Best Middle Grade Dragon Books Under $20 (2026): 5 Picks Compared

A reader who has just finished one dragon adventure usually wants the next one right away, and the shelf of dragon stories can feel endless. This list of the best middle grade dragon books under 20 compares five dragon books by listed reading age, grade level, print length and series position.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Spark by Durst	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Book Two: Sky by Ehasz	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Rise of the Earth Dragon by West	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	City of Thieves by London	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Roar of the Thunder Dragon by West	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Spark by Durst

Sarah Beth Durst·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A shy girl bonds with a lightning beast and uncovers a hidden cost behind perfect weather.

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Pros

• Reading age 10 to 12 years stated.
• Grade level 5 to 7 stated.
• Print length of 320 pages.

Cons

• No series position is stated.
• The premise turns on defying authority.
• No illustrations or bonus material stated.

2

Book Two: Sky by Ehasz

Aaron Ehasz·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Callum, Ezran and Rayla carry a newly hatched dragon prince toward Xadia.

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Pros

• Second canon novel in the Dragon Prince series.
• Reading age 10 years and up stated.
• Print length of 320 pages.

Cons

• Book 2 of 3, so start earlier.
• War tensions and fiery battles described.
• Only this second book is covered.

3

Rise of the Earth Dragon by West

Tracey West·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

The first Dragon Masters early chapter book, about a young boy taken to a castle to train with dragons.

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Pros

• Early chapter book in the Branches line for newly independent readers
• Illustrations on every page, as the description says
• Grade level 1 to 3 and a reading age of 6 to 8 are both listed
• Book 1 of 33, so the series has many books to follow

Cons

• 96 pages is a short read compared with the longer picks here
• Reading age is marked from customers only
• The spec table's For Fans row describes a different series, Owl Diaries, which contradicts the title and description
• The series runs to 33 books, a long commitment

4

City of Thieves by London

Alex London·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A boy who failed his dragon rider exam rides a stolen dragon through kin battles.

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Pros

• Book 1 of 3, so it starts cleanly.
• Grade level 3 to 7 stated.
• A vivid city of cargo and battling dragons.

Cons

• Reading age marked as from customers.
• Criminal gangs and gang war described.
• 272 pages, shorter than the other picks.

5

Roar of the Thunder Dragon by West

Tracey West·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Book 8 of 33 about rescuing a kidnapped baby Lightning Dragon; for young chapter book readers.

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Pros

• The listing states 96 pages with illustrations on every page, per the Branches line.
• Listing gives grade level 1 to 3 and reading age 6 to 8 years, marked as from customers.
• Book 8 of 33 gives series fans a later adventure with familiar characters.

Cons

• Grade level 1 to 3 sits below the middle grade band; check fit for older readers.
• As Book 8 of 33, new readers may want to start with Book 1.
• This book also appears inside the eight-book Dragon Masters set on this list.

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Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 25 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level. Three listings give both a reading age and a grade level; the Dragon Masters listings state neither. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best middle grade dragon books under 20

Match the reading level to the reader

Spark lists 10 to 12 years and grade 5 to 7, while City of Thieves lists a customer-listed 8 to 11 years and grade 3 to 7. See our best middle grade dragon books.

Check the series position before buying

Book Two: Sky is Book 2 of 3, so new readers should start with the first book. Rise of the Earth Dragon is Book 1 of the Dragon Masters series; Roar of the Thunder Dragon is #8. See our fantasy books for middle grade.

Before you buy

• Check edition and date: Book Two: Sky, August 3, 2021; Spark, June 9, 2020; City of Thieves, October 4, 2022.
• Check series order: Book Two: Sky is Book 2 of 3; Rise of the Earth Dragon opens the Dragon Masters series.
• Check the reading age: City of Thieves gives an age marked as from customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should a reader start the Dragon Prince books?

Book Two: Sky is Book 2 of 3, so start with the first book.

What age are these dragon books for?

Book Two: Sky gives 10 years and up, Spark 10 to 12 years, and City of Thieves 8 to 11 years, marked as from customers.

Which book is the longest?

Book Two: Sky and Spark each list 320 pages, while City of Thieves lists 272 pages.

Still deciding? Our top pickSpark by Durst

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