The Black Dragon

From the Series Mysterium

  • Interest Level: Grade 4 - Grade 8
  • Reading Level: Grade 4

Twelve-year-old Danny Woo had an unusual childhood. His parents were the star performers in the Mysterium circus—and they taught Danny plenty of tricks. But his parents’ skills couldn’t save them from dying in a suspicious fire. Now Danny and his aunt Laura, a journalist, are heading to Hong Kong so Laura can research the dangerous gang called the Black Dragon. Almost immediately, she’s kidnapped and Danny realizes that the gang may be connected to his family’s past. With the help of an old friend, Danny tries to free his aunt, and he uses every trick he knows to face off against the international criminal network that might be responsible for his parents’ deaths.

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978-1-5415-1489-8
$9.99
978-1-5124-0847-8
$23.99
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Interest Level Grade 4 - Grade 8
Reading Level Grade 4
Copyright 2016
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Carolrhoda Books ®
Language English
Number of Pages 352
Publication Date 2016-03-01
Reading Counts! Level 4.4
Text Type Fiction—Action/Adventure
BISACS JUV001000, JUV067000, JUV031010
Dewey [Fic]
Dimensions 5.125 x 7.5
Lexile 710
Guided Reading Level Y
ATOS Reading Level 4.9
Accelerated Reader® Quiz 178916
Accelerated Reader® Points 9.0
Features Author/Illustrator biography and Reviewed

Author: Julian Sedgwick

Julian Sedgwick lives in England with his wife and two sons. Julian's lifelong interest in the arts and culture of China and Japan has influenced much of his work, as has his fascination with performance, street art, and circus.

Illustrator: Patricia Moffett

Patricia Moffett creates illustrations for a wide variety of books for adults and children alike. She particularly enjoys working on jackets and novels for her readers. Patricia lives in the UK.

Reviews

School Library Journal

“[A] gripping series introduction. . . . The pacing is fast, featuring a strong blend of intense action and inner struggle. . . . For fans of action-driven adventure set in the criminal underworld.”—School Library Journal

Booklist

“This first installment in the Mysterium series is filled with action and stage magic, though Danny’s struggles with identity and his parents’ deaths are never far from the surface, making this adventure more than gangster brawls and misdirection.”—Booklist

Kirkus Reviews

“[Danny’s] depth makes him a laudable and likable hero. The unusual location, intriguing characters, and a fast-paced plot further set this series opener apart. A clever mashup of crime drama and magical realism makes for an auspicious series start.”—Kirkus Reviews