The Return of the Dragon

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the ethics of how we treat those who are different or when they feel a strong impulse to protect a friend from unfair treatment. It is an ideal choice for the middle-elementary reader who is starting to look beyond their own needs and recognize the importance of standing up for justice and the dignity of others. Through a high-stakes fantasy adventure, the story models how empathy can drive meaningful action. The plot follows three siblings who return to a secret island to rescue their three-headed dragon friend, Fafnyr, from a wealthy man intent on turning him into a circus-style spectacle. While the setting is magical, the emotional core is grounded in real-world themes of loyalty and the courage required to challenge authority when that authority is behaving unethically. It is a gentle but firm exploration of friendship and the transition from childhood play to responsible advocacy, suitable for ages 8 to 12.