By Colorado Kids Advisory Board member Elizabeth Endicott

Title: Dragon Rider
Author: Cornelia Funke
Publisher: The Chicken House, Scholastic Inc.
Number of Pages: 523

Dragon Rider was written by Cornelia Funke and was first published in Germany by Cecilie Dressler Verlag. It was translated into English by Anthea Bell, and was published in North America in 2004.

Dragon Rider is an excellent fairy-tale about a young orphan boy (Ben) who makes friends with a dragon (Firedrake), and a brownie (Sorrel). These three young friends join together to destroy the man-made dragon, Nettlebrand. They go through many hardships together increasing their bond of friendship.

I liked this book because it is a thrilling tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat and in suspense all the while. Dragon Rider had loads of characters that entertained me throughout the book.

What I didn’t like about Dragon Rider, was that the end was weak. Like most stories, everyone went home happy. It would have been better if there was still a problem to sort out or a person disappeared, which would lead to a sequel.

Ben, the protagonist, could have had an even bigger part. Funke kept Ben in the dark in a lot of parts in the book. It would have been more interesting on Ben’s behalf, if he had a more lines and a more noticeable personality.

The plot was original and simple, yet creative. The writing was easy to read yet was not too easy so you wouldn’t be bored. This imaginative story was outstanding.

This book was exciting and enjoyable and I would (with no doubt) recommend Dragon Rider to everyone. Though I think the ages 8-13 would most enjoy this book, all can take pleasure in this manuscript. I would also recommend Inkheart by Cornelia Funke, and Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. These books also contain edge of the seat experiences and would make all ages laugh and shout with joy. (February, 2005)