Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher
Sixth-grader Jeremy Thatcher has lived in Blodgett's Crossing all his life. He knows every street and every corner. Yet, one day, running away from classmate Mary Lou Hutton who wants to give him a kiss, he stumbles on a shop he has never seen before--Elives' Magic Supplies.
When he nervously enters the store, his life is changed forever.
The owner of the shop is an odd old man who seems reluctant to sell Jeremy anything--least of all the beautiful marbled ball that Jeremy desires.
Then suddenly Mr. Elives changes his mind, practically giving the ball away for only a quarter.
"I thought you said I didn't want it," Jeremy says.
"You don't," Mr. Elives answers. "It wants you."
And that is when Jeremy's adventure really begins.