Review by Kirkus Book Review
Shy Opal is selected to give a big speech in this series opener. The highlight of the annual Friendship Festival is when one Gemstone Dragon--dragons with magic powers linked to namesake gemstones in their chests--delivers the Friendship Festival speech. Opal, whose power is invisibility, loves being a supportive audience member and is shocked when she's selected. In the face of her stage fright and feeling like the other dragons are more special than she is, she resolves to ask elder dragon Sapphire to pick someone else. Sapphire agrees, with a catch: Opal must find a replacement speaker that everyone else agrees they prefer and only has until dinnertime to do it. But Opal can barely ask other dragons for their opinions before they're too busy congratulating her, enthusiastic to hear what she has to say. Then asking takes a back seat to a disaster that threatens the whole festival--and more. Opal cheerleads the other dragons toward working together for a solution, stepping in as a leader and using her own power in a crucial moment to save the day. Along with the overt message about everyone being valuable, the theme of Opal learning how to gracefully accept appreciation from others is equally impactful; readers will enjoy this spare but relatable tale. Final art unseen. A magical world featuring an uncertain but determined heroine sure to charm. (Fantasy. 7-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
