Kindred Dragons (Kindred Dragons #1)

Mensinga (Everyone Belongs) merges the contemplative tone of Anne of Green Gables with the wonder and stakes of accessible high fantasy in this warm solo debut. Strong-willed and creative young Alice, depicted with pale skin, has been sent by her parents to live with her austere grandmother on Prince Edward Island. Longing for connection and captivated by stories about dragons, Alice is delighted when—while exploring the nearby forest—she encounters an old, reclusive dragon named Brim. When Brim falls ill, Alice undertakes a solitary quest to save him, along the way uncovering more about her own unusual magical abilities that sets her apart from other Kindreds, humans able to telepathically communicate with dragons. Dynamic paneling imparts a cinematic atmosphere; soft line art and sprightly color palettes render evocative landscapes; and detailed character design subtly complements the graphic novel’s emotionally resonant themes of identity, family, and courage. The story’s relationships, particularly between Alice and her grandmother, are layered and, combined with grounded fantasy elements, result in a relatable, human story of loss, maturity, and self-discovery—a solid first entry to a promising new series. Ages 10–13. Agent: Mark Gottlieb, Trident Media Group. (Oct.)