Empowering Bright & Gifted Children

 

Author: Carole Wilkinson

Interest Level: Middle Grades (4-8)
ATOS Reading Levels: 5.2-5.4
AR Points: 11.0-12.0
Publisher Recommended Age: 10+
Publisher: HarperCollins/Hyperion
Book Type: 3 Book Set includes 2 paperback and 1 hardcover book

 

 

In the far western mountains of the Han Empire in ancient China, an aging dragon and a young slave girl are both used and neglected by the cruel Master Lan. After one of the Imperial Dragons suddenly dies the slave girl finds herself coming to the aid of the last dragon.

 

The two escape, but when the emperor finds out that one of his dragons is dead, Master Lan blames it on her and she finds herself chased by the imperial guards who believe she is a Dragon Hunter, determined to kill the dragon and take the dragon's stone. The dragon tells the slave girl her true name: Ping (meaning duckweed). Ping discovers her destiny as Dragon Keeper.

 

The trilogy continues the story of Ping as she cares for Danzi, the aged dragon, and Kai, a baby dragon. Ping's journeys across China, within the Imperial Palace, and to the far reaches of the Empire as she follows clues, demonstrates wisdom and courage, and searches for a safe haven. Ping learns many things that will in time, help her with her struggles.

 

 

 

In the time of the Han Dynasty in ancient China, the last remaining dragon is in danger of being killed by the cruel emperor. A nameless orphan with no past and an uncertain future becomes his unlikely ally. The young orphan soon discovers that it is her destiny to protect the aging dragon and his mysterious purple stone. Chased by an evil dragon hunter and a powerful sorcerer, the pair embark on a dangerous adventure.

 

Each must learn to help and understand the other if they are to survive. To succeed in her task, the young orphan must reach deep within herself to find courage she never knew existed. No longer can she be timid and shy. She is now the Dragon Keeper.

 

School Library Journal: "...the dramatic plot and competently crafted writing make this a good choice for voracious readers of fantasy..." Grades 5-9.

 

VOYA: “This soundly written fantasy will appeal to upper elementary, middle school, and junior high girls. The ending promises a sequel that will surely be anticipated by readers of the first.”

 

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books: “Ping’s growth from single-minded slave to self-sacrificing friend will resonate with fantasy readers.”

 

 

In the time of the Han Dynasty in ancient China, a young orphan struggles to fulfill her destiny. Ping has survived her days as a slave at Huangling Palace, but new challenges await her in the desolate mountains of Tai Shan. The aged dragon Danzi is gone, and now it is up to Ping to take care of the baby dragon, Kai. She does her best, but food is scarce, and she must be constantly on the lookout for her enemies.

 

Things seem to get better when fate leads her back to the Imperial Palace, to the Garden of the Purple Dragon. Yet even within these hallowed walls, Ping and Kai are not as safe as they believe.

 

This story of adventure, action, friendship, and loyalty will have readers cheering for Ping and the young dragon as they embark on their journey of faith and courage.

 

ALA Booklist: "This sequel...is as exciting as its predecessor, and once again the tightly bonded relationship between girl and dragon forms the story's appealing heart."

 

School Library Journal: "Ping is an appealingly feisty heroine, and the author paints a vivid picture of life in the Imperial Ming Yang Lodge."

 

 

In the time of the Han Dynasty in ancient China, a young orphan prepares for a difficult journey. Ping has grown to become a skilled Dragon Keeper, but her greatest challenge is yet to come. After rescuing the baby dragon, Kai, from the evil Emperor, she brings him to a safe haven near the border of the Empire.

 

Now, as Kai grows into a restless young dragon, Ping faces a tough decision. She must find a way to take Kai to the ancient haven of the dragons. Following cryptic clues left by the wise dragon, Danzi, Ping and Kai set off on a long and dangerous journey filled with old friends and new enemies. But the biggest surprise awaits them at the end of their travels, when Ping quickly learns that the hardest part of being a Dragon Keeper may be realizing when it's time to let go.

 

With this story of tender friendships and heroic adventure, Carole Wilkinson brings her epic trilogy about dragons in ancient China to a thrilling and satisfying end.

 

School Library Journal: "The story, set during the Han dynasty, offers an unusual combination of fantasy and ancient Chinese culture in which the dragons have extraordinary lives that not only affect Ping, but all of China as well."

 

Kirkus Reviews: "Ping’s loyalty, intelligence and tenacity make her an admirable character, and dracophiles will enjoy watching the puppylike Kai at least begin (dragons are very long-lived) to come into his own."

 

 

Book Group Guide: Click here for Teachers Notes written by the author for "Dragon Keeper" (Carole Wilkinson)

 

 

Carole Wilkinson (born 1950, Derby, England) is an award-winning Australian writer, best known for Dragon Keeper (2003).

 

Wilkinson's family emigrated to Australia when she was 12 in 1963. Up to the age of 30 she worked as a laboratory assistant until she decided on a change of career. To help her achieve her goal she studied at a tertiary level. During her time at University she showed some of her writing to a friend who worked in the publishing industry. This sample led to a commission to write her first novel for teenagers.

 

Since that time she has gone on to write numerous books for educational and trade publishers in Australia. She has also written episodes for children's television production. Wilkinson's daughter, Lili Wilkinson, also writes for Young Adults.