Dragons in a Bag

I really enjoyed this book, but it’s just an introduction to a new series and an intriguing universe of magic. The story ended without any type of closure, and a lot of questions. I liked the characters, the depiction of magic, the writing was well done, but I’m disappointed that this did not feel like any part was a complete story. For being a short book, it could have been made twice as long and children would still have the stamina to read it, and it would have felt like more of a complete story than just an introduction. I hope I don't have to wait too long for the second one. It has so much great stuff, a diverse urban setting, talking animals, relatable children characters who are fascinated with learning and knowledge (especially of dinosaurs and geography), time travel, and multiple dimensions. I’m very hopeful for it to be a great series for children and will appeal to those from 2nd-4th grade for sure.

If you or someone you know is over eight-years-old, you need a copy of Zetta Elliott’s urban fantasy Dragons in a Bag!Dragons in a Bag introduces readers to Jaxon, a sweet and smart young boy with brown skin and unruly eyebrows. Jaxon’s father passed away and he lives alone with his mother who is estranged from her family. At the start of the book, the mother-son duo struggle to make ends meet and their landlord is trying to evict them. When Jaxon’s mother goes to court to fight the eviction, she drops her son off at the home of a woman she calls Ma. Jaxon reasonably assumes the surly woman is his grandmother, but family isn’t that straight forward in Dragons in a Bag – neither is anything else!Jaxon and Ma get off to a rough start, but his warm personality and keen intelligence soon win her over. The two spend their day sharing a fantastic fast-paced adventure, and Jaxon learns a lot about family, himself, and MAGIC!As it turns out, Ma is a witch and she is hosting dragons in her bag (hence the title). Ma and Jaxon travel through a gentrifying Brooklyn as well as more fantastical places in an attempt to safely deliver the dragons to their magical destination. Along the way, readers are introduced to many intriguing characters and ideas.Jaxon’s emotional maturity and self-awareness of his race and class position will prompt young readers to consider the affects of stereotypes. For instance, Jaxon is a geography wiz and when this surprises Ma he reflects: “People never expect a kid like me to know anything about anything. I’m used to it, but it still bothers me sometimes” (9). This, along with the author’s sustained engagement with social and economic issues affecting lower-income urban black and brown populations will engage older readers and help prompt meaningful classroom and/or family discussions.I am a huge fan of books that treat kids with dignity and respect, and Dragons in a Bag does this beautifully. It also provides readers with ways of thinking about the many forms family and community can take. All the characters work together and support each other creating a complex web of care.This book will make a wonderful addition to personal and classroom libraries. I recommend it for readers between 8 and 12, although, older readers, like myself, will surely delight in it too!Sequel, please!!Learn more about the author.

Jaxon is trying to be brave and helpful for his mother, who’s having a really bad day. Their landlord is trying to evict them, she has to be in court, and an old lady that Jaxon’s never met, who is supposedly his grandma, makes his momma beg. It’s not a great beginning, but Ma finally lets Jaxon in. It’s not quite the visit Jax was expecting: Ma is NOT his grandmother, a mysterious box is moving itself around, and the squirrel knocking on the window would like to have a word.Actually the squirrel would like Jax to feed whatever is in the box. Ma is a witch, dragon babies imprint on whoever feeds them, and sugar is not a good idea for dragon food. When Ma, impressed by Jax’s knowledge, love of books, and his desire to learn, recruits him to help her take the dragons to the world where they’ll be safe, things get complicated. He’s about to meet family he never knew he had, dragons his friend’s little sister should not have let out of the box, and some very hungry predators.Dragons in a Bag is a fun adventure story with a lot of good life lessons about the meaning of family, and the value friendship, bravery, perseverance, and more. There are also conversations starters for conservationism, environmentalism, imagination, open-mindedness, and forgiveness.Quite a fun romp. Highly recommended for children who love adventure, mysteries, magic, and mayhem. I hope this is a start to a series!I received this book as a digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from the publisher through NetGalley. My

I read this book aloud to my fifth graders, and we all thoroughly enjoyed the kickoff to this engaging urban fantasy series! Jax has no idea what is in store for him when his mother drops him off with Ma for a day. From an insistent squirrel to an invisible guide to that mysterious, moving box ... you'll be drawn into Jax's world and the promise that perhaps magic can make it back to New York after all.We can't wait for book two this fall!

Your browser does not support HTML5 video.  Absolutely love this book! Definitely a great book for young readers, boy readers, and children of color! It was our May book club read! Thank you Zetta Elliot for the series!

I read a chapter each night to my 6 year old son and he LOVED it. He couldn't wait to find out what happened. He was disappointed a bit at the ending though and wanted it to continue. But don't we all want that after we read a favorite book? Bravo on the cultural elements. It's great to see that in a well written kids adventure book. Sequel please!!

This is a great book and a good storyline I purchased this item for a boy in between the range of 6 and 8 he was really excited to have a book that necessarily did not have sports in it we love the fact that he enjoyed using his imagination in really connected with the book. It also allowed him to comprehend the storyline which is critical for children at that age

Such a wonderful story, with beautiful illustrations, great characters, dragons, and magic. What more could you want? I’m off to buy the next book now.

We're only a few chapters in and we're hooked. The writing is so great and the story is so compelling. My kiddos very easily convince me to read an extra chapter with this one *blush*