Andrew and the Firedrake by Douglas Wilson

In this allegory for middle grades, Andrew journeys on a quest that includes delights, temptations, and dragons.

Andrew and the Firedrake by Douglas Wilson. Canon Press, 2021. 188 pages.

Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12

Recommended For: Middle grades, ages 8-12

When Andrew wakes up, he’s in a strange garden. He’s not sure why he’s there or how he got there. When he sees a firedrake appear in front of the garden gate, he’s not afraid. In fact, Andrew suddenly realizes he’s been sent to guard the garden, even from dragons. Andrew swings shut the gate, leaving the firedrake asleep outside. This time, though, when Andrew opens his eyes, he’s in a different garden. He’s on a quest, and each step of the way, he instinctively knows what the right thing to do is. That doesn’t mean the right thing to do is easy; rather, Andrew must fight temptation, enemies, and situations in order to do the right thing, to obey. Along the way, Andrew learns more about himself and begins to remember the important things, including a conflict he’d had with people from earth—in his “real” life.

Allegories are often overly obvious, but this story isn’t as obvious, at least at first. As Andrew begins to understand things, so does the reader, although we’re left in the dark until the very end about why Andrew was in the garden to begin with. Andrew is 15 years old in the book, but he “reads” much younger. Most teens will find this book a little juvenile, but middle grades readers won’t. Andrew and the Firedrake is a quick read, and it’s probably best as a family read aloud. But, as with all allegories, this is a story-with-a-point. Don’t be tempted to overdo it on the family discussion. The story will carry enough oomph without added preaching on your part.

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5

• Worldview/Moral Rating: 5 out of 5
• Literary/Artistic Rating: 4 out of 5

Read more about our ratings here.

Related Reading From Redeemed Reader

• A Review: Dragons and Dragonslayers is a perfect accompaniment to this book.
• A Resource: Smaug’s Kind: Dragon Books (a book list)

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