Dragon City: The Time-Traveling Rider
#3 in Scorched Series
on Goodreads (1,152)
What’s inside...
Set off on a high-stakes, action-packed adventure in this story about friendship, survival, and fighting for the ones you love, perfect for fans of Wings of Fire and How to Train Your Dragon. No one predicted the dragon apocalypse. The dragons came suddenly and decimated the world as we knew it, including New York City. Now, three years later, Noah, his hardcore survivalist father, and a ragtag group of survivors are barely scraping by in this new reality. Kids scavenge not only for materials in abandoned homes but also for leftover books at the library. Adults spend their time establishing a makeshift society and defending their shelter with any means available. Until the dragons begin hibernating, it's no longer safe aboveground. Noah has seen the damage these creatures can do firsthand. When it comes to it, it's kill or be killed. But a chance encounter between Noah and a young dragon causes him to question everything he thought he knew. With rumors spreading that there’s a group of survivors living in harmony with dragons instead of hiding underground, Noah teams up with his fire-breathing ally to find out if peace between humans and dragons is really possible. But the division runs deeper than scales versus skin because trying to follow his heart might just cost Noah his family too. If Noah and his father can’t see eye to eye, can he really get humans and dragons to?
Discussion points
What would you do if you could travel back in time like the rider in 'Dragon City'? Where would you go and why?
How do you think the dragons in the book felt when they met the time-traveling rider? Can you relate to their feelings?
What lessons did the rider learn from his adventures in 'Dragon City'? How can those lessons apply to your life?
If you could have a dragon as a pet, what type would you choose and what adventures would you go on together?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in the present rather than in a time-travel scenario?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to summarize the story in their own words, encouraging them to recall details and enhancing comprehension.
Use the questions to delve deeper into the story's themes, encouraging your child to connect the narrative to their own experiences or desires.
Discuss the choices made by the characters, particularly the rider, and explore alternative decisions and potential outcomes to develop critical thinking.
Encourage imagination by asking your child to dream up their own magical creature or time-travel adventure inspired by the book.
Focus on the emotional journey of the characters, discussing their feelings and reactions, to help your child develop empathy and emotional intelligence.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage and bravery
Explanation: In 'Dragon City: The Time-Traveling Rider,' the protagonist faces various challenges and threats in different time periods. Despite feeling fearful, they continuously take brave actions to help their friends and protect the city.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and stand up for what is right, whether it's in school, in sports, or in standing up against bullying.
Example Lesson: Understanding the impact of actions on the future
Explanation: As the main character travels through time, they see how actions in one period can drastically change things in another. This demonstrates the consequences of decisions and the ripple effects they can create.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to consider the long-term effects of their choices, such as the importance of taking care of the environment or how treating others kindly can foster long-lasting relationships.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the book, the main character collaborates with dragons and other characters to solve problems that they couldn't tackle alone. This highlights how working together can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to cooperate with their peers in group projects or team sports, understanding that collective efforts often yield better results.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist encounters various setbacks in their journey, but they persevere and adapt to each new challenge. This illustrates the importance of resilience and persistence.
Real-World Application: This can help children learn to not give up when facing difficulties in learning new skills or dealing with personal setbacks, instilling an attitude of perseverance.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: Traveling through different times exposes the protagonist to diverse cultures and viewpoints. This nurtures a sense of empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to show empathy towards classmates from different backgrounds and to embrace diversity in their community.