Families who loved Dragons vs. Drones by Wesley King often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your middle-grade reader is struggling with a sense of unfairness or feels burdened by family expectations. It is a perfect bridge for the child who enjoys the logic of coding and technology but also craves the wonder of high fantasy. The story follows Marcus, a boy living in the shadow of his father's supposed betrayal, who uses his genius-level tech skills to accidentally open a portal to a world of dragons. While the plot is fast-paced and action-packed, the heart of the story explores how we define our own identities apart from our parents' reputations. Appropriate for ages 8 to 12, the book balances the cold precision of drones with the warmth of animal bonds and loyalty. Parents will appreciate the way it validates a child's desire for justice and the importance of standing up for others, even when the world is against you. It is a high-stakes adventure that encourages critical thinking about how technology can be used for both destruction and discovery.