Dragon Run by Patrick Matthews Scholastic, 2013. 336 pgs. Fantasy Al Pilgrommor is excited for Testing Day, when he will receive his rank, a tattooed number on the back of his neck, and a path forward to his future occupation and life. He feels confident because his parents were fours on a scale of seven, but he is worried for his friend Wisp who doesn't have much of a chance of scoring above a two at best. But when Al is scored a zero, he not only has no prospects, he may lose his life as the dreaded Cullers are unleashed to kill him and his family to purify the land's bloodlines. Al's world is ruled by dragons--the lords and supposed creators of humankind--so he thinks that even if he survives, he will have to make his living as a beggar or thief. But when Al sticks up for his Earther friend in front of Magister Ludi, he is drawn into the struggle of a secret organization hoping to destroy the Cullers, and perhaps the dragons them...
Who would've thought there would be a book that would teach you about horseback riding as well as dinosaurs?! That is exactly the kind of book Ridin' Dinos with Buck Bronco is. Buck Bronco's Mesozoic Ranch got its start from some "loco-lookin' eggs" he found. Now he is an expert dino rider whether it's a biped or a quadruped. Buck can help you choose the most appropriate ride for you based on size and personality. His method of getting in the saddle is quite creative (and life-threatening depending on the species of dinosaur). McClements story is a creative way to give basic information about numerous dinosaurs as well as how to saddle and take care of them - which is essentially how you would treat a horse. The text is entertaining, but the fun and quirky illustrations are the best.
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