Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Exciting Cinderella tale of tween in Japanese fantasy world.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Eleven-year-old Alliana -- soon to become ALLIANA, GIRL OF DRAGONS -- inspired by legends of the courageous and resourceful Queen Natsumi, dreams of studying at the Royal Academy and finding her true path. Unfortunately, since the untimely death of her father, she's been pretty much enslaved by her stepmother and bullied by her stepbrother. So has Grandmother Mari, who isn't actually Alliana's grandmother, but they develop a strong bond and support each other. When the old woman dies, things get even bleaker. But Alliana is not without friends, magical and otherwise -- especially the baby dragon she rescued and befriended, who is now much, much bigger.
Is It Any Good?
Author Julie Abe spins an engaging tale of an abused orphan and the friends who come to her aid -- especially the baby dragon she rescues and an apprentice witch who opens new worlds for her. Set in a Japanese fantasy world of royals, wizards, witches, and magical beings, Alliana, Girl of Dragons is a satisfying, fast-moving Cinderella tale with many hardships to endure, and many rewards for kind deeds. Also plenty of surprises and cheer-worthy moments as the bonds of family and friendship prove quite powerful.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the story of Cinderella, and how it's re-imagined in Alliana, Girl of Dragons. How is Alliana different from the Cinderella of the fairy tales? How is she the same?
Do you know anyone who's being bullied or treated badly by a family member? What's happening? Is there anything you can do to help?
If there was one thing in your life you'd change with magic, what would it be? How do you think things would be different afterwards?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Shan Jiang
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy ( Dragons , Magic ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little, Brown and Company
- Publication date : August 2, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 336
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : March 6, 2026
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