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Dragonsong

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1976

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Book Brief

Anne McCaffrey

Dragonsong

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1976
Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Pern • Distant Future

Publication Year

1976

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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Super Short Summary

Dragonsong by Anne McCaffrey follows a young person named Menolly who discovers a passion for music in a society where women are discouraged from such pursuits. Menolly's journey includes finding acceptance and pursuing her dreams despite societal constraints. The story is set in the world of Pern, featuring fire-lizards and traditional harper roles.

Adventurous

Fantastical

Inspirational

Emotional

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Anne McCaffrey's Dragonsong has garnered praise for its immersive world-building and compelling heroine. Readers appreciate the lyrical prose and emotive storytelling. Critics note occasional predictability and wish for deeper character development. Nevertheless, the novel's imaginative spirit and engaging plot make it a beloved entry in the Pern series.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Dragonsong?

Fans of coming-of-age fantasy novels with strong, determined female protagonists will enjoy Dragonsong by Anne McCaffrey. Similar in appeal to Tamora Pierce's Alanna: The First Adventure and Robin McKinley's The Hero and the Crown, it combines a richly detailed world with themes of resilience and musical talent.

Character List

Menolly

A talented and creative 14-year-old girl who escapes her oppressive home environment and forges a new life among fire lizards, ultimately pursuing her musical passion.

Menolly's strict and traditionalist father, the Sea Holder of Half-Circle, whose rigid beliefs and oppressive tactics position him as a key obstacle to Menolly's goals.

Menolly's mother, who assigns her daughter difficult tasks and discourages her musical ambitions, believing it will protect her from her father’s wrath.

A young and charming musician who replaces Menolly’s mentor at Half-Circle Sea Hold, tasked with shifting the community's staid culture and assisting in the search for Petiron's apprentice.

Menolly's friend at Benden Weyr, a young girl about Menolly’s age with a caring nature who supports Menolly’s healing and acclimation to the Weyr.

The leader of all harpers on Pern, a kind and humble mentor who recognizes Menolly's musical talent and plays a crucial role in her journey to Harperhall.

Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Pern • Distant Future

Publication Year

1976

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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