Empowering Bright & Gifted Children

 

Author: Carole Wilkinson

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

 

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.

 

This is the first book in a series of 3 books. A list of the additional books in the series is under the "Learn More" tab.

 

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.”

 

 

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

 

 

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.

 

 

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.