#9 in How to Train Your Dragon Series
How to Steal a Dragon's Sword
2011 by
on Goodreads (7,674)
What’s inside...
Hiccup has three months, five days and six hours to discover America, get back to Berk, save his father, battle Polarserpents, and win the annual Inter-Tribal Friendly Swimming Race. Can he do it?
Why read this book
- Adventure-filled plot enhances creativity and imagination.
- Characters showcase resilience and courage.
- Encourages strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Engaging narrative supports literacy development.
The Big Picture
- Bravery in overcoming fears
- Loyalty strengthens relationships
- Intelligence triumphs over brute strength
- Resilience through challenging adventures
Diversity & Representation
- Showcases diverse cultures through fantastical medieval settings.
- Promotes inclusivity with characters of various backgrounds.
- Encourages understanding of different societal roles and values.
Book in series
#9
Age
8-12
Length
355 pages
Text complexity
proficient
Character Compass
Discussion points
What do you think was the most challenging part for Hiccup in the story, and how do you think he handled it?
If you were in Hiccup's shoes, how would you approach training a dragon?
How did the relationships between the characters evolve throughout the book?
What lessons about leadership and bravery does Hiccup teach us?
How do you think the story would change if it was told from the dragon’s perspective?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their own experiences with Hiccup’s journey, sparking a connection with the character and real-life applications.
Discuss the moral and ethical decisions Hiccup faced to help your child navigate right and wrong.
Use the vivid descriptions and mythical settings in the book to ask your child to draw or describe their version of a Dragon.
What parents love
Intriguing adventure, keeps kids excited about reading.
Handles bravery and responsibility in easily digestible ways.
Perfect mix of fun and moral lessons.
My child loved the fantasy elements combined with real-life lessons.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Hiccup, consistently demonstrates bravery as he faces fearsome dragons and challenging quests, inspiring young readers.
Real-World Application: Children learn to tackle difficult tasks at school or in social settings with determination and courage, drawing parallels from Hiccup’s adventures.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, Hiccup relies on his friends and they work together to overcome obstacles, showcasing the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to collaborate with peers in group projects or team sports, understanding that teamwork can lead to success.
Example Lesson: The value of cleverness and intelligence
Explanation: Hiccup often uses his intellect to outsmart enemies and solve problems, rather than brute force.
Real-World Application: This highlights for children the importance of using their minds to work through problems and the benefits of intellectual growth in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Hiccup's journey is filled with setbacks, but he learns from each of them, which contributes to his growth as a leader.
Real-World Application: Children understand that mistakes are part of learning and personal development, encouraging them to embrace challenges and learn from failures.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: The series promotes diversity by showing different tribes and dragons co-existing, which teaches tolerance and acceptance.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate individual differences and fosters an inclusive attitude towards classmates and others from diverse backgrounds.