takes to keep her dragon, Kazul, safe and happy, while learning to fireproof herself, organize the treasure trove, and stay free from the clutches of pesky princes.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.11
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Another one of our dragon books for tweens that readers loved is Dealing With Dragons. This humorous, quirky novel delights in parodying typical fantasy tropes and tales. Readers said that they found themselves grinning and laughing throughout the story.
In addition to that, fans raved about the protagonist, Cimorene. This princess-turned-dragon-captive is spunky, witty and determined to break outside the mold. Readers found her engaging, refreshing and an overall highlight throughout the novel.
Aside from that, several adult readers said that they appreciated the positive messages and themes in Dealing With Dragons. In particular, these readers thought the book was a great choice for young girls.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t like Dealing With Dragons, what did they say? In general, critics said that the novel’s parodying of gender-based fantasy tropes was too heavy-handed.
Related to this, others thought that the novel unintentionally sent a different message than it intended. They suspected the story was meant to encourage its audience to have the bravery to resist the pressure to conform to other’s expectations. However, they said that the message instead came off as denigrating more traditionally feminine girls and women.
The Neverending Story by Michael Ende
Description
The story begins with a lonely boy named Bastian and the strange book that draws him into the beautiful but doomed world of Fantastica.
Only a human can save this enchanted place by giving its ruler, the Childlike Empress, a new name.
But the journey to her tower leads through lands of dragons, giants, monsters, and magic and once Bastian begins his quest, he may never return.
As he is drawn deeper into Fantastica, he must find the courage to face unspeakable foes and the mysteries of his own heart.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.16
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Next on our list of dragon books for tweens is The Neverending Story. This famous classic delighted readers – both children and adults – with how imaginative and engrossing it was.
The Neverending Story, fans said, transported them into its world as completely as Bastian was pulled into Fantastica. It was fast-paced, filled with intriguing mythology and led by a protagonist they enjoyed following.
Negative Comments
Almost half of The Neverending Story‘s readers rated it five stars on Goodreads. However, those who didn’t enjoy this fantasy novel cited its second part as why. While most of the story bristled with suspense, the middle lost momentum.
The Last Dragon by Silvana de Mari
Description
When the last dragon and the last elf break the circle, the past and the future will meet, and the sun of a new summer will shine in the sky.
In a world shrouded in darkness and continually lashed by rain, a young elf named Yorsh struggles to survive. His village has been destroyed by the torrential waters, leaving Yorsh suddenly orphaned and alone – the earth’s last elf.
But soon Yorsh discovers he is part of a powerful prophecy to save the world from the Dark Age that has begun. First, however, the young elf will have to find another orphaned creature-the world’s last dragon.
Full of great tenderness and humor, this magical journey tells the story of a world plagued by intolerance and wickedness, and the elf and the dragon who will fight for its redemption and bring it back into the light.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.02
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
The Last Dragon is another story on our list of dragon books for tweens. Readers described this fantasy novel as deeply moving, a story that is at once hopeful and sorrowful.
Despite living in a harsh world, the characters overcome their bleak surroundings and strive to change it into a better place. While The Last Dragon doesn’t shy away from sad and darker moments, several readers described this as only making The Last Dragon more inspiring and powerful. As such, fans reported that they were glued to the pages, desperate to know what happened next to the characters.
Readers also mentioned that this fantasy novel is a great choice for those looking for a ‘deeper’ story. They recommended it for both children and adults, saying that The Last Dragon touched them with its ability to show the high value of human life and relationships.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t enjoy The Last Dragon, what did they say? These readers generally cited the main character, Yorsh, as their reason for disliking the story. Critics said that he came across as too sad and self-pitying, which made it difficult to connect with him.
Others, however, said that they expected the book to be a lighthearted fairy tale. Since the novel deals with heavier themes, these readers found the novel depressing, especially as a fantasy book geared toward younger readers.
Dragonsong by Anne McCaffrey
Description
It was not Threadfall that made Menolly unhappy. It was her father who betrayed her ambition to be a Harper, who thwarted her love of music.
Menolly had no choice but to run away. She came upon a group of fire lizards, wild relatives of the fire-breathing dragons.
Her music swirled about them; she taught nine to sing, suddenly Menolly was no longer alone.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.19
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Next on our list of dragon books for tweens is Dragonsong.
While the book is set in the Dragonriders of Pern world, it isn’t necessary to be familiar with the Pern series to enjoy this story. Readers described this heartwarming fantasy novel as a tale resonating with inspiring, universal themes.
Fans also mentioned that Menolly is a refreshing change from many of the warrior protagonists in fantasy. She’s not driven by revenge, for instance, but by a passion for music and yearning to pursue her dreams.
Negative Comments
Some readers didn’t find Dragonsong their cup of tea. These critics were mostly adult readers who said that the story wasn’t as good as recent coming of age fantasy books. In comparison to newer novels, Dragonsong struck them as a straightforward story without twists, turns or surprises.
Admittedly though, the books they referenced were targeted to adults: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, for example.
Others mentioned that Menolly’s journey to find a community that appreciates her came across as too smooth. To these readers, she earned her happy ending too easily for their satisfaction.
Finally, while Dragonsong features dragons, Menolly’s story is the main focus. Some readers expected dragons to have the spotlight and were disappointed that Menolly occupied it instead.
Hatch: The Dragons of Laton by James Stevens
Description
Ammon’s job was simple, to care for the dragon eggs in the Nest. It should have been easy, but it wasn’t.
When the sun rose after the hatch, he had made an enemy of the most powerful man in the kingdom, and he would soon learn that was the least of his problems!
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.05
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Last on our list of dragon books for tweens is Hatch. Fans of this story had two main reasons why they loved it: first, they thought the world itself was wonderful. On one hand, much of it was familiar. But on the other, the setting had enough twists to make it feel the original.
The second reason readers became fans was the characters. Readers frequently said they were easy to fall in love with and root for. The main character, Ammon, captured readers hearts with his growth from timid egg-watcher to courageous hero. Fulgid, the dragon, came across to readers as delightfully sassy and adorable. Experiencing this dynamic duo bond and grow closer was even more enchanting!
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t enjoy Hatch, they typically cited the characters as the reason. Critics described them as flat, with little to distinguish them from one other.
But others said they were disappointed by the story itself. It struck them as either too straightforward or too reminiscent of standard fantasy tropes. Other than that, the plot seemed to tug the characters along rather than the character shaping plot.
14 Amazing Dragon Books for Tweens to Read Right Now
How Do These Fantasy Novels Compare?
