Parents' Guide to City of Dragons: The Awakening Storm

City of Dragons: The Awakening Storm Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Michael Berry By Michael Berry , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 8+

Curious kids care for baby water dragon in fun adventure.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 8+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 8+

Based on 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

As CITY OF DRAGONS starts, Grace has moved to Hong Kong with her mom and stepfather. She has few friends, until a strange old woman hands her a stone-like egg that hatches a tiny water dragon. She calls the creature Nate, and the animal attracts a group of middle-grade students who want to protect it. They need to work together, because a mysterious force wants to exploit the magic of the dragon.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 2 ):
Kids say : Not yet rated

Dragons play an important role in Chinese folklore, and this engaging graphic novel captures their magic and majesty. With City of Dragons, Jaimal Yogis and Vivian Truong concoct a lively adventure full of magic and intrigue. Grace is an appealing main character, and she's surrounded by a diverse group of friends. Comics fans will find much to enjoy here, and there are hints of future volumes.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how City of Dragons mixes Chinese mythology with a modern story. Why are tales of giant dragons so popular in many cultures?

  • Grace is told that her father died of cancer. How do families deal with such a diagnosis? Who could you turn to for help if a loved one got sick?

  • Why are some stories better told as graphic novels? What effects does the medium allow that words alone can't offer?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by

City of Dragons: The Awakening Storm Poster Image

What to Read Next

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate