Natural History of Dragons, A

Lady Isabella reflects on her life beginning when she is young, loves nature, and wants to know about the creatures in her backyard, at a time when girls are not meant to be interested in science or education. She finds people who support her quest for knowledge, and when she marries finds opportunities for scientific discovery as she and her husband join an expedition to observe dragons in their natural habitat, but she discovers her beloved creatures are being poached for their bones and she sets out to save the species. Set in the Victorian Age, this fantasy adventure novel for grades 9-12 comments on social issues such as barriers for women, class hierarchy, and the spirit of exploration.