Dactyl Hill Squad Book one

Dactyl Hill Squad Book One by Daniel José Older, published by Scholastic Incorporated in 2018, is a historical adventure set in a unique version of 1863 New York City, where dinosaurs coexist with humans amid the turmoil of the Civil War. This first edition spans 256 pages and presents a narrative centered around Magdalys Roca and her friends from the Colored Orphan Asylum, who find themselves caught in the chaos of the Draft Riots. As they navigate the dangers of their environment, they embark on a quest to rescue their kidnapped peers from an evil magistrate.

Readers will find a blend of historical elements and fantasy as Magdalys and her companions flee to the Dactyl Hill neighborhood, a community formed by black and brown New Yorkers seeking safety. The story explores themes of friendship and resilience as the group trains to fly on dactylback and strategizes against their adversary, Richard Riker. With its focus on the Civil War period and the experiences of African American characters, this book offers a distinctive perspective on a pivotal moment in history while incorporating elements of magic and adventure.