 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Dragon Rider
- By Cornelia Funke
- Genre: Fantasy
Common Sense Media says
Dragon tale is great for bedtime read-aloud.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is meant for fun, not literary discussion.
What's the story?
In a valley in Scotland the last of the silver dragons hide from the encroachment of humans. But now this last valley is being invaded too. Firedrake, a young dragon, sets out to find the legendary ancestral home of the dragons, the Rim of Heaven, high in the Himalayas, where dragons can be safe and undisturbed forever. Accompanying him are Sorrel, a crabby brownie, and eventually Ben, an orphan, and Twigleg, a homunculus who may be hiding a treacherous secret.
Following a map drawn by a rat, the trio trek across Europe and the Middle East, heading for India. But they are followed by the spies of Nettlebrand, an artificial golden dragon created to destroy all dragons, who also wants to know where the Rim of Heaven lies, so he can finish the task he was created for.
Is it any good?
DRAGON RIDER was actually Cornelia Funke's first book in Germany, but it wasn't offered in English until after the success of her two other books. Despite its excessive length, it's aimed at a younger audience with a simple, straightforward plot, one-dimensional characters, and a gentle approach that, while exciting, eschews violence. The villain is all bark and bad temper, most of the characters are helpful and kind, and the ending is predictable, but satisfying.
It reads like a middle-grade novel -- well, all right, three middle-grade novels. Ambitious young readers will want to read this themselves, but it would be a great extended bedtime read-aloud -- exciting but not too scary, humorous, with short chapters, and plenty of cliffhangers.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about extinction caused by human encroachment.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Teen, 15 years old
August 11, 2009
AGE
Great Story
This is an amazing book and a must-read for any who love fantasy, adventure, and some comedy. I've always been interested in mythological creatures like Dragons, unicorns, etc., and I think it's great That Cornelia Funke wrote a book that starred dragons, but showed them in a different light than what they're normally given. Usually dragons are portrayed as vicious, treasure-hoarding monsters, but here, they were sentient, and actually gentle creatures. Thumbs up definately!
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
November 9, 2010
AGE
Alright
It's nothing overly new, but it's still very good, nonetheless.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 15 years old
October 29, 2009
AGE
i llike this book beacuse it was time for me to return back to class and i was in a hurry and that's when i saw it. i went home and remembered that i had gotten a book and started reading i couln't stop reading chapter by chapter,getting better and better. so i strongly recomend this book to kids who loved reading, i didn't like reading untill i read this book so mothers read to your daughter and sons and make them learn that there is a whole new world just by reading. thank you for your time and never stop reading
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Adult
July 9, 2009
AGE
I
I loved this book. A must have for Dragon-lovers like myself.
*cuddles up with a dragon* =D
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 11 years old
November 10, 2010
AGE
Good for just about anyone interested
I think telling kids what they can and can't read is rather harsh (coming from a girl who read Harry Potter in 1st grade) and I think anyone who can read this, should be able to read it. Personally, I loved it. I have read Inkheart, Inkspell, Inkdeath, The Thief Lord and Reckless all by Cornelia Funke also. Her books can be a little creepy, but they are entertaining and excellent reads. Enjoy!
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 13 years old
January 16, 2011
AGE
Nice book!
Wonderful! One of my all time favorites! Great for kids ages 8 and up
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 13 years old
January 3, 2011
AGE
Great book!
I realy enjoyed reading this book. It is very good for kids who love to read fantasy.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 14 years old
January 31, 2011
AGE
Great Book!
Great Book To Enjoy With Family!
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 13 years old
June 6, 2011
AGE
GREAT BOOK
Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS BOOK IS 1 OF MY FAVORITES!!
:)
:)
:)
:)
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 11 years old
July 21, 2009
AGE
Perfect for anyone 9 or older
I LOVE this book!!!!! It is my all time favorite book. My favorite character is The brownie.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | magic and fantasy |
| Author: | Cornelia Funke |
| Illustrator: | Cornelia Funke |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Publisher: | Scholastic Inc. |
| Publication date: | October 31, 2004 |
| Number of pages: | 523 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 12 |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
