Dragonhaven

In Robin McKinley's "Dragonhaven," readers are transported to Smokehill National Park, a unique preserve for the last remaining dragons. Young Jake Mendoza, son of the park's director, embarks on his first solo trek only to discover a dying mother dragon and her miraculously surviving baby. This discovery plunges Jake into a complex ethical dilemma, as saving the dragonlet is illegal and could jeopardize the entire preserve, which already faces intense political scrutiny. The novel explores themes of conservation, prejudice, and the profound bond between humans and animals, all while chronicling Jake's personal growth from child to young adult as he secretly raises the dragon. It's a thoughtful, immersive read for young adults interested in fantasy, environmentalism, and coming-of-age stories.