Title: Spirits of the Sun (Diego’s Dragon Book 1)

Author: Kevin Gerard

Genre: Children’s Fantasy

Publication Date: October 1, 2011

About the Book 

(from Goodreads)

An eleven-year-old Latino boy wins a district-wide writing contest for sixth graders. When an author visits his school to award his prize, Diego Ramirez has no idea how much his life is about to change.Nathan Sullivan hands Diego his statue, a handsome, glistening black dragon. He shakes his hand and leaves him to his friends. The students crowd around Diego, asking for permission to hold it.After hearing the name Magnifico spoken aloud by family and friends, Diego awards it to his new dragon. If he only knew how fitting the name was, he might have known what lay ahead. Magnifico is the leader of the Sol Dragones, dragons that live within the magical fires of the sun. Nathan Sullivan is the earth’s connection to the mysterious creatures. It is his task to find Magnifico’s guide.As Magnifico comes to life he becomes quite mischievous, playing tricks on Diego to embarrass him. As he discovers his bloodline, however, Diego assumes greater control over his dragon and his destiny. In the climactic journey, he frees his people and suffers a terrible loss by guiding Magnifico to their goal.

 

My Review

I received a free ecopy of this book for an honest review.

Spirits of the Sun is the first book in the Diego’s Dragon series. It’s a fantasy about a boy who receives an award which is a dragon statue. The dragon, however, is alive!

I thought that Diego’s reaction to the dragon was realistic. So often, I’ve read books in which children or adults come across dragons and they’re not surprised or scared but Diego is terrified.

I wasn’t surprised when Diego lied to his parents. He’s 11 and what 11 year old isn’t going to lie to get out of trouble? I didn’t like that his dad just laughed it off or, later, said how disappointed his mother was going to be. What about him?

It was interesting to read about the food and some of the customs of Diego’s family as wells as a little of their history. The history blended well with the story and the purpose of the dragon, Magnifico, being there.

I believe middle school age children would enjoy this book, especially if they like fantasies.