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Chronicles of Benjamin Dragon #1
Awakening
A bully thrown without a touch...
A girl saved from certain death...
A boy finds his gift...
Benjamin is smart, really smart. Without asking Benjamin, his parents move to a new town and put him two grades ahead of where he should be. Now a full head shorter than other kids in his new school, Benjamin is a perfect target for bullies. Is he destined to be an outcast once again?
Then strange things start happening. A bully brushed aside. A car diverted from smashing into a young girl. Is it coincidence or is Benjamin making them happen?
Follow Benjamin as he discovers his unique 'gift' while dealing with the complexities of junior high, friends, bullies, camp and strange visitors.
"Benjamin Dragon - Awakening" is Book 1 in The Chronicles of Benjamin Dragon
Appropriate for ages 9+
A girl saved from certain death...
A boy finds his gift...
Benjamin is smart, really smart. Without asking Benjamin, his parents move to a new town and put him two grades ahead of where he should be. Now a full head shorter than other kids in his new school, Benjamin is a perfect target for bullies. Is he destined to be an outcast once again?
Then strange things start happening. A bully brushed aside. A car diverted from smashing into a young girl. Is it coincidence or is Benjamin making them happen?
Follow Benjamin as he discovers his unique 'gift' while dealing with the complexities of junior high, friends, bullies, camp and strange visitors.
"Benjamin Dragon - Awakening" is Book 1 in The Chronicles of Benjamin Dragon
Appropriate for ages 9+
ebook
First published May 27, 2013
About the author
C.G. Cooper
87 books414 followersC. G. Cooper is the USA TODAY and AMAZON BESTSELLING author of the CORPS JUSTICE novels, several spinoffs and a growing number of stand-alone novels.
One of his novels, CHAIN OF COMMAND, won the 2020 James Webb Award presented by the Marine Heritage Foundation for its portrayal of the United States Marine Corps in fiction. Cooper doesn't chase awards, but this one was special.
Cooper grew up on a steady diet of Dungeons & Dragons and the travels of a Navy family.
Upon graduating from the University of Virginia with a degree in Foreign Affairs, Cooper was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps and went on to serve six years as an infantry officer. C. G. Cooper's final Marine duty station was in Nashville, Tennessee, where he fell in love with the laid-back lifestyle of Music City.
His first published novel, BACK TO WAR, came out of a desire to link back to his time in the Marine Corps. That novel, written as a side project, spawned many follow-on novels, several exciting spinoffs, and catapulted Cooper's career.
Cooper lives just south of Nashville with his wife, three children, and their German shorthaired pointer, Liberty, who's become a popular character in the Corps Justice novels.
One of his novels, CHAIN OF COMMAND, won the 2020 James Webb Award presented by the Marine Heritage Foundation for its portrayal of the United States Marine Corps in fiction. Cooper doesn't chase awards, but this one was special.
Cooper grew up on a steady diet of Dungeons & Dragons and the travels of a Navy family.
Upon graduating from the University of Virginia with a degree in Foreign Affairs, Cooper was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps and went on to serve six years as an infantry officer. C. G. Cooper's final Marine duty station was in Nashville, Tennessee, where he fell in love with the laid-back lifestyle of Music City.
His first published novel, BACK TO WAR, came out of a desire to link back to his time in the Marine Corps. That novel, written as a side project, spawned many follow-on novels, several exciting spinoffs, and catapulted Cooper's career.
Cooper lives just south of Nashville with his wife, three children, and their German shorthaired pointer, Liberty, who's become a popular character in the Corps Justice novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
June 22, 2017
Awakening (Chronicles of Benjamin Dragon, #1) by C.G. Cooper is an exciting middle age kids book. I am certainly far from being a middle age kid but I thoroughly enjoyed it. A kid with that is mentally gifted and has another special gift. Bullies, but one of those is resolved in an unusual way. Suspense, fun, a camp, strange people with strange gifts too, and great fantasy. It was a fun read that didn't speak down to the reader. Great read.
November 22, 2014
I was well into the Corps Justice series when I discovered that Carlos Cooper had written a book for young adults. Recently, my grandson had gotten me to read The One and Only Ivan and I accidently stumbled on The Dragon of Cripple Creek, I decided to give young Benjamin Dragon a shot. Now I have praised C.G. Cooper for the way he portrayed his characters in the Corps Justice books, drawing on his experience as a Marine and a leader. I must say that he has captured the essence of a 10-year-old boy perfectly. He has shown us an intelligent young man, on the cusp of adolescence, who suddenly discovered he has undreamed-of powers. Benjamin has to cope with very focused on success professional parents, being two grades ahead of his age group, peer pressure, bullies and worst of all...girls. Now he discovers he is part of a select few in the world who have a special power. Cooper weaves a wonderful tale, showing how the boy learns to cope with being "special" and also learns how to deal with the fact that power can be corrupting. This is a wonderful start to what I hope will be a long-running series.
July 10, 2016
Benjamin Dragon: Awakening (Chronicles of Benjamin Dragon Book 1)
Written by C.G. Cooper
Ten year old Benjamin Dragon is a very bright child who has already skipped two years in school. He is the son of Tanya and Timothy Dragon, a powerful lawyer and businessman. Their frequent moves plus Benjamin's small statue and last name provide fertile ground for bullies. On the first day of a new school Benjamin is bullied on the playground. Egging him on to fight, Nathan lies on the ground bloodied and injured. But Benjamin is puzzled because he never even touched the boy.
When his parents urge him to go to the hospital to apologize, Benjamin discovers that he and Nathan have a lot in common. They become good friends, but Nathan is just as puzzled about what happened. When Benjamin is at the scene of a close-call car crash, and the car swerves away to avoid hitting a young girl, Benjamin begins to suspect he had something to do with it. Weird things begin happening. Benjamin swears Nathan to secrecy.
A strange old man named Kennedy pays a visit to Benjamin and explains that there are certain special people in the world. Some have the gift of healing, some the gift of growing, and others the gift of destruction, which roughly translates to telekinesis. He informs Benjamin that he will be trained in his gifts.
Benjamin is scared, but he is elated that he will be attending Camp Walamalican with his friends Nathan and Aaron. There he meets another gifted one named Wally who is a healer. On the other hand, Benjamin will come face to face with a destructor who threatens to corrupt him and destroy people that he loves. Will Benjamin learn how to use his powers? How can he adjust to living a normal live, while coping with extraordinary power?
Recommended for a middle grade, young adult and adult audience. The characters and plot are well developed. Addresses lots of issues pre teens and teens face like bullying, fitting in with peers, being gifted, and getting along with parents. Look forward to more in the series.
Written by C.G. Cooper
Ten year old Benjamin Dragon is a very bright child who has already skipped two years in school. He is the son of Tanya and Timothy Dragon, a powerful lawyer and businessman. Their frequent moves plus Benjamin's small statue and last name provide fertile ground for bullies. On the first day of a new school Benjamin is bullied on the playground. Egging him on to fight, Nathan lies on the ground bloodied and injured. But Benjamin is puzzled because he never even touched the boy.
When his parents urge him to go to the hospital to apologize, Benjamin discovers that he and Nathan have a lot in common. They become good friends, but Nathan is just as puzzled about what happened. When Benjamin is at the scene of a close-call car crash, and the car swerves away to avoid hitting a young girl, Benjamin begins to suspect he had something to do with it. Weird things begin happening. Benjamin swears Nathan to secrecy.
A strange old man named Kennedy pays a visit to Benjamin and explains that there are certain special people in the world. Some have the gift of healing, some the gift of growing, and others the gift of destruction, which roughly translates to telekinesis. He informs Benjamin that he will be trained in his gifts.
Benjamin is scared, but he is elated that he will be attending Camp Walamalican with his friends Nathan and Aaron. There he meets another gifted one named Wally who is a healer. On the other hand, Benjamin will come face to face with a destructor who threatens to corrupt him and destroy people that he loves. Will Benjamin learn how to use his powers? How can he adjust to living a normal live, while coping with extraordinary power?
Recommended for a middle grade, young adult and adult audience. The characters and plot are well developed. Addresses lots of issues pre teens and teens face like bullying, fitting in with peers, being gifted, and getting along with parents. Look forward to more in the series.
November 26, 2017
Amazing!
After reading all of this authors' Corps Justice books, I don't really know what I expected in this series. What I found were his trademark excellently delineated characters, in a delightfully new environment. I am very much looking forward to exploring this series. Thank you, Mr. Cooper, for surprising me!
Lydia Erickson
After reading all of this authors' Corps Justice books, I don't really know what I expected in this series. What I found were his trademark excellently delineated characters, in a delightfully new environment. I am very much looking forward to exploring this series. Thank you, Mr. Cooper, for surprising me!
Lydia Erickson
November 27, 2017
I would love to have super powers !
Of course it is not so easy as the story goes. I had a cow tri valve to replace my worn out bi valve in my aorta. @80 I feel so much better. I want to say I have read many novels by C.G.Cooper. All of them keep me going.
Of course it is not so easy as the story goes. I had a cow tri valve to replace my worn out bi valve in my aorta. @80 I feel so much better. I want to say I have read many novels by C.G.Cooper. All of them keep me going.
November 17, 2016
Summary:
Little Benjamin Dragon has always been a special person. Whether it be having to change schools often, skipping two grade levels, having a lawyer mom and a businessman dad, or his lack of height, Benjamin can’t seem to stay out of the spotlight. With this spotlight comes bullying on varying levels. There’s the stares and snickers as he walk through the halls, and then there’s Nathan Pratt, the big kid. When getting ready to leave school one day, Benjamin is confronted by Nathan and made fun of for his size. The moment things start to get violent, something amazing happens. Benjamin is somehow able to throw Nathan several feet away without even touching him. This lands Benjamin in the principal's office and Nathan in the hospital. Miraculously, after their parents force them to apologize, the two boys become best friends.Although he’s happy to have made a friend, Benjamin can’t help but wonder how he pushed Nathan. Then one day after school, while the two are walking home, it happens again. By some crazy miracle, Benjamin saves a little girl, Emily, from being hit by a car. Even after everything that’s happened, Benjamin’s life still gets more hectic. Who is Old Man Kennedy and how does he know about Benjamin’s “powers”? And what’s this about having to go to summer camp? Camp Lake Whatwhatwhat?!
5 Higher level discussion questions:
Compare and contrast Benjamin and Nathan. What do you think made them become best friends?
What would you do if you had to keep a secret from everyone around you?
What would you have done about the boy that was kidnapped by the Mohawk Tribe?
How do you think Jacee Travane’s “accident” changed him?
If you had the chance to convince Jacee to change, what would you say to him?
APA citation:
Cooper, C.G. (2013). Awakening: Chronicles of Benjamin Dragon #1. New York, NY: Cooper
& Associates.
Little Benjamin Dragon has always been a special person. Whether it be having to change schools often, skipping two grade levels, having a lawyer mom and a businessman dad, or his lack of height, Benjamin can’t seem to stay out of the spotlight. With this spotlight comes bullying on varying levels. There’s the stares and snickers as he walk through the halls, and then there’s Nathan Pratt, the big kid. When getting ready to leave school one day, Benjamin is confronted by Nathan and made fun of for his size. The moment things start to get violent, something amazing happens. Benjamin is somehow able to throw Nathan several feet away without even touching him. This lands Benjamin in the principal's office and Nathan in the hospital. Miraculously, after their parents force them to apologize, the two boys become best friends.Although he’s happy to have made a friend, Benjamin can’t help but wonder how he pushed Nathan. Then one day after school, while the two are walking home, it happens again. By some crazy miracle, Benjamin saves a little girl, Emily, from being hit by a car. Even after everything that’s happened, Benjamin’s life still gets more hectic. Who is Old Man Kennedy and how does he know about Benjamin’s “powers”? And what’s this about having to go to summer camp? Camp Lake Whatwhatwhat?!
5 Higher level discussion questions:
Compare and contrast Benjamin and Nathan. What do you think made them become best friends?
What would you do if you had to keep a secret from everyone around you?
What would you have done about the boy that was kidnapped by the Mohawk Tribe?
How do you think Jacee Travane’s “accident” changed him?
If you had the chance to convince Jacee to change, what would you say to him?
APA citation:
Cooper, C.G. (2013). Awakening: Chronicles of Benjamin Dragon #1. New York, NY: Cooper
& Associates.
February 26, 2016
In a Nutshell | Quite an enjoyable read that nicely sets up the series. Love the cover too. Book 2 is called Legacy.
This is my first freebie from Bookbub. The name suggests Dragons, doesn't it? I will reveal that it does have Dragons, but I won't reveal the type.
The story follows, Ben, a young gifted ten year old adjusting to his latest move to a new school. He's likable, he's vulnerable, he's different, and he's gifted.
It's this gift that is the focus of the story as it explores the trials of his journey to determine his path in life. Young Ben has some big decisions to make. It's an engaging read and I did find myself reading it whenever I had the chance. (Make sure you keep an eye out for the Hagridy guy.)
Please drop by my website www.swlothian.com to see more of my reviews.
This is my first freebie from Bookbub. The name suggests Dragons, doesn't it? I will reveal that it does have Dragons, but I won't reveal the type.
The story follows, Ben, a young gifted ten year old adjusting to his latest move to a new school. He's likable, he's vulnerable, he's different, and he's gifted.
It's this gift that is the focus of the story as it explores the trials of his journey to determine his path in life. Young Ben has some big decisions to make. It's an engaging read and I did find myself reading it whenever I had the chance. (Make sure you keep an eye out for the Hagridy guy.)
Please drop by my website www.swlothian.com to see more of my reviews.
July 17, 2016
Benjamin Dragon is a 10-year-old boy with three strikes against him. He's small for his age. He was moved ahead two grades in school, which makes his stature even more noticeable. And, his mother is a high-powered lawyer on a career fast track that requires the family to move frequently. That means Benjamin doesn't get to put down roots and make close friends.
When we meet Benjamin he is being bullied again. But this time, when he puts his hand out to ward off the blow, he sends his attacker flying so hard he lands in the hospital with three broken ribs. That's when Benjamin discovers his secret power. From that moment on, this book is an exciting mix of discovery and boyish antics. It is the first in a series that's bound to appeal to first to fourth grade boys as Benjamin faces the dark side of his exhilarating power.
When we meet Benjamin he is being bullied again. But this time, when he puts his hand out to ward off the blow, he sends his attacker flying so hard he lands in the hospital with three broken ribs. That's when Benjamin discovers his secret power. From that moment on, this book is an exciting mix of discovery and boyish antics. It is the first in a series that's bound to appeal to first to fourth grade boys as Benjamin faces the dark side of his exhilarating power.
August 8, 2013
The type of read you cannot put down until you have reached the last page, great fun! Benjamin was a quiet and shy guy with lots of smarts, (he is two grades ahead of himself). It is not until he is confronted by a bully on the playground that he discovers something is radically different about him. Benjamin pushes the bully away from himself only to see him fly through the air and land ten feet away with several broken ribs. Benjamin has a secret power known as 'destructive', and this is the tale about how he discovers the power for good or evil and what he does with it.
August 17, 2017
Benjamin Dragon has it hard (even though he has an enviable life by most standards). He has high-powered, confident parents with influential careers. And sufficient intelligence to warrant skipping two grades at school. But for Benjamin, that adds up to the pressure of high expectations and being shorter and smaller than everyone in his class. He's ten when strange things begin to happen.
Bullying and best friends. Hermits and heroics. Camp and car crashes. Mentors and menacing offers. Cooper sets up a classic conflict: with great power comes great responsibility.
Bullying and best friends. Hermits and heroics. Camp and car crashes. Mentors and menacing offers. Cooper sets up a classic conflict: with great power comes great responsibility.
June 7, 2015
Enjoyable- I like to read about kids who are gifted in some way and how they handle it. This book has a message about bullying interwoven in the story. A good kid- worried about going bad- meets up with someone like him who seems to have everything but was letting his gifts lead him down a path of hero worship. Benjamin can see through it-and discovers he has extra powers- I enjoyed it enough to look for the next book.
June 7, 2016
A great paranormal story
A big change after the military stories. It took awhile for the paradigm shift in my mind to jell. Young Benjamin learns he has special paranormal powers. Then he finds he has a mentor. He also has someone else who wants to negatively influence him. Then the forces of good and evil fight to draw him to one of their sides. You're going to have to read for yourself to learn of the surprising ending.
A big change after the military stories. It took awhile for the paradigm shift in my mind to jell. Young Benjamin learns he has special paranormal powers. Then he finds he has a mentor. He also has someone else who wants to negatively influence him. Then the forces of good and evil fight to draw him to one of their sides. You're going to have to read for yourself to learn of the surprising ending.
October 2, 2017
Wow
C. G. Cooper is a very good writer. One who always keeps me reading just to find out what happens next. But this story is one of the best ever. Especially about a young person growing into special talent. Don't want to do any spoilers, so I will just say "I would have gotten more sleep if only I could have put the book down and turned out the lights.
C. G. Cooper is a very good writer. One who always keeps me reading just to find out what happens next. But this story is one of the best ever. Especially about a young person growing into special talent. Don't want to do any spoilers, so I will just say "I would have gotten more sleep if only I could have put the book down and turned out the lights.
October 5, 2017
Short and sweet
A nicely written tale of pre adolescent confusion and growth. There is a magical component, but it does not dominate - it is a key to Ben's growth. The ending is a little too pat, but the book's sweetness prevails. I used to teach a course in Children's Literature - I would have definitely included Awakening. Very much recommended.
A nicely written tale of pre adolescent confusion and growth. There is a magical component, but it does not dominate - it is a key to Ben's growth. The ending is a little too pat, but the book's sweetness prevails. I used to teach a course in Children's Literature - I would have definitely included Awakening. Very much recommended.
June 7, 2013
I got this book to review and fell in love with it. It is for young readers age 9+ but also thoroughly entertained this old granny. Looking forward for the next installment and recommending it to all the young readers I know.
January 3, 2014
Ok, so i suppose that this book has a very specific target, which is nerdy outcast boys between 10 to 11 years old. Oh, and they have to be american.
I don't fall in any of those categories, so probably that's why most of the good in the book leaves me quite untouched.
I don't fall in any of those categories, so probably that's why most of the good in the book leaves me quite untouched.
January 6, 2014
Loved it
This is about a young shy ten year old boy has just moved... again. He is super smart and unusual things start happening to him. I love the unique take on powers and responsibilities and that the author gives the young characters such smart personalities.
This is about a young shy ten year old boy has just moved... again. He is super smart and unusual things start happening to him. I love the unique take on powers and responsibilities and that the author gives the young characters such smart personalities.
August 11, 2015
A fantastic story of good vs evil.
I wasn't sure that I would finish this story once I began since I wasn't a fan of sci-fi or other such works but I soon realized that I couldn't put the story down & I am looking forward to the next Dragon book.
I wasn't sure that I would finish this story once I began since I wasn't a fan of sci-fi or other such works but I soon realized that I couldn't put the story down & I am looking forward to the next Dragon book.
January 24, 2016
Fantastic coming of age fantasy story.
Fantastic coming of age fantasy story. I enjoyed the story and how it deals with bullies. Good character development. Good contrast in story line.
Fantastic coming of age fantasy story. I enjoyed the story and how it deals with bullies. Good character development. Good contrast in story line.
February 26, 2016
Enjoyable Read
Enjoyed this book very much. Great read for middle school. Even we older folks can enjoy it, although the writing is often much more fitted to the younger reader. Definitely recommended for a good guys bad guys story.
Enjoyed this book very much. Great read for middle school. Even we older folks can enjoy it, although the writing is often much more fitted to the younger reader. Definitely recommended for a good guys bad guys story.
August 1, 2016
Great Read
I was very surprised that I e joyed Coopers Ben Dragon.I am not a sic fi person. Thank you for some unexpected relaxed reading. I have enjoyed Coopers writing and gave this a try because of him.
I was very surprised that I e joyed Coopers Ben Dragon.I am not a sic fi person. Thank you for some unexpected relaxed reading. I have enjoyed Coopers writing and gave this a try because of him.
December 16, 2016
Super Heroes in my backyard l
I can only say "'What took you so long!
This is a concept I have played with in my head for years and now someone has put it on paper. I look forward to seeing the next book my this series with bated breaths.
I can only say "'What took you so long!
This is a concept I have played with in my head for years and now someone has put it on paper. I look forward to seeing the next book my this series with bated breaths.
February 6, 2017
Wow, cool!
I read this to my son, who loved it and wanted to rate it five stars. I chose 4 due to having to censor a couple parts and having to get around editing errors. Overall, we loved the balance of a descriptive, peaceful, idyllic life mixed with supernatural adventure.
I read this to my son, who loved it and wanted to rate it five stars. I chose 4 due to having to censor a couple parts and having to get around editing errors. Overall, we loved the balance of a descriptive, peaceful, idyllic life mixed with supernatural adventure.
February 24, 2017
Wow
This is a very good story. The characters are well developed and the plot is interesting. The one thing that bothered me was (spoiler alert) the reference to one 'gifted' two thousand years ago. Not correct!
This is a very good story. The characters are well developed and the plot is interesting. The one thing that bothered me was (spoiler alert) the reference to one 'gifted' two thousand years ago. Not correct!
March 31, 2017
Good Story!
Good Story about a young boy with special powers. I don't know if I'll continue reading the series, because I think I'm a little to old. But I highly recommend this to a young adult or even younger.
Good Story about a young boy with special powers. I don't know if I'll continue reading the series, because I think I'm a little to old. But I highly recommend this to a young adult or even younger.
September 13, 2017
Benjamin Dragon
Very entertaining, start to finish. Hopefully there will be a sequel. Even though this story tends to be geared to the younger generation, I found it quite interesting.
Very entertaining, start to finish. Hopefully there will be a sequel. Even though this story tends to be geared to the younger generation, I found it quite interesting.
February 29, 2016
It had an interesting premise and started out well, but then.... I wanted to like this more.
May 1, 2016
A bit predictable, even for children. It was fun to read, however.
July 10, 2016
very good, look forward to reading more
September 12, 2016
A most entertaining story about fantastic powers in a world desperate for heros and young people growing to become amazing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews