Heart of the Ruby Dragon: A Branches Book (Dragon Masters #32)

After the royal family of the Kingdom of Bracken is captured by an evil fairy queen, Drake and Bo turn to the Ruby Dragon for help in the latest action-packed installment of this New York Times bestselling series!

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This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!
The royal family is under attack! At the royal baby naming ceremony, King Roland, Queen Rose, and their new baby are captured by an evil fairy queen named Agrona. It's up to Drake and his friends to rescue them! The Dragon Masters soon discover that a spell had been keeping Agrona asleep for many years. But that spell has now been broken, and three magical dragon gems are needed to recapture the evil fairy queen. Drake, Worm, Bo, and Shu travel to the Land of Peace to find a Ruby Dragon. But it won't be easy to obtain the dragon's special heart gem. Can Drake and Bo solve the Ruby Dragon's riddle and secure the first gem?

With engaging black-and-white artwork on every page, kids won't be able to put down this page-turning adventure!

I am the bestselling author of more than 400 books for children and young adults. I currently write the New York Times bestselling Dragon Masters series for the Scholastic Branches line, as well as The Underdogs series with Kyla May. In addition, I write for the Cupcake Diaries and Sprinkle Sundays series as Coco Simon. Some fans may know me as the author of books based on cartoons, such as Pokémon and LEGO Ninjago, and currently author of the Spinjitzu Brother series. I live in New York's Catskill mountains with my husband and a variety of small animals. Together, my husband Bill and I operate The Dragon Wagon Book Bus, a mobile bookmobile serving their rural community.

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A New York Times bestselling series!

Praise for Rise of the Earth Dragon (Dragon Masters #1):

"In this first of the Dragon Masters series, vocabulary is accessible; sentences, paragraphs, and chapters are short; and dialogue moves the story along rapidly. Black-and-white sketch-type drawings add depth to the story and feelings to the characters (both children and dragons). Emergent readers will find happy success here." -- Booklist

"The first of a new series of early chapter books, this entry is sure to attract fans. Brief chapters, large print, lots of action, attractive illustrations in every spread including a maplike panorama, an enviable protagonist -- who wouldn't want to be a Dragon Master? -- all combine to make an entertaining reader. With plenty left to be resolved, the next entry will be eagerly sought after." -- Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Night of the Dream Dragon (Dragon Masters #28):

"An approachable and exciting choice for new chapter book readers who are interested in dipping their toes in fantasy. Verdict: A strong addition to the series and a must-buy." -- School Library Journal

Heart of the Ruby Dragon: A Branches Book by Tracey West, illustrated by Graham Howells, is the thirty-second book in the popular Dragon Masters series. Published by Scholastic in August 2026, this 96-page early chapter book is designed for newly independent readers, combining short, accessible chapters, fast-moving fantasy adventure, and black-and-white illustrations throughout. The story brings Drake, Bo, Worm, and Shu into a dangerous new mission when the royal family of the Kingdom of Bracken is captured by an evil fairy queen named Agrona. To save the royal family and stop Agrona, the Dragon Masters must find three magical dragon gems, beginning with the precious heart gem of a Ruby Dragon.

The story begins at what should be a joyful occasion: the naming ceremony for a new royal baby. King Roland and Queen Rose are celebrating the arrival of their child, and the kingdom has gathered for the important event. A royal naming ceremony normally represents happiness, family, and the promise of a new generation. Instead, the celebration becomes the beginning of a frightening crisis. An evil fairy queen named Agrona attacks and captures King Roland, Queen Rose, and their newborn baby. The royal family is suddenly taken away, leaving the kingdom in panic.

For Drake and his friends, the kidnapping is not simply a political emergency. It is a deeply personal responsibility. The Dragon Masters have repeatedly been called upon to protect their kingdom and the people within it, and now the royal family themselves are in danger. Their task is made more difficult because they do not initially have an obvious way to defeat Agrona. The enemy is not merely another ordinary villain. Agrona is an ancient magical threat whose return has consequences far beyond one kidnapping.

As Drake and the other Dragon Masters investigate what has happened, they discover an important part of Agrona's history. The fairy queen had been kept asleep for many years by a powerful spell. Her long sleep had protected the kingdom from her evil influence, but somehow that spell has now been broken. Agrona is awake again, and the danger she represents has returned.

This discovery changes the nature of the mission. The Dragon Masters are not simply trying to find a kidnapped king, queen, and baby. They must also find a way to stop Agrona herself. The magical solution requires three special dragon gems. These gems possess powers that can help recapture the evil fairy queen. The search for them becomes a quest within the larger rescue mission.

The first stage of this quest takes Drake, Worm, Bo, and Shu to the Land of Peace, where they hope to find a Ruby Dragon. The Ruby Dragon possesses a special heart gem, which is the first of the three magical gems needed in their battle against Agrona. The journey therefore becomes both an adventure and a test of the Dragon Masters' ability to cooperate.

The Ruby Dragon is important not simply because it is powerful, but because its heart gem cannot be obtained easily. Drake and Bo soon discover that the dragon has a riddle that must be solved. This introduces one of the book's most appealing elements: the heroes cannot rely only on physical courage. They must use their minds as well.

This is an important pattern in the Dragon Masters series. Although the books contain dragons, magic, danger, and exciting action, the young heroes regularly have to solve problems through friendship, observation, courage, and clever thinking. In Heart of the Ruby Dragon, the riddle provides a challenge that is different from fighting an enemy. Drake and Bo have to understand the clues and work together to discover what the Ruby Dragon is asking them to do.

The chapter structure reinforces this progression. The book moves from “A Royal Baby” and “Panic at the Castle” into “The Fairy Queen's Tale,” “The Cave,” and “A Friend in Gallia.” It then moves into “The Royal Wizard,” “Dragon Gems,” and “Seeking Favors,” before reaching “Aram's Riddle,” “The Marketplace,” “Found and Lost,” and “Taken.” The final chapters, “A Gift,” “Spies and Vines,” and “A Warning,” suggest that the adventure continues to build toward further danger rather than ending with a simple treasure hunt.

One of the strengths of the story is the way the rescue mission develops gradually. The Dragon Masters cannot simply travel to the Ruby Dragon and demand the gem. They have to learn about the magical situation, find the right people and places, and deal with unexpected obstacles along the way. Their journey includes caves, a marketplace, magical objects, other characters, and moments when something is found and then lost again.

The adventure also introduces the idea of favors and gifts. The chapter “Seeking Favors” suggests that the heroes must depend upon relationships and cooperation rather than assuming that everyone will help them automatically. This gives the quest a more human quality. In a dangerous fantasy world, strength alone is not enough. Characters need allies, and earning someone's trust can be as important as defeating a monster.

Drake's role is especially important because he is not portrayed as a hero who can solve every problem alone. His friendship with Bo is central to the mission. The official synopsis specifically asks whether Drake and Bo can solve the Ruby Dragon's riddle and obtain the first gem. Their partnership demonstrates one of the book's central ideas: difficult problems become more manageable when people combine their strengths.

Bo contributes to the adventure in his own way, and Drake must listen and cooperate rather than simply giving orders. Their interaction makes the quest feel like a genuine team effort. The presence of Worm and Shu adds another layer of companionship. Each Dragon Master is part of a larger group, and their success depends on supporting one another.

The Ruby Dragon itself represents another important dimension of the story. Unlike a treasure that can simply be picked up, the heart gem is connected to the dragon. The fact that the heroes must solve a riddle before securing it suggests that the gem is something to be earned rather than taken. This gives the magical object symbolic importance. Power should not simply belong to whoever is strongest; it should be approached with understanding and respect.

The setting of the Land of Peace also provides an interesting contrast to the danger surrounding the heroes. The name suggests safety and calm, yet the Dragon Masters arrive there in the middle of a crisis. Their quest demonstrates that even a peaceful place can contain challenges. The journey is not about destroying everything in their path. Instead, they must communicate, investigate, and find the right way forward.

The book also expands the magical world surrounding the Dragon Masters. The presence of Agrona introduces fairy magic alongside dragon magic, while the three dragon gems create a new magical structure within the story. The combination of dragons, fairies, wizards, magical jewels, caves, and enchanted objects gives young readers a rich fantasy setting without making the story too complicated to follow.

At the centre of the adventure, however, is the royal family. King Roland, Queen Rose, and their baby are not simply symbols of the kingdom. Their capture gives the Dragon Masters a clear emotional reason to act. A newborn child is particularly vulnerable, and the danger surrounding the royal baby raises the urgency of the mission. Drake and his friends know that they cannot waste time.

The kidnapping also creates a sense of uncertainty. Agrona has returned after being held asleep for many years, and nobody knows exactly how far her power will extend. The heroes therefore have to learn about their enemy while simultaneously trying to stop her. “The Fairy Queen's Tale” suggests that understanding Agrona's history is an important part of understanding the present crisis.

This element gives the story more depth than a simple good-versus-evil battle. The Dragon Masters need knowledge as much as courage. They must understand why Agrona was put to sleep, what broke the spell, and what the magical gems can do. The story therefore encourages young readers to see knowledge as a form of power.

Another important theme is courage in the face of uncertainty. Drake and his friends do not know exactly what will happen during their journey. They encounter unfamiliar places and magical challenges, yet they continue because other people depend on them. Their bravery is not the absence of fear. Instead, it is the willingness to keep moving even when they do not have all the answers.

The book also emphasizes friendship. Scholastic identifies friendship among the themes of the book, alongside dragons and journeys. The Dragon Masters succeed because they work as a group. They share information, help each other, and remain committed to the larger goal. The story shows young readers that friendship is not simply about having fun together; it also means standing beside one another when circumstances become difficult.

The idea of helping others is equally important. Drake and his friends are not undertaking the quest for personal glory. They are trying to rescue a family and protect their kingdom. Their mission therefore has a selfless quality. They accept danger because they believe that protecting others is worth the risk.

The riddle surrounding the Ruby Dragon's heart gem introduces another valuable lesson: problems often require patience. A riddle cannot normally be solved through force. The Dragon Masters have to slow down, think carefully, and consider possibilities. For young readers, this creates a useful contrast between action and reflection. Sometimes the bravest thing a person can do is stop, think, and try another approach.

The later chapters suggest that even after the heroes make progress, the danger is far from over. “Found and Lost,” “Taken,” “A Gift,” “Spies and Vines,” and “A Warning” indicate that the quest continues through setbacks and new threats. The structure creates a sense of momentum. Obtaining one magical object does not immediately solve everything. Instead, each discovery leads to another problem.

This is also where the idea of a journey becomes important. The Dragon Masters are travelling physically from one place to another, but they are also growing through the challenges they face. Each obstacle requires them to become more observant, cooperative, and confident. The adventure therefore functions as both an external quest and an internal learning experience.

The illustrations by Graham Howells complement this fast-moving story. Scholastic describes the book as containing engaging black-and-white artwork on every page. The illustrations are especially useful for readers who are transitioning into independent chapter books because they help visualize characters, dragons, settings, and magical events. The Branches format itself is designed for newly independent readers, using accessible vocabulary, short chapters, high-interest plots, and illustrations to help children build reading confidence and stamina.

This makes Heart of the Ruby Dragon more than simply an adventure story. It is also a carefully structured reading experience for children. The chapters are short enough to feel manageable, while the continuing mystery gives young readers a reason to keep turning pages. The combination of action, humor, fantasy, friendship, and problem-solving makes the story approachable without making it feel simplistic.

At the heart of the book is the symbolic importance of the Ruby Dragon's heart gem. A heart naturally suggests courage, loyalty, compassion, and life. The heroes need the gem as part of their magical defense against Agrona, but their journey to obtain it also reflects the qualities they themselves must demonstrate. They need courage to face danger, loyalty to one another, patience when solving problems, and compassion toward those who help them.

The book's title therefore has both a literal and thematic meaning. The Ruby Dragon possesses a precious heart gem, but the true "heart" of the adventure is the friendship and determination shared by the Dragon Masters. Their mission succeeds not because one character is overwhelmingly powerful, but because the group works together toward a common purpose.

Ultimately, Heart of the Ruby Dragon is a fast-paced fantasy adventure about friendship, courage, teamwork, problem-solving, and protecting the people who depend on you. The story begins with a joyful royal celebration that suddenly becomes a crisis when Agrona captures the royal family. The Dragon Masters then discover that the fairy queen's return is connected to an ancient spell and that three magical dragon gems are needed to stop her.

The first part of that larger quest takes Drake, Bo, Worm, and Shu to the Land of Peace in search of the Ruby Dragon and its powerful heart gem. Their journey tests not only their bravery but also their ability to solve riddles, ask for help, build friendships, and recover from setbacks. The search is filled with caves, magical objects, marketplaces, unexpected discoveries, and growing threats.

Most importantly, the story teaches that heroes do not have to face challenges alone. Drake and his friends succeed because they trust one another and because they are willing to use different kinds of strength. Sometimes they need courage; sometimes they need cleverness; sometimes they need patience; and sometimes they simply need a friend beside them.

The larger conflict with Agrona also gives the adventure a strong sense of purpose. The Dragon Masters are not seeking treasure for themselves. They are trying to save a family and protect their kingdom from an ancient evil. Their journey therefore turns a magical quest into a story about responsibility.

In the end, Heart of the Ruby Dragon captures the spirit that has made the Dragon Masters series appealing to young readers: an exciting fantasy world, lovable young heroes, magical dragons, clear stakes, short chapters, and a strong belief in friendship. Tracey West keeps the language accessible while giving children a story that feels genuinely adventurous. The result is a book that encourages young readers to imagine, solve problems, work together, and discover that courage can take many forms.

The deepest message of the story is simple: real strength comes from using your abilities to help others. Drake and his friends are powerful because they are Dragon Masters, but their greatest advantage is their willingness to stand together. In a world threatened by an awakened fairy queen, that friendship becomes just as important as any magical gem. The Ruby Dragon may hold the first key to defeating Agrona, but the true heart of the adventure lies with the young heroes who refuse to give up on the people they are trying to save.