Dragons in a Bag

How does Elliott use dragons to support the story’s genre, structure, and overall meaning? Citing specific examples from the novel, trace how dragons function as a motif of The Importance of Family and Community.

Elliott’s novel takes place in contemporary Brooklyn. How does this setting contribute to the story’s genre, mood, and theme of The Magic and Wonder in Everyday Life?

In what ways is Jaxon shaped by The Journey Toward Responsibility and Personal Growth? Which specific characters and events advance the protagonist’s growth, and what obstacles must he overcome on his journey?

How does Alicia’s complex family history influence her choices in the story’s present and add nuance to the theme of the importance of family and community? How do her relationships with the members of her chosen and found families influence the resolution?

How does Jaxon and Ma’s relationship shift over the course of the novel? What factors contribute to these changes, and how does the characters’ bond develop the themes of family and personal growth? Cite specific evidence from the text to support your response.

How does the author use the lens of fantasy to address real-world issues, particularly gentrification? How does this problem impact the novel’s characters?

Elliott provides an abundance of imagery throughout the story. Citing specific examples, examine how this literary device develops the novel’s mood and setting.

How does Dragons in a Bag compare to other middle grade fantasy novels, such as Angie Thomas’s Nic Blake and the Remarkables and B. B. Alston’s Amari and the Night Brothers? Compare and contrast the texts’ usage of fantasy elements and overall messages.