Dragons have always played enticing roles in fantasy books and movies, sometimes, they are the heroes, and sometimes the villains. Over the past decade, the Wings of Fire series by Tui T. Sutherland has risen to the top of the list of best-loved middle-grade dragon books.
With 15 books in the main series, two books in the Legends sub-series, four Winglet novellas, and graphic novel versions, there is enough to hold even an avid reader for a while. But what comes next?
Thankfully, there is no shortage of middle-grade books featuring dragons and other mythical creatures going on quests and saving their worlds. Here are some suggestions for your Wings of Fire lover to read afterward or while waiting for the next book.
Wings of Fire Read Alikes
The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart by Stephanie Burgis
Aventurine is tired of being told by her family what she can and can’t do as a young dragon. She heads out of the safety of their mountain home, ready to prove herself to them. She is distracted by an amazing smell, and finds herself at the mercy of food mage who gives her enchanted chocolate. To protect himself, he turns Aventurine into a human. As distressed as she is about becoming a puny human, Aventurine now only has one goal — to find more chocolate.
Ice Wolves by Amie Kaufman
Anders and Rayna’s parents were killed in the last war with the dragons, the one that was thankfully ended by the ice wolves. But now the dragons are starting to attack again. The Ice Wolves are out in force, searching the streets for anyone who might be a dragon. When Anders is almost caught picking pockets at the monthly Ice Wolf trials, Rayna distracts the authorities by transforming into a dragon. Anders immediately transforms into an Ice Wolf. How can they find their way back together?
Endling: The Last by Katherine Applegate
When Byx’s pack is killed, she is afraid that she is the last of the mythical doglike species, the dairne. She sets off on an epic quest to find others like her, making friends and facing danger along the way.
Dragonfell by Sarah Prineas
Rafi doesn’t fit in with the rest of his small village. When some outsiders declare him “dragon-touched” and demand he go with them, he refuses. He sets out with Maud, a self-proclaimed dragon scientist, and followed by goats, to figure out what happened to the dragons who used to guard the towns.
Redwall by Brian Jacques
If your reader loves Wings of Fire because the main characters aren’t human, try this series featuring mice and other woodland creatures battling evil in pseudo-medieval times. With 22 books in the series, it is a joy to dive into the world of Redwall.
Silverwing by Kenneth Oppel
Not dragons, but bats. Shade is separated from his migrating flock during a bad storm and must fend for himself as he tries to find them. Along the way, he meets up with other bats, including Goth, a gigantic carnivorous vampire bat. Will he survive the journey and be reunited with his flock?
The Familiars by Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson
When their young wizards are kidnapped it is up to their familiars – cat Aldwyn, blue jay Skylar and tree frog Gilbert – to save the day. Another great animal-driven magical quest.
Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
If it is the prophecies that your reader loves, then they need to join Gregor as he discovers a land beneath New York while trying to save his sister. There, he finds giant bats, rats, cockroaches and a prophecy that he seems destined to fulfill. He hopes to find answers about his father’s disappearance as he helps the Underlanders.
The Menagerie by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari H. Sutherland
Of course, your reader should check out other series by Tui T. Sutherland. The Menagerie is a mythical creature preserve in Wyoming, complete with griffins, unicorns, merpeople, a yeti, and more. The griffin cubs have gone missing, and Logan joins Zoe and Blue in the search, hoping to find them before it is too late.
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