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Dragons in a Bag #2
The Dragon Thief
Stealing a baby dragon was easy! Hiding it is a little more complicated.
Jaxon had just one job--to return three baby dragons to the realm of magic. But when he got there, only two dragons were left in the bag. His best friend's sister, Kavita, is a dragon thief!
Kavita only wanted what was best for the baby dragon. But now every time she feeds it, the dragon grows and grows! How can she possibly keep it secret? Even worse, stealing it has upset the balance between the worlds. The gates to the other realm have shut tight! Jaxon needs all the help he can get to find Kavita, outsmart a trickster named Blue, and return the baby dragon to its true home.
Jaxon had just one job--to return three baby dragons to the realm of magic. But when he got there, only two dragons were left in the bag. His best friend's sister, Kavita, is a dragon thief!
Kavita only wanted what was best for the baby dragon. But now every time she feeds it, the dragon grows and grows! How can she possibly keep it secret? Even worse, stealing it has upset the balance between the worlds. The gates to the other realm have shut tight! Jaxon needs all the help he can get to find Kavita, outsmart a trickster named Blue, and return the baby dragon to its true home.
170 pages, Hardcover
First published October 22, 2019
108 people are currently reading
717 people want to read
About the author
Zetta Elliott
80 books440 followersI’m a Black feminist writer of poetry, plays, essays, novels, and stories for children. I was born and raised in Canada, but have lived in the US for 30 years. I earned my PhD in American Studies from NYU in 2003; I have taught at Ohio University, Louisiana State University, Mount Holyoke College, Hunter College, Bard High School Early College, and Borough of Manhattan Community College.
My poetry has been published in New Daughters of Africa, We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices, the Cave Canem anthology, The Ringing Ear: Black Poets Lean South, Check the Rhyme: an Anthology of Female Poets and Emcees, and Coloring Book: an Eclectic Anthology of Fiction and Poetry by Multicultural Writers.
My novella, Plastique, was excerpted in T Dot Griots: an Anthology of Toronto’s Black Storytellers, and my plays have been staged in New York, Cleveland, and Chicago. My essays have appeared in School Library Journal, Horn Book, and Publishers Weekly. My short story, “The Ghost in Her Bones,” was published in a 2020 special issue of Obsidian.
My picture book, Bird, won the Honor Award in Lee & Low Books’ New Voices Contest and the Paterson Prize for Books for Young Readers. My young adult novel, A Wish After Midnight, has been called “a revelation…vivid, violent and impressive history.” Ship of Souls was published in February 2012; it was named a Booklist Top Ten Sci-fi/Fantasy Title for Youth and was a finalist for the Phillis Wheatley Book Award. My short story, “Sweet Sixteen,” was published in Cornered: 14 Stories of Bullying and Defiance in July 2012. My YA novel, The Door at the Crossroads, was a finalist in the Speculative Fiction category of the 2017 Cybils Awards, and my picture book, Melena’s Jubilee, won a 2017 Skipping Stones Honor Award. I received the Children’s Literature Association’s Article Award for my 2014 essay, “The Trouble with Magic: Conjuring the Past in New York City Parks.”
I am an advocate for greater diversity and equity in publishing, and I have self-published numerous illustrated books for younger readers under my own imprint, Rosetta Press; 3 were named Best of the Year by the Bank Street Center for Children’s Literature, and Benny Doesn’t Like to Be Hugged is a first-grade fiction selection for the 2019 Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Dragons in a Bag, a middle grade fantasy novel, was published by Random House in 2018; the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) named it a Notable Children’s Book. Its sequel, The Dragon Thief, was named a Best Middle Grade Book of 2019 by CBC Books. The fifth book in the series, The War of the Witches, will be published in January 2024. The prequel will be self-published in 2024.
Say Her Name, a young adult poetry collection, was published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers in January 2020; it was named a 2020 Book of the Year for Young People by Quill & Quire and a 2020 “Best of the Best” YA Title by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association; it was also a nominee for the YALSA 2021 Excellence in Nonfiction Award and a Top Ten title for Rise: A Feminist Book Project. Say Her Name won the 2021 Lion and the Unicorn Award for Excellence in North American Poetry.
A Place Inside of Me: a Poem to Heal the Heart from FSG was named an ALA Notable Book and a Notable Poetry Book by the National Council of Teachers of English; it won a 2021 Skipping Stones Honor Award and Noa Denmon won the Caldecott Honor Award for her stunning illustrations. Moonwalking (FSG 2022), a middle grade verse novel co-authored with Lyn Miller-Lachmann earned four starred reviews and was a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection; it made the NYPL and Bank Street College of Education’s Best Books of 2022 lists, was one of Kirkus Reviews’ 100 Best Middle Grade Books, and made the 2023 Notable Books for a Global Society list. The National Education Association has selected Moonwalking for its 2024 Read Across America program.
I was honored to
My poetry has been published in New Daughters of Africa, We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices, the Cave Canem anthology, The Ringing Ear: Black Poets Lean South, Check the Rhyme: an Anthology of Female Poets and Emcees, and Coloring Book: an Eclectic Anthology of Fiction and Poetry by Multicultural Writers.
My novella, Plastique, was excerpted in T Dot Griots: an Anthology of Toronto’s Black Storytellers, and my plays have been staged in New York, Cleveland, and Chicago. My essays have appeared in School Library Journal, Horn Book, and Publishers Weekly. My short story, “The Ghost in Her Bones,” was published in a 2020 special issue of Obsidian.
My picture book, Bird, won the Honor Award in Lee & Low Books’ New Voices Contest and the Paterson Prize for Books for Young Readers. My young adult novel, A Wish After Midnight, has been called “a revelation…vivid, violent and impressive history.” Ship of Souls was published in February 2012; it was named a Booklist Top Ten Sci-fi/Fantasy Title for Youth and was a finalist for the Phillis Wheatley Book Award. My short story, “Sweet Sixteen,” was published in Cornered: 14 Stories of Bullying and Defiance in July 2012. My YA novel, The Door at the Crossroads, was a finalist in the Speculative Fiction category of the 2017 Cybils Awards, and my picture book, Melena’s Jubilee, won a 2017 Skipping Stones Honor Award. I received the Children’s Literature Association’s Article Award for my 2014 essay, “The Trouble with Magic: Conjuring the Past in New York City Parks.”
I am an advocate for greater diversity and equity in publishing, and I have self-published numerous illustrated books for younger readers under my own imprint, Rosetta Press; 3 were named Best of the Year by the Bank Street Center for Children’s Literature, and Benny Doesn’t Like to Be Hugged is a first-grade fiction selection for the 2019 Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Dragons in a Bag, a middle grade fantasy novel, was published by Random House in 2018; the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) named it a Notable Children’s Book. Its sequel, The Dragon Thief, was named a Best Middle Grade Book of 2019 by CBC Books. The fifth book in the series, The War of the Witches, will be published in January 2024. The prequel will be self-published in 2024.
Say Her Name, a young adult poetry collection, was published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers in January 2020; it was named a 2020 Book of the Year for Young People by Quill & Quire and a 2020 “Best of the Best” YA Title by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association; it was also a nominee for the YALSA 2021 Excellence in Nonfiction Award and a Top Ten title for Rise: A Feminist Book Project. Say Her Name won the 2021 Lion and the Unicorn Award for Excellence in North American Poetry.
A Place Inside of Me: a Poem to Heal the Heart from FSG was named an ALA Notable Book and a Notable Poetry Book by the National Council of Teachers of English; it won a 2021 Skipping Stones Honor Award and Noa Denmon won the Caldecott Honor Award for her stunning illustrations. Moonwalking (FSG 2022), a middle grade verse novel co-authored with Lyn Miller-Lachmann earned four starred reviews and was a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection; it made the NYPL and Bank Street College of Education’s Best Books of 2022 lists, was one of Kirkus Reviews’ 100 Best Middle Grade Books, and made the 2023 Notable Books for a Global Society list. The National Education Association has selected Moonwalking for its 2024 Read Across America program.
I was honored to
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
July 9, 2022
3.5⭐ Rounded down.
This is a decent read. Who doesn't like a story about baby dragons?
Horrible people, that's who!
I wish it had been more obvious that this was book #2 in a series. Sadly my library bar code was put over the tiny sentence that said it was part of a series.
It still went okay, but there would have been a lot less confusion in the start if I had read book one lol.
This is a decent read. Who doesn't like a story about baby dragons?
Horrible people, that's who!
I wish it had been more obvious that this was book #2 in a series. Sadly my library bar code was put over the tiny sentence that said it was part of a series.
It still went okay, but there would have been a lot less confusion in the start if I had read book one lol.
March 25, 2022
Kavita, Vik's young sister, has a secret that is rapidly getting out of control as the dragon she stole (in book one) is growing beyond her ability to conceal. Confiding in her elderly and ailing relative, Aunty, eases her worries, as Aunty springs into action, revitalized temporarily by the thought of a real dragon to save, and for a chance to do something meaningful for her family. (Kavita's mother is NOT happy that Aunty is living with them, and disdainful of whatever contributions Aunty has made to the family in the past. I suspect there's also some subtle racism and caste-based superiority going on here, as Aunty comes from a group who, though Hindu, call themselves Siddi and who originally came to India from Africa centuries ago as the enslaved property of Portuguese traders.)
Aunty and Kavita consult with an astrologer friend of Aunty's while Jaxon is desperately trying to find Kavita (and the dragon), while also find a cure for Ma's odd, persistent coma-like sleep she's been in since the end of book one. Jaxon asks Vik for help, and before they get very far, they're found by Kenny O'Connor, a classmate they're both afraid of. Kenny brings them to his home, and soon the three boys discover that their perceptions of each other is wrong, and the three embark on Jaxon's mission together.
Zetta Elliott expands Jaxon's world further, by introducing a new friend, and bringing the wonderful Aunty into the story. I love how Elliott weaves history into this tale, while also expanding the magical world to include some dubious individuals, who will no doubt figure in coming book(s).
I also loved how Jaxon grows and deals with some of his pain over his father's death, which was sudden and horrible and occurred before book one. I also like how Trouble, Jaxon's grandfather, is making overtures to Jaxon's mother and trying to become more a part of their small family.
This book was lovely.
Aunty and Kavita consult with an astrologer friend of Aunty's while Jaxon is desperately trying to find Kavita (and the dragon), while also find a cure for Ma's odd, persistent coma-like sleep she's been in since the end of book one. Jaxon asks Vik for help, and before they get very far, they're found by Kenny O'Connor, a classmate they're both afraid of. Kenny brings them to his home, and soon the three boys discover that their perceptions of each other is wrong, and the three embark on Jaxon's mission together.
Zetta Elliott expands Jaxon's world further, by introducing a new friend, and bringing the wonderful Aunty into the story. I love how Elliott weaves history into this tale, while also expanding the magical world to include some dubious individuals, who will no doubt figure in coming book(s).
I also loved how Jaxon grows and deals with some of his pain over his father's death, which was sudden and horrible and occurred before book one. I also like how Trouble, Jaxon's grandfather, is making overtures to Jaxon's mother and trying to become more a part of their small family.
This book was lovely.
June 28, 2020
This is so sad, because this is the sequel of Dragons on a bag, that I love. Following the events of book 1, Jaxon needs the help of his friends. There's also Kavita, a little troublemaker, and her own adventures with a baby dragon.
I just didn't find this book as cute as the first one. The story wasn't as charming and fun, a combination of bad plot and underdeveloped characters. There were so many things going on, some many important and heavy themes (like grief, gentrification and bulling). It felt convoluted and the resolution was poorly done. Probably because the book was too short and these were things that needed more time.
As I said, I didn't particularly care for any of the new characters, as their weren't very developed. And let's not talk about the whole villain thing, that was a terrible mess.
I enjoyed this book, but not as much as book 1. and that makes me so sad
I just didn't find this book as cute as the first one. The story wasn't as charming and fun, a combination of bad plot and underdeveloped characters. There were so many things going on, some many important and heavy themes (like grief, gentrification and bulling). It felt convoluted and the resolution was poorly done. Probably because the book was too short and these were things that needed more time.
As I said, I didn't particularly care for any of the new characters, as their weren't very developed. And let's not talk about the whole villain thing, that was a terrible mess.
I enjoyed this book, but not as much as book 1. and that makes me so sad
February 21, 2024
Kavita never meant to be a dragon thief, but when she realizes that the baby dragons have imprinted on her, she just can’t bring herself to let them all go. She soon realizes that this was a mistake and just wants to return them, but she needs her Aunty’s help. Meanwhile Ma has fallen ill, and Jaxon determines that he needs to return the dragon to its rightful home on his own in order to save her.
These books have wonderful themes of family that many kids will relate to–with blood family (Kavita and her brother, Jaxon and his estranged grandfather who wishes he had been more a part of his daughter’s life and wants to make up for it with Jaxon) and found family (Aunty, who raised Kavita’s father and Ma, who raised Jaxon’s mother). It’s also nice to see an urban setting explored. The story in this second book is cute and a villain is introduced as the kids learn that people have different perspectives on whether or not magic should be introduced to the real world—and some people will stop at nothing to make sure that they get what they want. Overall, a fun read!
These books have wonderful themes of family that many kids will relate to–with blood family (Kavita and her brother, Jaxon and his estranged grandfather who wishes he had been more a part of his daughter’s life and wants to make up for it with Jaxon) and found family (Aunty, who raised Kavita’s father and Ma, who raised Jaxon’s mother). It’s also nice to see an urban setting explored. The story in this second book is cute and a villain is introduced as the kids learn that people have different perspectives on whether or not magic should be introduced to the real world—and some people will stop at nothing to make sure that they get what they want. Overall, a fun read!
January 24, 2021
A charming, fun, and bittersweet urban fantasy. I learned about a part of history I never knew. Off to the library to do research and go on more adventures! I do hope this isn't the last book with these characters. I enjoy walking in their shoes. That being said, the book is a bit of a narrative mess. The book is too short for the number of themes Elliot is juggling in this book. The villain feels tacked on, so what could have been a really interesting conclusion feels rushed and jumbled, especially when trying to talk about why pain and evil are in the world.
June 21, 2021
Much like the first book in the series, this book starts with an intriguing premise... but then not much happens. By the halfway point, the little one and I were pretty checked out but we soldiered on. There are individual elements that hold promise, but they feel inorganic and forced together. It almost feels like a book written by committee. At least it concludes the story that was left hanging from book one so we can duck out despite its attempts to seed further sequels.
June 7, 2023
So glad this is finally done! Nothing happens in either of these books.
*definitely would have DNFed on my own but was reading to my kids and they wanted to finish.
*definitely would have DNFed on my own but was reading to my kids and they wanted to finish.
February 10, 2021
You can find my full review on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Den, here.
Many thanks to Yearling Books for a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I enjoyed reading Dragons in a Bag, so I was looking forward to picking up where the story left off. Plus, this series has dragons, so the appeal is pretty obvious!
The Dragon Thief is a diverse adventure into magic, finding your place, and learning to do what is right, even if it’s hard.
I admit that this one lost me a big compared to the first one. I really enjoyed the magic and the adventure, but the whole plot was driven by miscommunication and adults not acting like adults, which is my least favorite trope. I don’t think children will be as put off by this as I am, though!
My Thoughts:
- There are some great themes in this about family and finding your place! I think this was my favorite part of the book, because it’s deep enough for older readers to really be able to sink their teeth into, but easily digestible for the young target audience. I think my favorite theme, though, was family! There was so much to dig into here, from the fact that family doesn’t always mean blood, to the fact that sometimes family messes up and may need to be forgiven. Or that despite everything, in the thick of things, family should be there for each other. I just really loved seeing all the different, complicated facets of family life brought up in this book!
- There’s a cast of very diverse characters, and I was surprised that I actually learned some things I didn’t know while reading this! That’s my favorite sort of book: the type that seamlessly tricks you into learning things when you’re not even paying attention. There were a few things brought up that I knew that I don’t think kids necessarily will, and I liked the way it was introduced. I particularly enjoyed the information about India, though, and the different origins of parts of the population. The book doesn’t delve so deep into this that it might start to feel like a history lesson, but it introduces just enough to pique one’s curiosity and interest, which I especially enjoy!
- I enjoyed the magic in the first book, but the magic was so much more exciting in this, and I loved the extra look at the magical world! I’m not even sure how much I can or should say about this part, because you really just need to read it and discover the magic yourself. There wasn’t so much a specific place in this book as more magical creatures, more discovery of the different things people can do with magic, and some interesting facts on how the magical world and our world coexist … or, in some cases, don’t. It just felt like the magic was built up so much more in this book, and I had fun with it.
Sticking Points:
- This entire plot never would’ve happened if adults acted like adults or any amount of communication happened in the first couple of chapters. This frustrated me so much right from the get-go that I found it hard to get into the plot after that. The story basically consists of two groups attempting to get the dragon back home: one consisting of two young boys and the other a little girl and her Aunty. You’d expect the adult to kind of act like an adult, right? But nope. Now, of course, this is aaaall from an adult reader’s perspective. I think this probably won’t be a problem for the target audience, who are much less likely to notice or care about this. For me, though, this was a big sticking point, because I just couldn’t see the point of the rest of the book when it could’ve been solved so easily in the first place.
- The adults really pile on Jaxon in this, and I was not a fan. This is another one that, again, I doubt children will recognize or even care about, but from my adult perspective, I did not love this. Mental health is important to me. Remember, Jaxon is a young kid who, in the first book, discovered magic existed and then a couple hours later was completely abandoned by all the adults in his life to somehow get the dragons back to the magic world. Despite having no directions. Despite only knowing magic existed for all of a few hours. Despite having absolutely no contacts. Obviously, he didn’t quite succeed, because this book exists, and the rest of the cast makes sure he knows it! Oh my gosh, I was so frustrated by how much these adults piled on Jaxon about how much he had failed them and everything was his fault. He’s a kid, dude.
Many thanks to Yearling Books for a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I enjoyed reading Dragons in a Bag, so I was looking forward to picking up where the story left off. Plus, this series has dragons, so the appeal is pretty obvious!
The Dragon Thief is a diverse adventure into magic, finding your place, and learning to do what is right, even if it’s hard.
I admit that this one lost me a big compared to the first one. I really enjoyed the magic and the adventure, but the whole plot was driven by miscommunication and adults not acting like adults, which is my least favorite trope. I don’t think children will be as put off by this as I am, though!
My Thoughts:
- There are some great themes in this about family and finding your place! I think this was my favorite part of the book, because it’s deep enough for older readers to really be able to sink their teeth into, but easily digestible for the young target audience. I think my favorite theme, though, was family! There was so much to dig into here, from the fact that family doesn’t always mean blood, to the fact that sometimes family messes up and may need to be forgiven. Or that despite everything, in the thick of things, family should be there for each other. I just really loved seeing all the different, complicated facets of family life brought up in this book!
- There’s a cast of very diverse characters, and I was surprised that I actually learned some things I didn’t know while reading this! That’s my favorite sort of book: the type that seamlessly tricks you into learning things when you’re not even paying attention. There were a few things brought up that I knew that I don’t think kids necessarily will, and I liked the way it was introduced. I particularly enjoyed the information about India, though, and the different origins of parts of the population. The book doesn’t delve so deep into this that it might start to feel like a history lesson, but it introduces just enough to pique one’s curiosity and interest, which I especially enjoy!
- I enjoyed the magic in the first book, but the magic was so much more exciting in this, and I loved the extra look at the magical world! I’m not even sure how much I can or should say about this part, because you really just need to read it and discover the magic yourself. There wasn’t so much a specific place in this book as more magical creatures, more discovery of the different things people can do with magic, and some interesting facts on how the magical world and our world coexist … or, in some cases, don’t. It just felt like the magic was built up so much more in this book, and I had fun with it.
Sticking Points:
- This entire plot never would’ve happened if adults acted like adults or any amount of communication happened in the first couple of chapters. This frustrated me so much right from the get-go that I found it hard to get into the plot after that. The story basically consists of two groups attempting to get the dragon back home: one consisting of two young boys and the other a little girl and her Aunty. You’d expect the adult to kind of act like an adult, right? But nope. Now, of course, this is aaaall from an adult reader’s perspective. I think this probably won’t be a problem for the target audience, who are much less likely to notice or care about this. For me, though, this was a big sticking point, because I just couldn’t see the point of the rest of the book when it could’ve been solved so easily in the first place.
- The adults really pile on Jaxon in this, and I was not a fan. This is another one that, again, I doubt children will recognize or even care about, but from my adult perspective, I did not love this. Mental health is important to me. Remember, Jaxon is a young kid who, in the first book, discovered magic existed and then a couple hours later was completely abandoned by all the adults in his life to somehow get the dragons back to the magic world. Despite having no directions. Despite only knowing magic existed for all of a few hours. Despite having absolutely no contacts. Obviously, he didn’t quite succeed, because this book exists, and the rest of the cast makes sure he knows it! Oh my gosh, I was so frustrated by how much these adults piled on Jaxon about how much he had failed them and everything was his fault. He’s a kid, dude.
December 8, 2019
Picking up right where its predecessor, Dragons in a Bag, left off, this engaging fantasy novel will capture the attention of plenty of intermediate readers. Kavita has stolen a dragon that she names Mo, but she has no idea how to take care of the creature or keep it hidden. It just keeps growing and growing. In desperation, she enlists the help of Aunty, her elderly relative, who seems to know a thing or two about dragons and magic. Together, they venture out of the house in order to send the dragon back where it came from. At the same time, Jaxon, who was responsible for taking care of three dragons, including this one, is determined to prove himself to his relatives and find that missing dragon. Although Jaxon is accompanied by Vik, Kavita's sister, and Kenny, a boy that the two of them have always feared but who turns out to be quite an ally, he isn't sure how to get Mo back home. The two groups might start out from separate places, but their paths cross in an unexpected way amid betrayal and trickery. The story is told from two alternating voices, which adds to the pleasure of reading it and heightens the suspense. Readers will certainly wonder why Kavita's mother is doing during all the time she's racing from Brooklyn to Queens and back again, but the story reads fast and features interesting characters. I also liked the drawings and Jef, the fairy that becomes quite attached to Kenny. Hand this one to readers who want a fast read but something a bit out of the ordinary.
September 30, 2020
This story just gets better and better I can't wait for more books in this wonderful series!
The imagery, the characters, the world building, the diversity, oh I could go on and on about how fabulous this series is!
In addition to narrator Ron Butler we also added narrator Soneela Nankani and some new characters that truly fleshed this story out. The narration by these two is really great!
If there were more books in this series I would be reading them right now I look forward to book #3!
This is one of the best middle grade fantasies I have read in a long time! Do yourself a favor and give this one a try for yourself or buy it for the kids in your life!
Great family road trip book!
5 stars!
The imagery, the characters, the world building, the diversity, oh I could go on and on about how fabulous this series is!
In addition to narrator Ron Butler we also added narrator Soneela Nankani and some new characters that truly fleshed this story out. The narration by these two is really great!
If there were more books in this series I would be reading them right now I look forward to book #3!
This is one of the best middle grade fantasies I have read in a long time! Do yourself a favor and give this one a try for yourself or buy it for the kids in your life!
Great family road trip book!
5 stars!
June 30, 2020
I'm promoting Zetta! She is an Indiana State Literacy Association 2020 Conference Featured Speaker.
Here are her sessions:
Magic Is for Everyone: Writing Fantasy Fiction, 9/12, 9am ET
Poems to Heal the Heart: Writing Protest Poetry, 9/12, 11am ET
Here are her sessions:
Magic Is for Everyone: Writing Fantasy Fiction, 9/12, 9am ET
Poems to Heal the Heart: Writing Protest Poetry, 9/12, 11am ET
February 9, 2021
builds on the excellence of the first book. Elliott is such a great storyteller, fearless in content and wise; and she captures childhood so incredibly well.
I love her characters. I love her stories.
I love her characters. I love her stories.
September 17, 2020
This book is a fun adventure in the world of magic and dragons. The characters fight to save and protect the dragons and the world of witches and warlocks.
June 1, 2024
A great sequel - I think I enjoyed this more than book 1!
March 28, 2023
Second in a series.... a light and lovely adventure.
October 6, 2023
This book is amazing, and I love how Zetta tells the story from both characters’ point of view! 9/10 recommend.
April 12, 2021
Well, I hated Kavita's character. She was just a bratty thief to me and I just couldn't take a liking to her. I also felt the book had too much rambling, as if a good portion of the book could have just been cut out and, preferably, replaced with something more exciting. In all honesty, I would have hated this book as a kid. The first book wasn't too bad but this book would have bored me too much as a child.
July 3, 2020
I couldn't wait to start reading this sequel to Dragons in a Bag. With more characters and more danger, readers are sure to enjoy seeing if or how the stolen dragon is reunited with its siblings. I love the world Zetta Elliot has created and can't wait to read more of Jax's adventures!
March 3, 2023
Just as delightful as the first book!
March 7, 2024
A solid middle grade read. It had some good lessons, lots of adventure, and loveable characters.
June 18, 2020
"A week ago, a talking pigeon would have freaked me out. But over the past few days, I’ve encountered a very determined squirrel, actual dinosaurs, a talking rat, and three baby dragons. I’m learning to take it all in stride."
The Dragon Thief picks up right where Dragons in a Bag left off, with 9-year-old Brooklyn resident Jaxon searching the city for the missing dragon that he was supposed to return to the realm of magic in order to restore balance between our world and the world on the other side. The titular dragon thief is Kavita, little sister of Jaxon’s best friend Vik, who is doing her best to take care of the adorable magical creature she kinda-sorta-okay-definitely stole from Jaxon. Though we didn’t learn much about Kavita in the last book, alternating points of view between Jaxon and Kavita allow the reader to get to know her much better as a character. This narrative structure moves the plot forward briskly, keeping the reader inspired by the wonder of magic and eager to see what happens next. Just like the first book in the series, this entry is full of adventure, friendship, magical intrigue, and thoughtful sociopolitical commentary.
Author Zetta Elliott touches on some serious topics in a way that is both empathetic and matter-of-fact, facing hurtful issues with clarity and understanding. Kavita’s Aunty (who has some connection to the world of magic herself) belongs to the Siddi people, an Indian ethnic group descended from Africa. Aunty discusses colorism with Kavita as she talks about the different skin tones in their family and mentions a relative who uses bleaching cream. Aunty tells Kavita that her ancestors were slaves, and Kavita is shocked at the far-reaching history of the slave trade. Slavery is a subject that subtly permeates the whole story—just like in the first book, the magical elders imply that the reason for the imbalance in mystical energy between our world and the realm of magic is because of the physical and spiritual wreckage of colonialism and slavery. Though Kavita and Jaxon initially believe that returning the stolen dragon to the realm of magic will restore that balance, they soon learn that the problems run much deeper and are more complex than the fate of one small(ish) dragon.
Elliott also explores grief and how it interacts with the need to belong and to see yourself represented in the world. Jaxon’s dad died in a car accident (which Jaxon doesn’t think was all that accidental), and his yearning for that lost piece of himself is palpable in how tightly he clings to the family he finds through his magical adventures. Though we see slightly less of him in this story, with the points of view alternating between him and Kavita, Jaxon is still the same bright, sensitive, and brave boy that we met in Dragons in a Bag. It’s heartbreaking to see him struggle, but it’s an absolute joy to see him triumph.
Both Jaxon and Kavita provide a vital lens on themes of family, friendship, and forgiveness. They’re also just plain fun characters. The Dragon Thief has a lot to say on some serious subjects, but I don’t want you to leave this review without knowing how fun this book is. There are fairies, witches, talking animals, dragons with a taste for sweets, and magical portals to other worlds. It’s a quick read with plenty of surprises, and Elliott does a good job of catching up readers who may not have read the first book. Although the edition I read didn’t have the final art, I’m a big fan of Geneva B’s warm and playful illustrations, so I’m sure the interior art is just as charming as her beautiful cover. The Dragon Thief is a fun, hopeful book about believing in yourself, believing in magic, and facing the past so that you can work toward a better future. I hope that we have more adventures in the series to look forward to, because spending time with Jaxon and his friends is always magical.
The Dragon Thief picks up right where Dragons in a Bag left off, with 9-year-old Brooklyn resident Jaxon searching the city for the missing dragon that he was supposed to return to the realm of magic in order to restore balance between our world and the world on the other side. The titular dragon thief is Kavita, little sister of Jaxon’s best friend Vik, who is doing her best to take care of the adorable magical creature she kinda-sorta-okay-definitely stole from Jaxon. Though we didn’t learn much about Kavita in the last book, alternating points of view between Jaxon and Kavita allow the reader to get to know her much better as a character. This narrative structure moves the plot forward briskly, keeping the reader inspired by the wonder of magic and eager to see what happens next. Just like the first book in the series, this entry is full of adventure, friendship, magical intrigue, and thoughtful sociopolitical commentary.
Author Zetta Elliott touches on some serious topics in a way that is both empathetic and matter-of-fact, facing hurtful issues with clarity and understanding. Kavita’s Aunty (who has some connection to the world of magic herself) belongs to the Siddi people, an Indian ethnic group descended from Africa. Aunty discusses colorism with Kavita as she talks about the different skin tones in their family and mentions a relative who uses bleaching cream. Aunty tells Kavita that her ancestors were slaves, and Kavita is shocked at the far-reaching history of the slave trade. Slavery is a subject that subtly permeates the whole story—just like in the first book, the magical elders imply that the reason for the imbalance in mystical energy between our world and the realm of magic is because of the physical and spiritual wreckage of colonialism and slavery. Though Kavita and Jaxon initially believe that returning the stolen dragon to the realm of magic will restore that balance, they soon learn that the problems run much deeper and are more complex than the fate of one small(ish) dragon.
Elliott also explores grief and how it interacts with the need to belong and to see yourself represented in the world. Jaxon’s dad died in a car accident (which Jaxon doesn’t think was all that accidental), and his yearning for that lost piece of himself is palpable in how tightly he clings to the family he finds through his magical adventures. Though we see slightly less of him in this story, with the points of view alternating between him and Kavita, Jaxon is still the same bright, sensitive, and brave boy that we met in Dragons in a Bag. It’s heartbreaking to see him struggle, but it’s an absolute joy to see him triumph.
Both Jaxon and Kavita provide a vital lens on themes of family, friendship, and forgiveness. They’re also just plain fun characters. The Dragon Thief has a lot to say on some serious subjects, but I don’t want you to leave this review without knowing how fun this book is. There are fairies, witches, talking animals, dragons with a taste for sweets, and magical portals to other worlds. It’s a quick read with plenty of surprises, and Elliott does a good job of catching up readers who may not have read the first book. Although the edition I read didn’t have the final art, I’m a big fan of Geneva B’s warm and playful illustrations, so I’m sure the interior art is just as charming as her beautiful cover. The Dragon Thief is a fun, hopeful book about believing in yourself, believing in magic, and facing the past so that you can work toward a better future. I hope that we have more adventures in the series to look forward to, because spending time with Jaxon and his friends is always magical.
September 18, 2019
ARC provided by Random House Children’s via NetGalley for an honest review.
This second book in the series was just as sweet and adorable as the first one. The best part of this series is the diversity of the characters. The author also does a great job of weaving the different cultures of the main characters in to the narrative. This way kids are learning about these cultures and being entertained by the story as well.
We first met Kavita in book one, but she was a minor character. The younger sister of Vik, she comes into her own in this story. Kavita is a great character, very caring and likable. She has a nice relationship with Aunty, an elderly woman that has been a part of her family for a couple of generations. Kavita would have been totally lost without her help and it was nice to see that intergenerational bond. Aunty was pretty feisty which made for a nice contrast to some of the adult characters.
Jaxon and Vik are also part of the story. Jaxon is struggling to help Ma, the witch he is apprenticed too. He knows that he needs to break the spell she is under but he has no clue how, except that returning the dragon Kavita stole is part of it. His wandering the streets of a colorful Brooklyn seeking the magical animals that helped him in the first book, was nice to see. He also makes a new friend Kenny, who Jaxon and Vic always thought as a bully, but are proven wrong once they get to know him.
There are lots of helpful adults in this story which is alway a good thing in middle grade books. Sometimes I think authors get bogged down in making the adults the villains and forget to have positive adult role models. There is one adult in this book that is portrayed as the villain, but I am not sure he really is. Only time will tell.
So far I have not seen that there will be a third book in this series, and this one certainly had a satisfactory ending that kids will accept. But I certainly hope that this is not the last time we will see this group of kids and I look forward to their next adventure.
https://elnadesbookchat.com
This second book in the series was just as sweet and adorable as the first one. The best part of this series is the diversity of the characters. The author also does a great job of weaving the different cultures of the main characters in to the narrative. This way kids are learning about these cultures and being entertained by the story as well.
We first met Kavita in book one, but she was a minor character. The younger sister of Vik, she comes into her own in this story. Kavita is a great character, very caring and likable. She has a nice relationship with Aunty, an elderly woman that has been a part of her family for a couple of generations. Kavita would have been totally lost without her help and it was nice to see that intergenerational bond. Aunty was pretty feisty which made for a nice contrast to some of the adult characters.
Jaxon and Vik are also part of the story. Jaxon is struggling to help Ma, the witch he is apprenticed too. He knows that he needs to break the spell she is under but he has no clue how, except that returning the dragon Kavita stole is part of it. His wandering the streets of a colorful Brooklyn seeking the magical animals that helped him in the first book, was nice to see. He also makes a new friend Kenny, who Jaxon and Vic always thought as a bully, but are proven wrong once they get to know him.
There are lots of helpful adults in this story which is alway a good thing in middle grade books. Sometimes I think authors get bogged down in making the adults the villains and forget to have positive adult role models. There is one adult in this book that is portrayed as the villain, but I am not sure he really is. Only time will tell.
So far I have not seen that there will be a third book in this series, and this one certainly had a satisfactory ending that kids will accept. But I certainly hope that this is not the last time we will see this group of kids and I look forward to their next adventure.
https://elnadesbookchat.com
October 21, 2019
Review copy: Digital ARC via Netgalley
I was so excited to get my hands on this sequel to the wonderful Dragons in a Bag. There simply aren't enough dragon fantasies for the early chapter book readers. And it is truly awesome to see more Black magic and Black history on our shelves.
These children are young and get themselves into all kinds of difficult situations, but they work together to solve their problems. So much of the book is about being in community with one another, building bridges, and redemption too. Humans are complicated and make mistakes, but when we love each other, we stick together.
I appreciate that the children have caring adults in their lives. So many authors try to write the adults out so the children can have agency, but that's not necessary. Children can still have adventures, make their own choices, and solve problems with adults as part of their story. The intergenerational relationships are really a strong point here. Respect is shown to elders and readers can see that everyone wants to feel needed and valued regardless of age. We can all be part of solutions no matter how young or old.
Another interesting part of the book is the historical aspect. Early in the story, Kavita's aunt shares about her ancestry and why her skin is so dark. I had not known of the Siddis in India or that the slave trade had been active in that part of the world. This is a piece of history that many children and likely many adults in the U.S. do not know. It's one more reminder that there is so much that we don't know we don't know.
Recommendation: I will definitely be including this in our elementary school library. Children will love the adventure and magic and may even learn a few things along the way. Don't miss out.
I was so excited to get my hands on this sequel to the wonderful Dragons in a Bag. There simply aren't enough dragon fantasies for the early chapter book readers. And it is truly awesome to see more Black magic and Black history on our shelves.
These children are young and get themselves into all kinds of difficult situations, but they work together to solve their problems. So much of the book is about being in community with one another, building bridges, and redemption too. Humans are complicated and make mistakes, but when we love each other, we stick together.
I appreciate that the children have caring adults in their lives. So many authors try to write the adults out so the children can have agency, but that's not necessary. Children can still have adventures, make their own choices, and solve problems with adults as part of their story. The intergenerational relationships are really a strong point here. Respect is shown to elders and readers can see that everyone wants to feel needed and valued regardless of age. We can all be part of solutions no matter how young or old.
Another interesting part of the book is the historical aspect. Early in the story, Kavita's aunt shares about her ancestry and why her skin is so dark. I had not known of the Siddis in India or that the slave trade had been active in that part of the world. This is a piece of history that many children and likely many adults in the U.S. do not know. It's one more reminder that there is so much that we don't know we don't know.
Recommendation: I will definitely be including this in our elementary school library. Children will love the adventure and magic and may even learn a few things along the way. Don't miss out.
July 5, 2022
SPOILERS AHEAD
I think kids are going to love this latest installment in the Dragons in a Bag series.
Kavita plays a big role since she stole Jaxon's dragons in DRAGONS IN A BAG. But, it's one of those books that if you haven't read the previous story, it does not stand on its own. There's references to the last book and asides and such, that if you didn't read Book 1, you'd have no idea what was happening. I think once the series is finished they'll hang nicely together as a giant super edition, but they need each other for flow.
I read in the afterword that the author was really sick during the finalization of the manuscript, and that may have played a part in the choppiness of this one. For example, this book introduces us to Blue, the villain of the tale very late in the story.
There was a good balance in the first book between the characters, plot, and flow. But this one felt Kavita-heavy at the start which makes sense, but then it's Jaxon-heavy and very Blue-heavy and then the book is done. Like we don't hear about this villain until the last few chapters. We get a sense that Aunty is leaving, and so her storyline was the best developed/organized in this one. I'm hoping the next book in the series helps fill in the gaps on Jaxon's and his friends' stories and tell us more about why the world of magic and ours are separated. Also, is there a magical reason Jaxon's dad died? Seems glib to blame magic. Feeling confused about this one, but I think kids will enjoy it for the outermost story.
I think kids are going to love this latest installment in the Dragons in a Bag series.
Kavita plays a big role since she stole Jaxon's dragons in DRAGONS IN A BAG. But, it's one of those books that if you haven't read the previous story, it does not stand on its own. There's references to the last book and asides and such, that if you didn't read Book 1, you'd have no idea what was happening. I think once the series is finished they'll hang nicely together as a giant super edition, but they need each other for flow.
I read in the afterword that the author was really sick during the finalization of the manuscript, and that may have played a part in the choppiness of this one. For example, this book introduces us to Blue, the villain of the tale very late in the story.
There was a good balance in the first book between the characters, plot, and flow. But this one felt Kavita-heavy at the start which makes sense, but then it's Jaxon-heavy and very Blue-heavy and then the book is done. Like we don't hear about this villain until the last few chapters. We get a sense that Aunty is leaving, and so her storyline was the best developed/organized in this one. I'm hoping the next book in the series helps fill in the gaps on Jaxon's and his friends' stories and tell us more about why the world of magic and ours are separated. Also, is there a magical reason Jaxon's dad died? Seems glib to blame magic. Feeling confused about this one, but I think kids will enjoy it for the outermost story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2019
I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children's Publishing through NetGalley.
Second in the series. This book picks up shortly after the first ends. The baby dragon left in our world has grown and won't fit in the small enclosure any longer. Kavita ends up telling her Aunty the whole story from stealing the dragon to the opening chapters. They set off on an adventure to help the dragon return home. Meanwhile, Jaxon is searching for a new gate and the missing dragon. His friend Vic gets home and joins him along with a new friend, Kenny. The two storylines move through the book and connect in the last few chapters.
Told in alternating character POV's. Elliott creates a short sweet fantasy novel for middle grade readers. The descriptions of characters and settings paint a realistic view with fantasy elements. Younger readers will relate to the friendship complications and doubts. They'll also understand family relationships and dynamics.
Poignant scene when Jaxon finally walks on the street where his father was hit and killed.
NOTE: These need to be read in order to follow the entire story.
Second in the series. This book picks up shortly after the first ends. The baby dragon left in our world has grown and won't fit in the small enclosure any longer. Kavita ends up telling her Aunty the whole story from stealing the dragon to the opening chapters. They set off on an adventure to help the dragon return home. Meanwhile, Jaxon is searching for a new gate and the missing dragon. His friend Vic gets home and joins him along with a new friend, Kenny. The two storylines move through the book and connect in the last few chapters.
Told in alternating character POV's. Elliott creates a short sweet fantasy novel for middle grade readers. The descriptions of characters and settings paint a realistic view with fantasy elements. Younger readers will relate to the friendship complications and doubts. They'll also understand family relationships and dynamics.
Poignant scene when Jaxon finally walks on the street where his father was hit and killed.
NOTE: These need to be read in order to follow the entire story.
October 24, 2019
What a joy!
I read this in one sitting after a busy day. I was quickly absorbed by the story, the second in a series that picks up right where the first one ended. Kavita, Jaxon, Vik, Aunty and Kenny jump off the page with themes of family and friendship. The dragon at the center of the story grows and grows every time it eats something sweet, so there's an element of race against time to get it back to the magic realm.
It's Brooklyn and Queens, but Brooklyn and Queens with dragons! A tension exists between keeping magic in the magic realm and keeping it out of the "non-magic world;and there is Blue a villainish character who wants the worlds to merge. He has his reasons and like the other characters he isn't all one thing or another.
I enjoyed hearing from Aunty and I learned about the Siddi in India, people brought from southeast Africa by the Portuguese to work as slaves in India. I love how Zetta Elliott infuses her stories with cultural knowledge, history and curiosity.
Looking forward to the next in the series!!
I read this in one sitting after a busy day. I was quickly absorbed by the story, the second in a series that picks up right where the first one ended. Kavita, Jaxon, Vik, Aunty and Kenny jump off the page with themes of family and friendship. The dragon at the center of the story grows and grows every time it eats something sweet, so there's an element of race against time to get it back to the magic realm.
It's Brooklyn and Queens, but Brooklyn and Queens with dragons! A tension exists between keeping magic in the magic realm and keeping it out of the "non-magic world;and there is Blue a villainish character who wants the worlds to merge. He has his reasons and like the other characters he isn't all one thing or another.
I enjoyed hearing from Aunty and I learned about the Siddi in India, people brought from southeast Africa by the Portuguese to work as slaves in India. I love how Zetta Elliott infuses her stories with cultural knowledge, history and curiosity.
Looking forward to the next in the series!!
March 19, 2021
Jaxon really needs to find Kavita and convince her to return the baby dragon because things are not balanced between his world and the magic world right now and it is getting worse. And the portals aren't working. Meanwhile, Kavita has revealed the dragon to her Auntie, and the elderly lady takes Kavita and the dragon on a madcap adventure across the city to see if they can do something to make things right. And there's someone else with their eye on the baby dragon who would like to use it for his own agenda.
A satisfying conclusion to this fantasy series. I like that it features kids of color, and of course, dragons are always great to have around too. Auntie was a very spunky old lady who was fun to follow around. The short length of the books and the pretty straightforward plot in this series make them great picks for reluctant readers and those in between lower grade and middle grade.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There's some potentially bad situations but everything ends up ok.
A satisfying conclusion to this fantasy series. I like that it features kids of color, and of course, dragons are always great to have around too. Auntie was a very spunky old lady who was fun to follow around. The short length of the books and the pretty straightforward plot in this series make them great picks for reluctant readers and those in between lower grade and middle grade.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There's some potentially bad situations but everything ends up ok.
August 11, 2019
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of The Dragon Thief, the sequel to Dragons in a Bag. After reading the first, I was delighted to get to read the sequel. It does not disappoint, in fact because Jaxon's little sister is such a handful, the suspense grows with her impulsivity towards her stolen secret. In the first book, Jaxon her broher's friend is given 3 baby dragons to care for, AND return to their alternative world. When one goes missing he knows who the culprit is, his precocious best friend's little sister Kavita. This bold little girl has no fear, so the baby dragon's future appears mirky. The characters in this story are diverse and clever, from supposedly homeless characters to parents working very hard to make ends meet. This is a terrific read, can't wait for the third tale about the dragons and the youngsters of Brooklyn who are trying to keep their secret and help them survive.
April 21, 2021
I liked the first one much better. This one seemed to just try too hard to squeeze in too many lessons at the expense of story. The whole paragraph where Sis explains that his dad's senseless death due to a distracted driver hitting a pedestrian is just part of learning gratitude and also, btw, we elect fools for leaders so do better or be better was just one sentence of disconnected cringe after another. It felt like she had a list of points she wanted to make in the book and had run out of time so she packed the extras into that one paragraph regardless of context or logic.
The book does fill a gaping hole in kidlit- a middle grade story with a black boy for the lead character, having an exciting adventure (with *almost* no referencs to slavery). I own it and am keeping it for that reason but I am hoping for more such stories with greater focus on story craft and less didacticism in the future.
The book does fill a gaping hole in kidlit- a middle grade story with a black boy for the lead character, having an exciting adventure (with *almost* no referencs to slavery). I own it and am keeping it for that reason but I am hoping for more such stories with greater focus on story craft and less didacticism in the future.
August 5, 2019
A perfect continuation.
Just as sweet and magical as the first book. Jax has to retrieve and return the missing dragon, but the portals are no longer working and something is wrong with the magic, causing Ma and all the other adults to be unable to assist him.
What I love about these books are its many colorful characters. Like Brooklyn, this book has a variety of people of different shades and colors, and shows how sometimes the oddest looking people can be the nicest and most helpful. Plus, I learned some fascinating tidbits of history that I'd never heard of before.
Jax, Kavita, and their friends and families were fun and great to meet. This book was a warm slice of pie from the colorfulest corners of Brooklyn. I highly recommend it. It's a fun and magical adventure.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Just as sweet and magical as the first book. Jax has to retrieve and return the missing dragon, but the portals are no longer working and something is wrong with the magic, causing Ma and all the other adults to be unable to assist him.
What I love about these books are its many colorful characters. Like Brooklyn, this book has a variety of people of different shades and colors, and shows how sometimes the oddest looking people can be the nicest and most helpful. Plus, I learned some fascinating tidbits of history that I'd never heard of before.
Jax, Kavita, and their friends and families were fun and great to meet. This book was a warm slice of pie from the colorfulest corners of Brooklyn. I highly recommend it. It's a fun and magical adventure.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
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