Can one young and tiny knight defeat a massive, ancient dragon and rescue the princess? Find out in Thomas and the Dragon Queen by Shutta Crum.
Title: Thomas and the Dragon Queen
Authors: Shutta Crum
Ages: 9+
Rating:
Courtesy of Knopf
Growing up as the oldest of ten children, Thomas has lots of responsibility. He helps his parents take care of his brothers and sisters—he cleans, teaches them manners, and entertains them with stories about courageous knights. His siblings look up to him. Not literally, of course, because Thomas is very small for his age. At 12 years old, he looks closer to age 8.
Becoming a Page
After meeting an injured knight named Sir Gerald on the shore, Thomas and his siblings bring him home. Thomas proves himself to be good with the knight’s horse. And after talking to his parents, Sir Gerald offers Thomas a job as his page. Thomas leaves home and goes to live at the castle where he is trained.
Becoming a Squire
Thomas is bullied because of his size. And it doesn’t help that regular swords are far too heavy for him. But with practice and determination, Thomas trains hard and is eventually promoted to a squire.
Becoming a Knight
The castle is in a time of war, and the ill king has few knights to send into battle. While all the knights are away trying to prevent an invasion, the dragon queen kidnaps Princess Eleanor. Far too old to travel, the King agrees to make Thomas a knight, and sends him to retrieve the princess. But how can one young knight defeat a humongous, ancient dragon?
The Bottom Line
Thomas and the Dragon Queen is a story of courage. It shows that many people, and creatures, are judged and misunderstood. While Thomas may be small, he has more bravery than most grown knights. And even dragons, who are feared and killed, may not be the enemy that kingdoms seem to believe. This story is great for young adults who love dragon books.
