About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels boxed in by grades, test scores, or the labels adults and peers place upon them. In a world where every person is branded with a number at age twelve, Al receives a zero, a score that marks him for disposal. This high-stakes fantasy follows his journey from a social outcast to a revolutionary leader who discovers that his perceived failure is actually his greatest power. It is a perfect choice for middle-grade readers who are beginning to navigate the pressures of academic performance and social hierarchy. Through the metaphor of a dragon-ruled dystopia, the story explores themes of self-worth, systemic injustice, and the courage required to question the status quo. While the action is fast-paced and intense, the emotional core focuses on the liberating realization that we are more than a number on a page.
