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The House with a Dragon in It
CCBC Review:
Fourth-grader Summer (white) has been living with her new foster family for a short while when a large sinkhole appears in their living room. Summer, who figures she won’t be living with them for very long, is drawn to explore its depths. She discovers a dragon guarding a treasure deep below the British home. Not fancying herself a hero, Summer is surprised when she’s able to claim the dragon’s prize, a glass bottle, and escape. Opening the bottle, Summer releases an ancient witch who promises her three wishes. Vaguely recalling her biological mom’s warning about bottle witches, and having been disappointed by many in her life, Summer is wary, suspicious of the magic. At the same time, she finds herself navigating tensions between a potential new friend and the cool girls at school. Ultimately, Summer’s intuition, careful assessment of others, and acceptance of her own vulnerabilities play a role in her clever tactics to outsmart the witch before her new home and budding friendship is destroyed. The design of this handsome novel is richly accentuated by Emily Gravett’s spot and full-page illustrations. Equal parts realistic and magical, this middle-grade novel is smart and satisfying. ©2025 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Emily Gravett
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 9-12
Age Range:
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Format:
Novel
Subjects:
Decisions and Consequences
Foster Families
Friendship
Magical Realism
Self-Esteem and Self-Worth
Diversity subject:
Asian
Publisher:
Simon & Schuster
Publish Year: 2024
Pages: 242
ISBN: 9781665955683
CCBC Location: Fiction, Lake