Kitty Hawk has always wanted to fly. Kitty and her brother have grown up around planes as their father is an aeronautical engineer. They have grown up surrounded by the news of early plane flight, and Kitty wants even more for herself.

A family friend and pilot has opened the very first flying school in Britain, and Kitty pleads with him and her father to be able to learn to fly. But alas, she is told it is much safer for children on the ground.

Her brother Harris likes a different kind of flight – Dragons! Harris knows all there is to know about dragons, but he knows that they are just mythical creatures. Or are they?

One day, as Kitty is full of disappointment at not being allowed to learn, she and Harris find something. It’s a very large egg. Hiding it, they soon discover no bird laid this egg. It’s a baby dragon! As it grows in its hiding place, there is much excitement around them and the airfield they live in. A flying race has been announced from London to Manchester. Kitty’s mind is racing too. She just might have a way to be able to enter that race!

Based on a real flying race from London to Manchester in the UK in 1910, Dragonracers adds the magical element of a dragon! Although set in the early 20th century, the theme of Dragonracers is just as relevant today. If you have a dream, stick at it, keep working towards it, and if an opportunity arrives that will help – grab it! Unfortunately Dragons don’t come along that often, so keep an eye out for other ways to achieve your goal.

At 107 pages and sprinkled with illustrations, this novel for Dyslexic or Reluctant readers is a fun read. There is magic, action, siblings working together and a little bit of rebellion as they take to the skies in front of their Dad.

Author – Peter Bunzl

Illustrator – Lia Visirin

Dyslexic Read – Reading Age 8 – Interest Age 9+

Read the 1st Chapter here

Find more Book Reviews for Dyslexic/Reluctant Readers here

(2023, Barrington Stoke, Dyslexic, Dyslexia, Reluctant Readers, Historical Event, 1910, Flying Race, Achieving your Dreams, Having a Goal, Siblings, Dragon, Action, Fantasy, Mythical Creature, Adventure, Family, Secret)