Eddie's Blue-winged Dragon [Paperback]

Carole S. Adler (Author)

Book Description

A sixth-grader with cerebral palsy becomes the owner of a brass dragon which helps him out in some of the battles he faces due to his handicap.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This impressive novel interweaves the themes of physical disability and friendship. Eddie, 11, attends a regular school but struggles to communicate clearly because of his cerebral palsy. His little sister Mina and his friend Gary understand him best, but Eddie is frustrated when his teachers and classmates have difficulty. Darrin, the school bully, particularly angers him. When Eddie acquires a tiny brass dragon with glass wings, his life begins to change. When it seems as if Eddie is getting revenge on those who have wronged him, he knows that the dragon is somehow responsible. Adler creates a subtle blend of reality and fantasy enhanced by crisp detail. In-depth characterizations and fully realized relationships combine with vivid descriptions and prose; readers will find themselves immersed in Eddie's world. Ages 10-13.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-7 Eddie, a sixth grader with cerebral palsy, is excited about finally attending "regular" school, but Darrin, the school bully, immediately begins to harass him. Eddie buys a brass dragon which seems to have some powers to help him through his problems. Eddie dreams that his dragon is flying over Darrin's hideout, shooting flames onto the hillside. The next day he finds out that there has been a fire, and Darrin has been charged with arson. Even though Eddie has his revenge, he still feels guilty, so he returns the dragon to the shop. In the end, Eddie gains his self-respect by winning a school speech contest. Adler provides a good mixture of realism and fantasy. Even though the story stereotypes handicapped children somewhat, the solutions to Eddie's problems are handled realistically. Bonnie L. Raasch, C. B. Vernon Middle School, Marion, Iowa
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Avon Books (Mm) (August 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380707683
• ISBN-13: 978-0380707683
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,415,798 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars not for the younger readers, October 18, 2010

By 

Pam "Dutch mom" (Holland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eddie's Blue-Winged Dragon (Paperback)

My son is in second grade but reads at a 5th grade level. It can be tricky to choose books for him--if the reading level is right, the topic may be too mature for him. In this case, most of the book is lovely, giving readers insight into what life would be like if they had a handicap--in this case, cerebral palsy. The idea of a secret dragon coming to life was great for fantasy-lovers, and Eddie's perserverance and sense of honor and fair play while overcoming difficulties was thought-provoking.
HOWEVER, the descriptions of Eddie being bullied were way too terrifying for younger kids, IMO. I would caution parents of children under, say, 4th grade, to give the next-to-last chapters a read before giving it to younger kids.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful for People who Like Fantasy and Mystery Books, October 17, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Eddie's Blue-winged Dragon (Paperback)

Eddie's Blue-Winged Dragon By C.S. Adler Eddie's problem started when Darrin, a bully, took his money. He had collected this money to buy a present for Mina, his little sister. Her birthday was coming up.

His best friend, Gary, gave him a blue winged dragon to give to Mina in her birthday. Eddie gave it to her, but she said she was afraid of it. So she gave it back.

Eddie had dreamed too many times with the dragon, so he thought it had magic. Gary said it wasn't truth. The dragon caused a lot of trouble, Although, somehow, it helped Eddie a little.

I like the description of this book. Why? Because you can easily find the picture in your mind. Example: "That day had started as the most exciting in Eddie's life, he had transferred to a third grade class in a regular school after spending years going to school in the center of disabled. He was finally getting a chance to be a regular kid."

This is a very good book and really enjoyable. It has great description. If you like fantasy and mystery books this is a book to read. Eddie's Blue-Winged Dragon is a good book, although I think The Gentlemen Outlaw and Me-Eli by Mary Downing Hahn is better because it has even better description and it has more mystery.

5.0 out of 5 stars Eddie's Blue-Winged Dragon, December 2, 2011

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Eddie's Blue-Winged Dragon (Paperback)

I read this book when I was in the 4th grade and now that I am 33 am buying for my 4th grader. This story has stuck with me for so long and had such an impact on how I saw and treated other people. I hope it has the same positive effects on my children.