Dragonborn: Selected for Bookbuzz Secondary 2026

About this book

Alex’s twelfth birthday is off to a bad start. Since her dad’s death nothing has been the same and her mum’s strict rules leave her simmering with frustration. So, when a tall stranger shows up and starts talking about dragons who secretly live among us, Alex knows this can’t be good.  

What Alex doesn’t know is that her parents have been keeping secrets too. To uncover the truth about the past and the secret power inside her, Alex journeys to Skralla, the island of dragons. Skralla is a strange and dazzling new world where the parts of herself Alex hides away are suddenly celebrated; but danger lurks in the shadows. 

The fearsome dragon Drak Midna is preparing for war.  Can Alex use her newfound talents to save Skralla from his wrath? With help from her feisty new dragon friends Alex must finally face her greatest fear: her true self. 

This exhilarating fantasy adventure is full of pacy twists readers won’t see coming. Struan Murray’s vivid writing creates a richly magical setting for this innovative new take on the dragon adventure story. Dragonborn is a heartfelt coming-of-age novel filled with themes of friendship, courage, and finding the confidence to be yourself.