The Girl with the Dragon Heart

Gr 4–6—This companion novel to The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart follows Aventurine's closest human friend, Silke, who saved her life at the end of the previous book. Silke, 13, has been on a singular path to build a better life ever since she lost her parents in the Elfenwald forest seven years ago. Her brother, Dieter, does not understand her desire to leave behind their little market stall and seek out a different life. When not peddling goods with her brother, she works at the the Chocolate Heart with Aventurine as an promoter and waitress. When Silke is able to use her cunning and charisma to help Aventurine escape a sticky situation, the crown Princess comes seeking her help. Before she knows it, Silke has agreed to pose as a lady-in-waiting for an upcoming visit from the mysterious and clandestine royal court of Elfenwald. Dropped into a completely alien environment and removed from her cozy life in the Chocolate Heart, Silke must adapt and avoid the intrigue and backstabbing of court life. While it is useful to have read the previous book, this works well as a standalone novel. The characters from Chocolate Heart make appearances but the focus here is on Silke and her story. Silke is described as having brown skin with short, dark hair, and a penchant for wearing pants instead of skirts. The author also manages to weave in some commentary on immigration and asylum seekers. Though it is a bit slow to take off, the last third is fast paced and full of adventure.