Families who loved Lily Quench and the Dragon of Ashby by Natalie Jane Prior 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 child feels weighed down by the 'family legacy' or is struggling to fit into a pre-defined mold of what it means to be successful. Lily Quench is the last of a famous line of dragon slayers, but she discovers that her greatest strength isn't in her sword; it is in her empathy. This story is an excellent choice for children who are naturally gentle or sensitive and might feel that their kindness is a weakness in a world that demands toughness. The story follows Lily as she faces an invading tyrant and a dragon that isn't quite what she expected. By befriending her supposed enemy, she saves her kingdom through negotiation and cleverness rather than brute force. At 160 pages, it is an accessible chapter book that balances high-stakes adventure with lighthearted humor, making it perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy fantasy but need a protagonist who leads with their heart.
