Book Cover
Justification
I chose Dragons in a bag as my Fantasy book choice for this blog. The book followed Jaxon as he goes on a cross dimensional adventure with a mysterious figure called Ma. I choose this book because it was listed among ALA’s Notable Children’s Books for 2019. It was also favorably reviewed by Booklist, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, The Horn Book, and Kirkus Reviews. Even those not prone to fantasy will be taken with this book about an amazing journey.
Evaluation
The first thing of note in Dragons in a bag is the plot. We meet Jaxon and his mother on a difficult day in their lives. They are facing eviction and Jaxon’s mother has nowhere to leave him while she goes to court. She leaves him with a mysterious and grumpy woman known only as Ma. Throughout the book, there is a sense of mystery around Ma, her package from Madagascar, and what might be inside. The plot carries us on this quest to figure out what might be in Ma’s bag and why she has its contents. As the story unfolds, Elliott weaves together elements of fantasy with details of real places and landmarks. The question changes mid-way through the plot as Jaxon goes along with Ma on her quest to return the dragons from the bag to their rightful homes. The question becomes what will happen to the dragons? We care deeply about Jaxon and Ma’s mission. The plot pacing and content keeps us wondering what will happen next.
The characters throughout the book are complex and layered. From the very beginning of the book, we empathize for Jax and his mother. After the loss of Jaxon’s father, they have had difficulty making ends meet. Jaxon is a bright, inquisitive, well-spoken nine-year old who is very likable and relatable. In contrast, Ma is gruff and strong-willed. However, we get the sense that just under the surface is a warmth waiting to shine through. She is a unique figure in the book. Trying to preserve both the magical and ordinary realms. Even the characters with smaller roles are well developed and leave us wanting more. Mischievous Kavita who can’t help but peek at the dragons and share her snack, mysterious Trub who we learn is Jaxon’s grandfather, and L. Roy the author who is trying to integrate the two realms. Each character is well developed and makes the story come to life and drives the plot along.
Throughout the book the tension between the ordinary and the supernatural is emphasized. The two realms are in constant competition during the narrative. When Jaxon goes inside Ma’s apartment, he is totally unaware that he is right has also entered into the middle of this struggle. Jaxon has to learn quickly the rules of the magical world and is thrown into Ma’s quest to return the dragons to their home in the magical world. “‘I don’t know if Ma told you this, Jax, but when it comes to the future of magic, there are two camps: those who feel the realms should remain separate, and those who want the realms to merge. Ma’s in the first camp, and L. Roy’s in the second’” (Elliott, 2018, p. 116). The plot is centered around this tension. Should things remain separate, or should they be integrated? The tension is not fully resolved in this book. Dragons in the bag sets the stage for the upcoming series and leaves us eager to see what will happen.
Response
(D) Dragons in a bag emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and seeing a task all the way through to the end. Jaxon feels a strong sense of personal responsibility for the care of the dragons. He also is committed to helping Ma on her journey into the magical realms. I think that personal responsibility is extremely undervalued in our current culture. Too often, people quit when something becomes difficult or inconvenient to them. Our culture has come to value instant gratification. Largely, things that require practice or hard work are set aside in favor of something more immediate. Jaxon encounters numerous struggles throughout the book, but never gives up on his commitment to help Ma. His strong sense of responsibility portrays great moral fortitude.
(E) Dragons in a bag is a great chapter book for elementary school students in grades 2-5. The writing is descriptive and engaging. Students are sure to be drawn in to this story. While the writing is simple enough for students at the lower range to understand, the plot and character development are not compromised. Elliott masterfully writes the story to appeal to younger readers while preserving elements of quality writing.
(F) Though I am certainly much older than the intended reader for this book, I enjoyed reading Dragons in a bag very much. I was captivated by what might be in Ma’s mysterious bag (though we’re given a pretty strong clue in the title), and what would become of Ma and the dragons she was trying to protect. The story concludes cliff hanger ending that leaves us longing for the next installment in the series.
Conclusion
Dragons in a bag is a great example of quality fantasy writing. It would be an excellent read aloud for students. It would also serve as a great way to map plot, analyze characters, and make predictions about what will happen next in the story. Younger readers are sure to be curious about what will happen to Ma, the dragons, and what will happen to the creatures that live in both the ordinary and magical realms. I'm sure there will be many who are anxiously awaiting the next books in this series.
APA Citation
Elliott, Z. (2018). Dragons in a bag. New York: Random House.
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