A parent might reach for this book when their child feels like an outsider in their own friend group or family, or is questioning where they belong. The third book in the Wings of Fire series, The Hidden Kingdom, follows Glory, a RainWing dragon who has never met her own kind. When she and her friends travel to the rainforest, she discovers her tribe is in danger. Glory must step up, using the very intelligence and courage that make her different, to solve a dark mystery and save them. This story powerfully explores themes of identity, leadership, and finding strength in being underestimated. It's a thrilling fantasy adventure that models how empathy and cleverness can be the most powerful leadership tools of all.
Deals with themes of being an outcast, feeling unwanted, and the suffering of imprisoned characters.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with themes of prejudice and being stereotyped, as Glory fights against the low expectations others have for her tribe. The resolution is hopeful, as she proves everyone wrong. It also contains the direct, though not graphically detailed, depiction of dragons being held captive and experimented on by a villain. The tone is secular and the resolution involves freeing the captives and bringing the villain to justice.
Ideal Reader
An 8-12 year old child who feels overlooked, stereotyped, or like they don't quite fit in. It's perfect for a reader who is quiet or observant and struggles to make their voice heard, as it provides a powerful model for leading with intelligence and empathy rather than brute force. It's also excellent for any child who loves a good fantasy mystery.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware of the scenes involving the captured dragons (Chapters 18-22). The concept of being trapped in a lab and experimented on, even in a fantasy context, might be upsetting for more sensitive readers. The book can be read cold, but a brief, non-spoilery conversation about facing scary situations might be helpful. A parent hears their child say, "Nobody listens to me," or "My friends are all good at [activity], but I'm not," or expresses frustration that people make assumptions about them. The child feels underestimated or misunderstood.
Age Experience
Younger readers (8-9) will latch onto the exciting mystery, the cool dragon powers (color-changing scales, venom), and the adventure. Older readers (10-12) will connect more deeply with the nuanced themes of identity, the critique of ineffective leadership, and Glory's complex internal journey of self-acceptance and finding her own style of leadership.
What Makes It Special
While many books feature an outsider protagonist, this one's uniqueness lies in its approach to leadership. Glory does not win by conforming or by fulfilling a prophecy in a straightforward way. Instead, she uses her outsider's perspective, her intellect, and her compassion to challenge and fundamentally change her entire society for the better. It is a story about competence, not just destiny.
Read plot summary
Glory, a RainWing dragonet raised among other dragon tribes, feels like an outcast and is constantly underestimated. She and her friends, the Dragonets of Destiny, travel to the hidden RainWing kingdom to find her home. They discover a society of seemingly lazy, unconcerned dragons whose tribe members have been mysteriously disappearing. Glory must use her sharp mind and hidden abilities to uncover the terrible secret behind the vanishings, challenge the ineffective queens for leadership, and redefine what it means to be a RainWing.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Glory is constantly underestimated because she is a RainWing. Have you ever felt like someone judged you before they got to know you? How did it make you feel?
2
The RainWing queens were not good leaders. What qualities do you think make a good leader? Compare Queen Grandeur's style to Glory's when she challenges for the throne.
3
Glory had to make a very difficult choice about how to use her deadly venom against another dragon. Do you think she made the right choice? Why or why not?
4
At the start, Glory didn't feel like a 'real' RainWing. By the end of the book, what does it mean to be a RainWing? Did Glory change, or did the definition of a RainWing change?
