Dark Fire (The Last Dragon Chronicles, #5)

Reach for this book when your middle-grade reader is beginning to grapple with the ethics of 'the greater good' or when they are facing a difficult transition that requires letting go of something they love. It is a sophisticated choice for children who feel a deep, almost protective bond with their pets or belongings, as it explores whether one small life can truly be sacrificed to save a world. The story follows David Rain as he attempts to stop a cosmic threat called Dark Fire, with the heart-wrenching twist that success might cost him his loyal clay dragon. While it is the fifth book in a dense series, its exploration of loyalty and self-sacrifice is profoundly resonant. It deals with complex themes of paranormal forces and destiny, making it ideal for 9 to 14-year-olds who enjoy high-stakes fantasy but are ready for more nuanced emotional consequences than a typical adventure story.