How to Train Your Dragon read-alikes to captivate young readers
With the live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon hitting theaters, now is the perfect time to take advantage of its big screen buzz and refresh your school or district’s digital collection with read-alike adventures sure to cast a spell over your student readers this summer.
Whether your kids have followed Hiccup and Toothless through the original film trilogy (or the Cressida Cowell-authored book series it was based on), or they’re soaring over Berk for the first time, this curated collection of read-alikes offers a golden opportunity to introduce them to similarly epic stories.
🐉 Top How to Train Your Dragon read-alikes for aspiring dragon-riders
These read-alikes include mythical creatures and courageous young heroes great for sparking imagination, building reading stamina, and supporting independent summer reading goals in your elementary and middle-grade readers!
1. The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T. Sutherland
The first in the Wings of Fire series, this epic fantasy follows five dragonets destined to end a generational war. A must-have for fans of dragon lore and high-stakes adventure.
2. Dad Rock Dragon Quest by Joan Reardon
“A girl’s awkward road trip with her dad and her mom’s new boyfriend turns into to an epic quest to rescue a dragon from poachers in this “fast-paced, exuberant, and genuine adventure” – Publisher’s Weekly (starred review)
This quirky, heartwarming fantasy perfectly blends humor and heroism – great for readers seeking classic dragon tales with a modern twist.
3. Night of the Dream Dragon by Tracey West, illustrated by Matt Loveridge
The most recent installment of the New York Times-bestselling Dragon Masters universe is an accessible, vividly illustrated fantasy for newly independent readers who are itching to dive into their first magical quest.
4. Infinity’s Secret by Katie Tsang & Kevin Tsang
In this first installment of the Dragon Force series (described as “How to Train Your Dragon meets Skandar and the Unicorn Thief”), your middle grade readers will enjoy the fast-paced adventures of Camp Claw, a summer camp for future dragon riders. Throw in some action, friendship, sibling struggles, and a few magical secrets, and you might have a hard time getting students to leave for their real world summer camps!
5. The Last Dragon on Mars by Scott Reintgen
The first book in the Dragonships series is a genre-bending blend of sci-fi and fantasy that takes dragons to space. Your readers will love its thrilling plot antics and futuristic setting.
6. Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell, illustrated by Ashley Mackenzie
This #1 New York Times bestselling installment of the Impossible Creatures series is a beautifully written fantasy that was named a Wall Street Journal Best Children’s Book of 2024 and a Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus Reviews and Shelf Awareness Best Book of the Year. Filled with mythical beasts and lyrical prose, Impossible Creatures is great for more advanced readers who enjoy the trappings of classic fantasy adventure, brought to life by 60+ illustrations.
7. The Menagerie by Tui T. Sutherland & Kari H. Sutherland
“Full to bursting with animated fantasy creatures, this delightful story begs to be read aloud. Animal lovers will eagerly anticipate more Logan and Zoe adventures.” – Booklist
A magical zoo of mythical creatures, a mystery to solve, and a trio of curious kids makes this series is a hit, especially for fans of magical realism.
8. The School Between Winter and Fairyland by Heather Fawcett
This whimsical middle grade boarding school fantasy features rich world-building, plus a fresh spin on the well-loved Chosen One trope that will keep your readers riveted until the very end.
9. The Awakening Storm: A Graphic Novel by Jaimal Yogis & Vivian Truong
A visually stunning graphic novel set against the backdrop of a boarding school in Hong Kong, The Awakening Storm starts with the gift of a dragon egg and unravels into the story of a mysterious past and a powerful destiny. Great for visual learners and reluctant readers alike!
10. Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliott, illustrated by Geneva B
AN ALA-ALSC NOTABLE CHILDREN’S BOOK (2018)
AN NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR (2018)
A CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR (2018)
A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR (2018)
This magical urban fantasy takes readers on a winding adventure through Brooklyn, following a boy and his friends as they search for the baby dragons they accidentally let loose in the borough! Dragons in a Bag (first in a series) is great for younger readers and classrooms focused on inclusive storytelling.
11. Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke
A #1 New York Times bestselling modern classic, this dragon adventure has timeless appeal. When lonely protagonist Ben joins young dragon Firedrake on a magical journey to find a mythical dragon sanctuary, they just might both find the true meaning of home.
🛒 Add How to Train Your Dragon read-alikes now in OverDrive Marketplace!
Capitalize on the How to Train Your Dragon buzz – browse and shop all the titles shown here in Marketplace via the curated collection linked below.