1. Petiron, the old harper at the Sea Hold, recognizes Menolly's talent. Why doesn't he simply tell Menolly's father that she is cut out to be a harper?

2. Do you think baby dragons and fire lizards know what they are doing when they "impress" one person? Or do they act out of blind instinct and chance?

3. Menolly's father honors the dragonriders, yet he will not let any other member of his Hold talk to them. Why?

4. Many fantasy stories show dragons as fierce, evil creatures whom the hero has to slay. Why do you think this author makes her dragons so different?

5. How does Menolly's self-image influence her attitudes and actions?

6. Dragonsong takes place during a time in the planet's history when many things are changing. What are some of the signs of social change in the book?