Search for the Lightning Dragon, written Tracey West, reviewed by Katy Golden

Summary: The diverse group of young Dragon Masters return for a seventh adventure as they search for a just-hatched Lightning Dragon. The new hatchling is inadvertently wreaking havoc on unsuspecting towns, while Griffith the wizard and his students, the Dragon Masters, are searching for both the baby dragon and his newly chosen Dragon Master. While Drake works to find Carlos, the boy chosen by the Dragon Stone to be the new Master, his friends work to locate and contain the baby dragon. Carlos and his dragon, Lalos, meet only briefly before yet another dragon appears to steal Lalos away, ending the story on a cliffhanger that will leave readers anxious for the next book.

Straight Talk for Librarians: Short, illustrated transitional chapter books are easy to come by, but few series pack a nonstop-adrenaline punch like Dragon Masters. Fans of the series and newcomers alike will be invested in the fast-moving plot. Although character development is nonexistent, the group of students is culturally and racial diverse. Perfect for fans of “Notebook of Doom,” or those eyeing “Wings of Fire” but not ready to read long chapter books.