Dragon Books for Tweens
What screams epic fantasy novel more than a story with a dragon? Nothing! That’s why I knew I needed to round-up all the best dragon books for tweens in one place. Because if a dragon will get my kids to read a story, I bet they will get your kids to read it too!
Getting tweens to read is a tricky business, so I suggest fast-paced stories that will hold their attention more than their screens. If you child likes books with magical creatures, they will love this list of dragon books too.
The Best Dragon Books for Tweens
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Classic Dragon Book for Tweens
How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell – Jump to section
The Best Epic Dragon Book for Tweens
Fury of the Dragon Goddess by Sarwat Chadda – Jump to section
The Best Fantasy Book for Tweens with a Dragon
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling – Jump to section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Classic Tween Dragon Book Series
How to Train Your Dragon
Author: Cressida Cowell
Year: 2004
Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fantasy
Age: 7 – 10
More info: How to Train Your Dragon #1
Plot
Hiccup, an unlikely hero, overcomes many obstacles in the harsh Viking landscape. He needs to catch and train a dragon, but he’s not quite sure how to do it. Filled with misadventures and funny scenarios, this book is a delight.
Recently made into a movie series, each book in the series is filled with Hiccup being a Viking in his own way.
Why Jackie loves it
These middle-grade fantasy books are funny with cute illustrations that are bound to entertain even the pickiest of readers. I know because my son is the pickiest of them all!
Find this book in: Middle Grade Fantasy Books / Adult Novels Like Childhood Classics / Dragon Books for Tweens
Eragon
Author: Christopher Paolini
Year: 2003
Genre: Fantasy
Age: 11+
More info: Inheritance Cycle #1
Plot
Eragon, a 15-year-old boy, believes that he is merely a farm boy until one day, he discovers a polished blue stone in the forest. When the stone hatches and a dragon emerges, Eragon enters a world full of magic and power that he never knew existed. Eragon discovers he is a dragon rider, one of the few left.
Why Jackie loves it
This middle-school fantasy series is a world of dragons, magic, and power. Almost a “Dragon Masters” for the more mature reader, this series took me into a world of fantasy I won’t forget.
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens / Popular Fantasy Series for Young Adults / Fantasy Books for Teens / Books like Fourth Wing / Dragon Books for Adults and Teens / Dragon Books for Tweens / Best Books for 12-year-olds
Gregor the Overlander
Author: Suzanne Collins
Year: 2003
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8+
More info: The Underland Chronicles Book 1 of 5
#1 Bestselling author of The Hunger Games
Plot
In this book like the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Gregor falls into a dark Underland from the laundry room, in his apartment. The world is on the brink of war and his arrival has been foretold in a prophecy.
Now Gregor must stay and play his part while solving the mystery of his father’s disappearance years ago. This series came before the Hunger Games and is geared toward a slightly younger crowd.
Why Jackie loves it
I would recommend this to a middle-grade fantasy reader, especially one looking for a book series like Percy Jackson. It has lost some of its popularity in recent years, but it is a very fun and unique fantasy
Find this book in: Books like Percy Jackson / Books Like The Hunger Games / Dragon Books for Tweens
Epic Dragon Books for Tweens
Plot
Sik and his friends, Daoud, Belet, and Rabisu are in search of an ancient, powerful, tablet. They run into trouble to get it, but make it to the tablet unharmed, until Sik runs into Lugal.
Lugal has been looking for the table as well and will do anything to get it away from Sik and his group.
Why Jackie loves it
Well-written and exciting, this story keeps you on the edge of your seat. It is perfect for YA readers who enjoy Fantasy and Adventure.
Find this book in: Dragon Books for Tweens
Dragonwatch
Author: Brandon Mull
Year: 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9 – 13
More info: Dragonwatch #1
Plot
Kendra and Seth Sorenson are back. This time, their enemies are none other than the dragons from Wyrmroost, the dragon sanctuary. Celebrant, the king of dragons, wants to escape. To him, the sanctuary doesn’t keep him safe, but instead imprisoned. The time to break free has come, and no one will be able to stop him.
Luckily, Kendra and Seth have already been assigned to be the co-caretakers of Wyrmroost, and are experts in doing the impossible. Once again, they must take on a dangerous, and possibly deadly task. Will they be able to defeat the dragons? Or will the dragons escape and change life as we know it?
Why Jackie’s daughter loves it
This book was so interesting to read. It is the perfect sequel to Fablehaven, and it makes me so happy to be able to continue reading about Seth and Kendra’s adventures. I was completely hooked while reading it, and it was hard to put down.
Find this book in: Dragon Books for Tweens
The Fire Within
Author: Chris D’Lacey
Year: 2007
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 12
More info: The Last Dragon Chronicles #1
Plot
David Rain, a college student, desperately needs a place to stay. So, he makes an advertisement in order to find a place he can rent. Liz Pennykettle and her daughter, Lucy, take him up on his offer. The house is cozy, and the people are kind. Plus, Liz is a potter, and she makes strangely detailed, amazing little dragon figurines.
Lucy and Liz both have dragons of their own, and end up giving one to David, which he names Gadzooks. After a few weeks, of living inside the Pennykettle house, strange things start happening. David starts having strange dreams about the clay dragons, until he’s not sure what’s real, and what’s not.
Why Jackie’s daughter loves it
I loved reading this book. It’s such a unique concept, and you can never expect what happens next. It was so interesting to read, and I enjoyed it a lot.
Find this book in: Dragon Books for Tweens
The Dragonet Prophecy
Author: Tui T. Sutherland
Year: 2012
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Wings of Fire #1
Plot
The first series is about 5 dragons who were told a prophecy about how they would save the world. The 5 dragons, Rain Wing, Sand Wing, Mud Wing, Sea Wing, and Night Wing, start out trapped in a cave. They must escape the cave where they have been locked up and go out into the world to find out who they really are.
Why Jackie loves it
With more than a dozen books in the story, this is a great one for dragon-loving children to get hooked on. More dragons are introduced throughout the series and each adventure is more high-stakes than the last.
My children and I loved this as a read-aloud when they were younger. When they started to read on their own, I got them the graphic novel version!
Find this book in: Middle Grade Fantasy Books / Books Like Harry Potter for Kids / Best Books for a 10-year-old / Dragon Books for Tweens
Fantasy Books with Dragons as Minor Characters
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Author: J. K. Rowling
Year: 2015
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 10+
More info: Harry Potter #4, New York Times Bestseller
Plot
Harry Potter finds himself participating in the Triwizard Tournament when someone tricked the Goblet of Fire and entered Harry’s name. He must compete against much more experienced wizards in tasks that will bring him glory or death.
Why Kirsten loves it
Harry faces dragons, dark wizards, and mermaids while performing magic he never thought possible. He faces the Deatheaters for the first time!
Why Jackie loves it
Although the order changes sometimes, this is my second favorite Harry Potter book in the series. In my opinion, it was the first book that really showed Rowling’s potential for great storytelling. If you are reading the Harry Potter books in order, as you should, you will LOVE this book.
Find this book in: Books About Secret Societies / Harry Potter Books in Order / Best Puzzle Books / Dragon Books for Tweens
Impossible Creatures
Author: Katherine Rundell
Illustrator: Ashley Mackenzie
Year: 2024
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 10+
More info: Impossible Creatures #1, International Bestseller, New York Times Bestseller
Plot
Bestselling author, Katherine Rundell launched a new fantasy series for the magical creature obsessed! After rescuing a baby griffin, Christopher learns about magical islands where magical creatures have lived in secret for thousands of years. Soon, he’s on a mission to help Mal figure out why the magic is fading from the islands.
Along the way, he meets numerous mythical creatures, discovers the magic of the archipelago, and forms a deep attachment to Mal and two adults who help them on their journey to restore the glimourie.
Trigger Warnings
Animal death, Child death
Why Kirsten loves it
Rundell wove a story that earned its place with the greats like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. Christopher and Mal’s friendship moved me to tears and the lessons they learned about life, death, and what it all means felt as filled with wisdom as anything Dumbledore ever said.
I listened to this one and can attest that the narrator is marvelous. My boys looked forward to our car rides listening to this epic adventure and we can’t wait for the rest of the trilogy!
Find this book in: Books with Magical Creatures / Dragon Books for Tweens / Giftable Books / Best Children’s Books of 2024
The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog
Author: Adam Gidwitz
Illustrator: Hatem Aly
Year: 2016
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 12
More info: A New York Times Bestseller, Newbery Honor Book
Plot
In 13th century France, three children set out on a quest with their dog. Each of the children and the dog have a magical gift. Together, they survive a kidnapping, help defeat a dragon, and save the kingdom. Come read the tale of these unlikely friends – I promise, you won’t be able to put it down!
Why Jackie loves it
All of my kids have read this book and they all loved it- devoured it in a day. Somehow this book can combine historical characters and mythical tales of the 13th century with morals and lessons that are completely relevant today.
Find this book in: Middle Grade Books / Best Books for a 10-year-old / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Dragon Books for Tweens
Expert Tips
- Does your child like to read a series straight through? Then pick one of the older series that is already completed.
- Our favorite new book with a dragon is Impossible Creatures
- If your child is right on the cusp of teen reading, check out these adult dragon books.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best new dragon books for tweens?
For new middle grade dragon books, check out Impossible Creatures by Katharine Rundell and Dragonwatch by Brandon Mull.
Is Eragon appropriate for preteens?
Yes, for older ones. I would recommend it for 11 and 12-year-olds, but not for children younger than that.
Related Content
Epilogue
Those are the best and most popular dragon books for tweens…at least in Jackie and my households. Did your favorite middle grade story with a dragon make the cut? If not, let us know what it is below!
Fantasy Books for Tweens
If you like these dragon books for tweens, you will probably enjoy these middle grade fantasy books too!
