Jordan Bernal

A strong theme of uniting to combat bullying is at the heart of this fantasy novel for young readers. The protagonist, Niall, has arrived at a new school after his parents leave him in the care of his grandfather.

Niall is an onlooker to a classmate being bullied, and at first he wants to intervene but the bully's target convinces him not to. Later, Niall is himself targeted by the bully.

Meanwhile, Niall's grandfather provides veterinary care to various clans of dragon-riders. Bonded pairs of dragons and their human "compeers" keep Ireland safe and prosperous -- and only a few people are privileged to know the existence of the dragons.

Recently, Grayson, a young dragon, was born without wings at one of the dragon-riders' compounds. Grayson was given into the care of a young man who, instead, abused him. Niall's grandfather and local clan leaders intervene and rescue Grayson, and Niall comes to care for him.

While caring for Grayson, Niall also learns how to defeat the bullying done by his classmate.

The author, Jordan Bernal, has done well with developing her characters. The bully, Thorin, is not simply a one-dimensional villain; instead, we learn he is doing his best to care for several younger siblings. Circumstances have forced him to step into the role of father because his own father is lost in drink, and they all live under constant threat of authorities breaking-up the family.

This book arrived in my school library courtesy of a parent-supporter who attended a writers' conference with author Jordan Bernal. I am interested in reading The Keepers of Eire, which this book is a prequel to.… (altro)