Common Sense Media Review
By JK Sooja
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Brave, noble girl fights for family in fun fantasy romp.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: DUNGEON ACADEMY: NO HUMANS ALLOWED! Zellidora Stormclash is a human girl living in a monster world. She sets out on a dangerous search for the family that abandoned her in a basket when she was a baby. The only problem is that she was raised by monsters, and she is a human, the avowed enemy of all monsters! Will Zellidora find what she's looking for?
Is It Any Good?
A fun and clever way to set up an adventure in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, this middle grade romp is fast, fun, and charming. The emotional core to Dungeons & Dragons: Dungeon Academy: No Humans Allowed! is strong and endearing, and like a mystery, Zellidora's journey toward answers about her past efficiently drives the story forward. Along the way, she picks up some "different" monster friends, protects those who are in need, and faces off against an intimidating villain to save the day. A tale of family, friendship, and what it means to belong, Zellidora's quest features a strong Black girl heroe, lots of action, and a generally satisfying conclusion.
For some, however, the subject of reunion with a birth mother could be a sensitive issue. For many adoptees and adoptee families, the prospect of reunions with birth mothers, parents, and families can be a fraught and complicated thing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in fantasy and adventure middle grade books. Was the violence in Dungeons & Dragons: Dungeon Academy: No Humans Allowed! enjoyable? Do you think it added to the action or slowed down the story?
What's the main lesson Zellidora learns by the end of the story?
Would you have made the same decision as Zellidora at the end? Why or why not?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Tim Probert
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy ( Dragons , Magic ) , Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperCollins Publishers
- Publication date : November 2, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 208
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : March 6, 2026
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