THE HOUSE WITH A DRAGON IN IT

A young girl unleashes a wish-granting witch.

Fourth grader Summer has never had a key to the house where she lives—she knows that foster parents don’t trust her not to steal. She does have a best friend, Aishwarya, and her current foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. Pattinson, bought her the first brand-new school uniform she’s ever had. But one day, after she shouts “You’re not my dad!” at Mr. Pattinson, a sinkhole opens up in the living room. No one is sure what to do, so they carry on living with the giant hole—until the night when Summer hears a gravelly voice and discovers a dragon, surrounded by human skeletons, guarding a treasure in a cavern at the bottom. After she helps the dragon by pulling a sword from a stone, it gives her a bottle labeled “Contaynes one witch. DO NOT OPEN.” Breaking the wax seal and removing the cork, Summer releases the spirit of a witch, who grants her wishes—but they come at a price. Summer uses her wits and kindness to navigate the perilous events that follow. Summer’s characterization is authentically shaped by her childhood experiences: She retains fond memories of her mother (the reasons why they’re no longer together aren't specified) and at first holds the Pattinsons at a distance. Gravett’s charmingly expressive illustrations add to the worldbuilding of this well-paced story. The main characters present white.

An emotionally resonant and empathetic high-stakes adventure.