Dealing with Dragons

Reach for this book when your child feels boxed in by social expectations or is being told their interests are unladylike or weird. It is a perfect choice for the independent thinker who prefers logic and skill over performing traditional roles. Princess Cimorene is a delightfully practical protagonist who, bored by etiquette lessons and an arranged marriage, runs away to become a dragon's librarian and housekeeper. The story is a humorous, subversive take on fairy tales that champions self-agency and intellectual curiosity. It celebrates the idea that you do not have to wait for someone to rescue you: you can rescue yourself, even if your methods (like using soapy water on wizards) are unconventional. It is a lighthearted yet empowering read for the 8 to 12 age range, offering a roadmap for finding where you truly belong.