Dragon Slippers (Dragon Slippers, #1)

Reach for this book when your child is starting to push back against the boxes others have built for them, or if they are feeling the weight of family pressure to be something they are not. Creel is a refreshing protagonist who, when faced with being a pawn in her family's scheme to marry her off to a knight, decides to negotiate her own fate instead. It is a story about finding your own worth in your skills and your character rather than your status or appearance. While the setting is a classic fantasy world filled with dragons and magic, the emotional core focuses on self-reliance, the dignity of work, and the importance of choosing your own friends. It is a sophisticated but accessible read for the 8 to 12 age range, offering a strong model of a girl who uses her wits and her unique talent for embroidery to navigate a world of political intrigue and ancient secrets. It turns traditional fairy tale tropes on their head to show that bravery comes in many forms.