Dragondrums
Recorded Books, LLC 2016
Book 3 of Dragonriders of Pern
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
Book 3 in a series — earlier books first
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- coming of age
- identity and change
- friendship and loyalty
- courage
- responsibility
- music and communication
- independence
- adventure
About this book
When Piemur’s celebrated singing voice suddenly changes, he must find a new place for himself at Harper Hall on the dragon-filled world of Pern. Drawn into secret errands and long-distance drum communications, he discovers talents he never knew he had—and dangers he never expected. This fast-paced adventure blends music, mystery, and travel across Pern’s holds and wild Southern lands. Perfect for middle school readers who enjoy rich worldbuilding, clever heroes, and dragons without heavy magic.
Setting: the planet Pern—Harper Hall, drum heights, and the Southern Continent
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dragondrums right for my child?
Yes — Dragondrums is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.3, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include coming of age, identity and change, friendship and loyalty. Note: this is book 3 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read Dragondrums?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Dragondrums takes around 7.5h to finish. The book has 79,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Dragondrums have an AR quiz?
Yes — Dragondrums has an AR quiz available, worth 10 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Dragondrums?
Dragondrums has an AR reading level of 6.3, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.