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breakfastgrey's review
1.0
Much like the first book in the series, this book starts with an intriguing premise... but then not much happens. By the halfway point, the little one and I were pretty checked out but we soldiered on. There are individual elements that hold promise, but they feel inorganic and forced together. It almost feels like a book written by committee. At least it concludes the story that was left hanging from book one so we can duck out despite its attempts to seed further sequels.
booksarah8's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
enbyfinley's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
cimorene1558's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Adorable. Just like the first one.
crystal_reading's review
5.0
Review copy: Digital ARC via Netgalley
I was so excited to get my hands on this sequel to the wonderful Dragons in a Bag. There simply aren't enough dragon fantasies for the early chapter book readers. And it is truly awesome to see more Black magic and Black history on our shelves.
These children are young and get themselves into all kinds of difficult situations, but they work together to solve their problems. So much of the book is about being in community with one another, building bridges, and redemption too. Humans are complicated and make mistakes, but when we love each other, we stick together.
I appreciate that the children have caring adults in their lives. So many authors try to write the adults out so the children can have agency, but that's not necessary. Children can still have adventures, make their own choices, and solve problems with adults as part of their story. The intergenerational relationships are really a strong point here. Respect is shown to elders and readers can see that everyone wants to feel needed and valued regardless of age. We can all be part of solutions no matter how young or old.
Another interesting part of the book is the historical aspect. Early in the story, Kavita's aunt shares about her ancestry and why her skin is so dark. I had not known of the Siddis in India or that the slave trade had been active in that part of the world. This is a piece of history that many children and likely many adults in the U.S. do not know. It's one more reminder that there is so much that we don't know we don't know.
Recommendation: I will definitely be including this in our elementary school library. Children will love the adventure and magic and may even learn a few things along the way. Don't miss out.
I was so excited to get my hands on this sequel to the wonderful Dragons in a Bag. There simply aren't enough dragon fantasies for the early chapter book readers. And it is truly awesome to see more Black magic and Black history on our shelves.
These children are young and get themselves into all kinds of difficult situations, but they work together to solve their problems. So much of the book is about being in community with one another, building bridges, and redemption too. Humans are complicated and make mistakes, but when we love each other, we stick together.
I appreciate that the children have caring adults in their lives. So many authors try to write the adults out so the children can have agency, but that's not necessary. Children can still have adventures, make their own choices, and solve problems with adults as part of their story. The intergenerational relationships are really a strong point here. Respect is shown to elders and readers can see that everyone wants to feel needed and valued regardless of age. We can all be part of solutions no matter how young or old.
Another interesting part of the book is the historical aspect. Early in the story, Kavita's aunt shares about her ancestry and why her skin is so dark. I had not known of the Siddis in India or that the slave trade had been active in that part of the world. This is a piece of history that many children and likely many adults in the U.S. do not know. It's one more reminder that there is so much that we don't know we don't know.
Recommendation: I will definitely be including this in our elementary school library. Children will love the adventure and magic and may even learn a few things along the way. Don't miss out.
joshgauthier's review
3.0
A little more complex of a story and with some big themes that aren't quite as integrated as they could be, The Dragon Thief is nevertheless a fun, magical sequel with plenty of adventure and interesting characters that also tackles ideas of home and belonging through the eyes of its diverse cast.
arrr's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
My kid will love this
a_blue_box_full_of_books's review
5.0
Jaxon had just one job in book 1 : bring the baby dragons in the magical realm. The three of them. Unfed. It was without counting on Kavita, his best friend's little sister. She fed the dragons AND stole one of them ! Jaxon has now a new mission : find the missing dragon and save the balance between the worlds.
Dragons in a Bag is becoming one of my favorite Middle Grade series. Everything in it is perfect, from the characters to the story. I love how very different BIPOC characters come together with a mission, save magic, and become friends in the process. I love the positive interactions between the adults and the children : younger characters are given an opportunity to learn from their mistakes and fix them. And most of all, I love the magical atmosphere of the book. I know it is meant for middle graders, but it is a really sweet urban fantasy novel that older readers will enjoy as well. And it is a great inclusive story !
thatsthewaylovegoes's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
porshea's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25