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Dragon Masters #1
Rise of the Earth Dragon
The New York Times bestselling Dragon Masters series is "How to Train Your Dragon" meets the Dragon Slayers' Academy, and it's perfect for newly independent readers! Pick a book. Grow a reader. This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow! DRAGON MASTERS has it all! Dragons, a Dragon Stone, a king, a wizard, and magic! In the first book in this fully-illustrated series, 8-year old Drake is snatched up by King Roland's soldier and taken to the castle. He is to be trained as a Dragon Master. At the castle, he is joined by three other young Dragon Masters-in-training: Ana, Rori, and Bo. The Dragon Masters must learn how to connect with and train their dragons--and they must also uncover their dragons' special powers. Does Drake have what it takes to be a Dragon Master? What is his dragon's special power?
96 pages, Paperback
First published August 26, 2014
733 people are currently reading
3731 people want to read
About the author
Tracey West
721 books538 followersTracey West is the New York Times bestselling author of Dragon Masters, a series in the Scholastic Branches line. She has written more than 400 books for kids, including the Pixie Tricks series and the Underdogs series with Kyla May.
Some readers also know Tracey for writing books based on animation such as Pokémon and LEGO Ninjago.
She currently lives in the western Catskills of New York with her husband, Bill; their adopted dogs; and a whole mess of chickens.
Some readers also know Tracey for writing books based on animation such as Pokémon and LEGO Ninjago.
She currently lives in the western Catskills of New York with her husband, Bill; their adopted dogs; and a whole mess of chickens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 888 reviews
April 9, 2021
Drake arbeitet auf dem Zwiebelfeld seiner Familie, als plötzlich ein Soldat des Königs auftaucht und ihn zum Schloss mitnimmt. Dort erfährt er, dass er ein Drachenmeister sein soll. Er und drei andere Kinder wurden auserwählt, vier Drachen zu trainieren. Drakes Drache ist ein Erddrache...
Das Buch ist geschrieben für Kinder ab 6. Somit ist der Schreibstil sehr einfach und unkompliziert. Die Sätze sind kurz, die Schrift groß. Jede Seite ist großzügig illustriert, wobei die Illustrationen sehr ansprechend sind!
Auch das Thema ist sehr gut gewählt, wie ich finde. Drachen, ein Schloss, ein Zauberer und vier ganz unterschiedliche Kinder - zwei Mädchen und zwei Jungen. Ich glaube, da fühlen sich viele Kinder angesprochen und werden Spaß am Lesen haben, da die Geschichte spannend erzählt wird und Lust auf die Fortsetzung macht.
Das Buch ist geschrieben für Kinder ab 6. Somit ist der Schreibstil sehr einfach und unkompliziert. Die Sätze sind kurz, die Schrift groß. Jede Seite ist großzügig illustriert, wobei die Illustrationen sehr ansprechend sind!
Auch das Thema ist sehr gut gewählt, wie ich finde. Drachen, ein Schloss, ein Zauberer und vier ganz unterschiedliche Kinder - zwei Mädchen und zwei Jungen. Ich glaube, da fühlen sich viele Kinder angesprochen und werden Spaß am Lesen haben, da die Geschichte spannend erzählt wird und Lust auf die Fortsetzung macht.
January 15, 2025
While I was searching for "The Moon Dragons" by Dyan Sheldon I came across this fun series that reminded me of "The Magic Meadow" by Alexander Key, for the kids in here also have telepathic skills and are able to tune in on the thought waves of their buddy dragons.
I think these picture books help a young reader to grow and expand their imagination and allow them to see beyond boundaries of a written word, because of the artwork that speaks without words. It has character, you can easily visualise a story that could have lived on its own as if the characters stepped out from the pages and have gone to make their own discoveries that weren't featured in an actual book :)
Also I love how the first letter of each chapter is designed - a dragon having the curves of a particular letter gives the alpabet a touch of enchantment :)
I love how the artist uses the light and shadow to create pictures like this one, with the sunbeams that look like they are real. They remind me when the spring sun stretches its beams into the room, making it feel otherworldly. Those always are unforgettable spring images my mind saves.
I also loved the shapes of clouds and mountains.
P.S. The images with the sunbeams and the clouds refuse to show up... I'll try to find another ones 🙂
Read
January 23, 2020In library land we call these books “bridge books,” and Scholastic has a new line called "Branches," these titles are great for bridging that gap from easy readers into chapter books. They are between 80 and 120 pages, use a lot of sight words and typically the series have a very formulaic plot. All of these things are great for building reading fluency and skill. This book is very charming. It's exciting and encouraged my second grader to keep reading from chapter to chapter, and book to book as the story expanded. Drake and Worm are wonderful characters that we couldn't wait to get to know better, I had to check out the next two as soon as we finished the first book! My son and I took turns reading every other chapter. Look also for "The Escapades of Clint McMcool" by Jane Kelley, "The Ember Stone" by Katrina Charman, and the "Time Jumpers: Stealing the Sword" by Wendy Mass. Happy Reading! --Alexis S.
September 11, 2018
My boys (5,5,3,3) were enthralled with this book! I usually read it over lunch and they often forget to keep eating as they get lost in the book! It’s a very simple chapter book with beautiful illustrations on each page (which is why I think the 3 year olds loved it so much). We will be promptly getting the next books on the series. These will also serve as excellent beginning readers for them soon! 😍
April 2, 2022
Yay, it's finally happening! My boy, who not long ago at all would regularly exclaim, "I hate reading!" is currently reading this book independently, and is excited to do so! He is bridging it between school and home, reading the classroom copy at school, then resuming from the same point at home at night, and back again. Man, I'd better not screw this up for him.
His reluctance, expressed as "hate," comes from not being able to read with ease. He has made a lot of improvement during this school year, though. There have been other promising moments too. It's been hard for me, as an ardent daily reader, and with his older sister taking to reading so naturally (we can hardly get her nose out of her book at mealtimes and bedtime), to remain patient and laid-back about the boy. We have read the entire Dragon Master series to him multiple times already and make regular gifts of the new titles as they are released. He has always liked the series, and it brings me such joy to see him choosing to take it up on his own with pride.
****************
This will sucker many kids into reading, in the best way! The second book in the series caught my eye on a to-be-shelved cart at my public library, and it looked highly appropriate to read aloud to my 4-year old boy; vivid illustrations on every page, short, and DRAGONS! Did I mention that there are dragons? Plus it looked like it would not be soul-sucking to read at bedtime. I went to the shelf to get the first volume to start with. Before I could introduce him to it at home, my 7-year old daughter picked it up off the counter and read the entire thing before dinner. She then stated that she wanted to go to the library the following weekend to get the rest of the books in the series (the first four volumes are shown inside the front cover and on the back cover; I will guess that these four were put out at once and based on consumer interest, more volumes were commissioned). I was slightly surprised that she loved it so much because I thought it would be too simple for her, as he has been reading more advanced early reader series of late, including Ivy & Bean and Dragonbreath, but what little girl doesn't love a good adventure? She said, too, "I looooooove dragons", clearly I have been doing my job of sharing my love of fantasy with my children. Did I mention that there are dragons?
In three days, she has read it multiple times and has had us (the parents) read it to her as well. We tried to get the next book from the library but it was closed due to a water main break in town (long story... or not, that's about it really). So what is a loving father to do? I bought her the first nine books at our friendly local independent book store tonight. I will try to hold back several for Christmas gifts but this may be challenging.
As far as I can tell (based on the first book and the covers and blurbs of the rest of the series), there are an equal number of female and male children who become Dragon Masters in this series. They all have distinct personalities and I think will each get featured in the different volumes, although the first character introduced here, Drake, remains the central figure of the series. This gender balance is important to me, and to my daughter, who is quick to point out when there is an overabumdance of males in an ensemble cast. Positive character traits are favored in this first book; caring, open-mindedness, and supportiveness come to mind.
There is a lot of foundational info to absorb in the initial chapters, but the reader is easily able to follow along with Drake on his voyage of discovery. A mysterious Dragon Stone somehow indicates to the royal wizard which children are or can become Dragon Masters; they are kidnapped (essentially true; Drake was literally plucked off his farm and taken to the castle with nary a word to his mother, such is the life of a serf) and taken to meet their dragon. Drake has to figure out how to communicate with his dragon and what it is capable of. All this is in service of their king, for purposes as yet unknown. The first book involves an enigmatic threat that provides the thread to the next book.
All in all, a winner of a series, based on this first entry, and based on its popularity it is clearly a portal to a healthy love of reading.
His reluctance, expressed as "hate," comes from not being able to read with ease. He has made a lot of improvement during this school year, though. There have been other promising moments too. It's been hard for me, as an ardent daily reader, and with his older sister taking to reading so naturally (we can hardly get her nose out of her book at mealtimes and bedtime), to remain patient and laid-back about the boy. We have read the entire Dragon Master series to him multiple times already and make regular gifts of the new titles as they are released. He has always liked the series, and it brings me such joy to see him choosing to take it up on his own with pride.
****************
This will sucker many kids into reading, in the best way! The second book in the series caught my eye on a to-be-shelved cart at my public library, and it looked highly appropriate to read aloud to my 4-year old boy; vivid illustrations on every page, short, and DRAGONS! Did I mention that there are dragons? Plus it looked like it would not be soul-sucking to read at bedtime. I went to the shelf to get the first volume to start with. Before I could introduce him to it at home, my 7-year old daughter picked it up off the counter and read the entire thing before dinner. She then stated that she wanted to go to the library the following weekend to get the rest of the books in the series (the first four volumes are shown inside the front cover and on the back cover; I will guess that these four were put out at once and based on consumer interest, more volumes were commissioned). I was slightly surprised that she loved it so much because I thought it would be too simple for her, as he has been reading more advanced early reader series of late, including Ivy & Bean and Dragonbreath, but what little girl doesn't love a good adventure? She said, too, "I looooooove dragons", clearly I have been doing my job of sharing my love of fantasy with my children. Did I mention that there are dragons?
In three days, she has read it multiple times and has had us (the parents) read it to her as well. We tried to get the next book from the library but it was closed due to a water main break in town (long story... or not, that's about it really). So what is a loving father to do? I bought her the first nine books at our friendly local independent book store tonight. I will try to hold back several for Christmas gifts but this may be challenging.
As far as I can tell (based on the first book and the covers and blurbs of the rest of the series), there are an equal number of female and male children who become Dragon Masters in this series. They all have distinct personalities and I think will each get featured in the different volumes, although the first character introduced here, Drake, remains the central figure of the series. This gender balance is important to me, and to my daughter, who is quick to point out when there is an overabumdance of males in an ensemble cast. Positive character traits are favored in this first book; caring, open-mindedness, and supportiveness come to mind.
There is a lot of foundational info to absorb in the initial chapters, but the reader is easily able to follow along with Drake on his voyage of discovery. A mysterious Dragon Stone somehow indicates to the royal wizard which children are or can become Dragon Masters; they are kidnapped (essentially true; Drake was literally plucked off his farm and taken to the castle with nary a word to his mother, such is the life of a serf) and taken to meet their dragon. Drake has to figure out how to communicate with his dragon and what it is capable of. All this is in service of their king, for purposes as yet unknown. The first book involves an enigmatic threat that provides the thread to the next book.
All in all, a winner of a series, based on this first entry, and based on its popularity it is clearly a portal to a healthy love of reading.
July 14, 2014
The concept of the series is fun, and Graham Howells' illustrations are wonderful. But I have some problems with the plot itself, to the extent that I'm not sure I'd want my own kids (if I had any) to read the series and absorb some of the messages presented in Rise of the Earth Dragon.
All in all, it just left a bit of a bad, creepy taste in my mouth. However, most kids in the target age group will probably find the plot intriguing and the pictures entertaining.
Note: I received a digital galley of this book through NetGalley.
All in all, it just left a bit of a bad, creepy taste in my mouth. However, most kids in the target age group will probably find the plot intriguing and the pictures entertaining.
Note: I received a digital galley of this book through NetGalley.
July 1, 2022
These books are SO popular with young readers and I guess that is what counts. I'm not the target audience but I found it a big yawn. There's little style to speak of in writing or illustrations and I felt like it was a Cliffs Notes rather than an actual book it moved at such a clip and jumped from one thing to another. My son liked it, and asked for the next book in the series, but he hasn't picked it up for a reread and now he's asking me if the next Kingdom of Wrenly book is out yet so I think he'd ultimately rather read those (me, too).
The mom in me did cringe at some of the content, and I see I'm not the only one. You can read Andréa's review to see what I mean: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The mom in me did cringe at some of the content, and I see I'm not the only one. You can read Andréa's review to see what I mean: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
March 30, 2016
If I was a 2nd grader, I would be all about this series.
July 3, 2021
This dragon adventure for young readers raises questions about authority, which makes it worth reading for kids. As for the story, it's the introduction of a series, so it's a bit light on action.
October 3, 2024
First “chapter book” my 6 year old has wanted me to finish reading to him. He’s hooked so I’m hooked.
January 31, 2015
This is a book on cusp of primary/intermediate (rated grades 1-3/5 and ages 7-10). It is a heavily illustrated chapter book. The chapters are short and would be easy for Jack to read independently.
I chose this book for Jack (gr. 2) because it connects well on more than one level: his love of dragons, fantasy and adventure, and also is closely related in theme to one of his favorite movies "How To Train Your Dragon." Part of my decision to select this book for Jack is that is the first book in a series of at least three more. Toward the end of this book, Drake just starts to connect with his dragon, Worm. There is a cliff hanger (of course) and it even had me wondering what upcoming adventures await Drake and his three fellow Dragon Masters and their dragons, too. Books as part of a series are always a great choice to keep even the most reluctant reader picking up another book.
My statement to Jack: "Jack, I know one of your favorite movies is "How To Train Your Dragon" and I think you would really love this book! It is about a boy close to your age who is chosen to become a dragon trainer. Why don't you give it a shot? And, if you like it, there are more books like it in the series."
I chose this book for Jack (gr. 2) because it connects well on more than one level: his love of dragons, fantasy and adventure, and also is closely related in theme to one of his favorite movies "How To Train Your Dragon." Part of my decision to select this book for Jack is that is the first book in a series of at least three more. Toward the end of this book, Drake just starts to connect with his dragon, Worm. There is a cliff hanger (of course) and it even had me wondering what upcoming adventures await Drake and his three fellow Dragon Masters and their dragons, too. Books as part of a series are always a great choice to keep even the most reluctant reader picking up another book.
My statement to Jack: "Jack, I know one of your favorite movies is "How To Train Your Dragon" and I think you would really love this book! It is about a boy close to your age who is chosen to become a dragon trainer. Why don't you give it a shot? And, if you like it, there are more books like it in the series."
December 13, 2022
Drake is taking from his home at the Kings orders. He is to become a Dragon Master and his dragon is a Earth dragon, Worm. Each master and his dragon is to build their connection but Drake and Worm have a instant super strong bond.
July 15, 2021
My son and I read this book together. It is our summer read. It’s a great story about dragon masters and dragons. They have to figure out what their powers are. We are looking forward to reading book 2.
November 3, 2021
I’m going to devour every single one of these. Look I know they’re for 6 year olds but it’s giving me the serotonin I need.
Very much How to Train Your Dragon vibes with the classic chosen farm boy trope. 10/10 content.
Very much How to Train Your Dragon vibes with the classic chosen farm boy trope. 10/10 content.
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July 10, 2021My kid really likes the Dragon Masters series. It's great for 1st-3rd graders.
September 27, 2019
خوب بود اون جوری بود که من دلم خواست بقیه شم بخوانم اما برای کسانی که تعداد کتاب محدودی می توانند بخرند پیشنهاد نمی کنم متن سنگینی ندارد و برای شروع خواندن خوب است ( منظورم اول دبستانی ها است )
اما به هر حال قشنگ بود
اما به هر حال قشنگ بود
April 4, 2022
While there isn't a ton of story in this first chapter book in the series, it does an excellent job of setting up a dangerous adventure for our heroes, making it a good bet for reluctant readers.
August 15, 2024
My boys loved this read aloud and begged me to read it every night before bed. Honestly so fun to finally be in chapter books with them. It was so cute to see them anticipate the next chapter when there was a cliff hanger 🥹
June 14, 2024
Audiobook was $0.76.
April 10, 2020
When your little brother asks you to give a synopsis of the book you are reading and all he heard was "dragon".
Then later he brings you his book and asks you to read it, because you might like it.
So you read it. 😄
Then later he brings you his book and asks you to read it, because you might like it.
So you read it. 😄
July 7, 2018
My son and I enjoy reading these books together. We started the series when he was 5 and he still enjoys this series now that he is 7.
April 15, 2019
Definitely a nice little start into fantasy and stories of dragons for little children just who are new/newer to chapter books.
For myself I'm reading this series aloud to my daughter.
For myself I'm reading this series aloud to my daughter.
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October 3, 2020Super cute. :)
May 22, 2021
It was a long book but I finished within a day and I enjoyed reading it 😊😊😊😃😊!!!!
October 27, 2023
My 5 year old is OBSESSED with this series. He is anxiously awaiting #25 (I think?) to get into our library system.
It is your typical content for a bridge book. Nothing super deep or inspiring. But it's about DRAGONS and MAGIC! :)
The foundation of the whole plotline might be off-putting for some: kids are taken away from their families to serve the King and work with these dragons to save the world. LOL. But I don't know if my son thought twice about that (maybe that's a whole other issue?).
*There is a gender neutral character with they/them pronouns in #22 Guarding the Invisible Dragons.
It is your typical content for a bridge book. Nothing super deep or inspiring. But it's about DRAGONS and MAGIC! :)
The foundation of the whole plotline might be off-putting for some: kids are taken away from their families to serve the King and work with these dragons to save the world. LOL. But I don't know if my son thought twice about that (maybe that's a whole other issue?).
*There is a gender neutral character with they/them pronouns in #22 Guarding the Invisible Dragons.
January 9, 2022
My 5 year old loved it!
Slightly suspenseful but it isn’t going to invoke worry in the little ones.
The characters are perfect for this age. Helpful for young children trying to understand that sometimes people are not friendly for no reason as one character shows this.
Mystery, dragons, magic, friendship and children living togther in a castle with no parents around. Oh yeah. We will probably finish this series quickly :)
Slightly suspenseful but it isn’t going to invoke worry in the little ones.
The characters are perfect for this age. Helpful for young children trying to understand that sometimes people are not friendly for no reason as one character shows this.
Mystery, dragons, magic, friendship and children living togther in a castle with no parents around. Oh yeah. We will probably finish this series quickly :)
February 17, 2025
Jackson (5 years old) rates this 4 stars: “I liked this book”
(Spoilers)
“My favorite part is when Drake’s Dragon Worm just stares at him. He stares at him a lot.
My favorite Character is Ana. I like how she looks.
I was very surprised when the stones in the tunnel exploded because of Worm’s power.
I did not like Rori because she was sneaky and I did not like the King, he is mean.”
(Spoilers)
“My favorite part is when Drake’s Dragon Worm just stares at him. He stares at him a lot.
My favorite Character is Ana. I like how she looks.
I was very surprised when the stones in the tunnel exploded because of Worm’s power.
I did not like Rori because she was sneaky and I did not like the King, he is mean.”
May 31, 2025
Meu filho de quase 7 anos está devorando essa saga e por isso resolvi falar aqui sobre ela.
Cada livro é super rapidinho e tem muito desenho (em preto e branco) o que ajuda muito pras crianças que estão começando a ler.
Meu pequeno ficou tão ansioso que acordou essa semana um dia de madrugada pra terminar o segundo livro. 😬
O livro tem uma linguagem fácil, sem xingamentos ou qualquer coisa inapropriada pra crianças. A história prende muito e é sobre um menino simples que vai se tornar um mestre de dragão. Tem como não gostar de um plot desses? Hehe
Tem um mago que faz magias legais e ensina os mestres dos dragões, tem outras crianças que se tornam amigas, tem aventura, tem dragões com poderes. Ahhh é muito divertido mesmo!
É muito legal ver a empolgação do meu filho descobrindo o mundo dos livros. Nunca vou cansar disso!
Ps. Ok, acabei de descobrir que lá fora tem 27 livros publicados dessa saga e aqui no Brasil só tem 6. 🤡 E eu achando que já tinha os 6 livros e tava tudo de boa. Tolinha!
Cada livro é super rapidinho e tem muito desenho (em preto e branco) o que ajuda muito pras crianças que estão começando a ler.
Meu pequeno ficou tão ansioso que acordou essa semana um dia de madrugada pra terminar o segundo livro. 😬
O livro tem uma linguagem fácil, sem xingamentos ou qualquer coisa inapropriada pra crianças. A história prende muito e é sobre um menino simples que vai se tornar um mestre de dragão. Tem como não gostar de um plot desses? Hehe
Tem um mago que faz magias legais e ensina os mestres dos dragões, tem outras crianças que se tornam amigas, tem aventura, tem dragões com poderes. Ahhh é muito divertido mesmo!
É muito legal ver a empolgação do meu filho descobrindo o mundo dos livros. Nunca vou cansar disso!
Ps. Ok, acabei de descobrir que lá fora tem 27 livros publicados dessa saga e aqui no Brasil só tem 6. 🤡 E eu achando que já tinha os 6 livros e tava tudo de boa. Tolinha!
June 9, 2021
Well, considering our son asked to trade in his bedtime song multiple nights to have an extra chapter instead, I would say this book was a definite winner. We are both very much looking forward to digging into the rest of the series! Be still my science fiction loving heart! 😍
November 9, 2018
Read with the girls, they give it 5 stars!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 888 reviews