After Jakkin's father was killed, Jakkin's mother sold them into bondage as a way to survive. Do you think this was the right thing to do? Why or why not? Based on the story, what other choices did she have? Would those choices have been as good for Jakkin? Why or why not?

Jakkin ends up a free man at the end of the novel, the end result of his stealing of a dragon hatchling. The book notes this is an accepted theft, in that many bonders buy their way out through the stealing of eggs and raising of dragons. Do you think this is a good lesson? Why or why not? Does the book differentiate what is acceptable and what is unacceptable? Do you think these lessons are okay to include in a book meant for children? Why or why not?

Jakkin's mother...