Anya and the Dragon

July 15, 2019
In this charming historical fantasy set in an alternate 10th-century Kievan Rus’, an 11-year-old Jewish girl seeks to save her family home from repossession by finding a fabled river dragon and collecting the czar’s reward. Told to keep to herself, Anya will do whatever it takes to raise the necessary funds—even teaming up with Ivan Ivanovich and his family, a clan permitted to weave fool magic despite a general magical ban—who have recently come to the tiny, magic-infused village of Zmeyreka. But they aren’t the only ones on the hunt: a cruel Viking warrior named Sigurd will stop at nothing to claim the prize first. To Anya and Ivan’s surprise, the dragon turns out to be benevolent and in need of protection from its new friends. With this clever, fast-paced debut, Pasternack draws upon the myth and folklore of Kievan Rus’ to deliver a delightful tale filled with supernatural creatures, including house and water spirits. Everyday details—baking bread, stirring potions, preparing for Shabbat—are as well drawn as folkloric elements, coalescing in a tale that never loses its sense of fun or wonder. Ages 10–12. Agent: Rena Rossner, the Deborah Harris Agency.

Recognized as a 2020 Honor Book by the American Library Association, this culturally infused audiobook is a great listen for both middle-grade listeners and their parents. Set in Eastern Europe during the tenth century, it focuses on Anya, a brave yet humble girl who takes on the task of capturing the last dragon to save her family's livelihood. Narrator Laura Knight Keating seamlessly delivers this timeless tale in calm tones, highlighting Anya as a kind, relatable character. Author Sofiya Pasternack incorporates a lot of fun and excitement but also isn't afraid to tackle some deeper issues, such as the oppression Anya's Jewish family faces in their small village. These great dynamics make this the perfect audiobook choice for the whole family. N.H. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine