WRITTEN WHEN I WAS FOURTEEN YEARS OLD
My Books.
Dragon Pearls (2026)
Written at fourteen. Rereleased a decade later.
Fourteen-year-old Esther didn't expect much from a two-pound charity shop necklace. She definitely didn't expect a dragon.
Now that the sapphire-scaled Steady has found her, her ordinary life unravels. They fly above the clouds, uncover the truth behind the necklace, and Esther steps into a role she never expected to play—as Queen Elizabeth of the pearl dragons. But with a title comes danger, and for the first time in her life, she’s forced to run for it. Seeking sanctuary on an island filled with dragons, she finds four other royals and, together, they must take down the man determined to conquer the magical world.
A thrilling fantasy adventure written by a fourteen-year-old for fourteen-year-olds.
This Dragon Pearls bookmark print comes with a signed bookplate and a handwritten note from the author. It arrives in an envelope sealed with wax.
Bookmark measures 2 x 6 inches, printed on uncoated card stock with rounded corners.
Artwork by Abbey at Loom Illustrations, commissioned by Deborah Rose for Dragon Pearls.
This Dragon Pearls bookmark print comes with a signed bookplate and a handwritten note from the author. It arrives in an envelope sealed with wax.
Bookmark measures 2 x 6 inches, printed on uncoated card stock with rounded corners.
Artwork by Abbey at Loom Illustrations, commissioned by Deborah Rose for Dragon Pearls.
Reader Reviews
“The back of the novel states that Dragon Pearls is a fantasy adventure novel written by a fourteen-year-old for fourteen-year-olds. While this is true, this book is so much more than that. It is a time capsule of every urge I had to fly away with dragons at 14, and a love letter to what makes middle-grade fantasy so special. It is filled with friendship, dreams, and all the magic and dragons that drew me into genre in the first place. 14-year-old me would have adored this novel, but at the age I am now, I love it more for the nostalgia reading it brings. The 14-year-old voice is authentic throughout and refined with the expertise Deborah has in her professional life now.”
— Rhi's Reading Realm, Storygraph“Dragon Pearls was a fun and heartwarming fantasy adventure that kept me hooked from beginning to end. I loved following Esther's journey as she stepped into a whole new world, made unforgettable friends, and discovered that family isn't always the one you're born into. The characters were easy to connect with, the adventure kept me turning the pages, and I was left excited to see where the story goes next. If you enjoy dragons, friendship, found family, and magical adventures, I definitely recommend giving Dragon Pearls a read.”
— Janika v Tonder, Goodreads“This was such a beautiful and magical book! I am in awe of how beautifully it was written and it is definitely one I will recommend to everyone I can! The world was charming, well built and everything was described so vividly that it was easy to imagine. The characters were all loveable, unique and intriguing. I love the small plot twist with one of the characters. There was intrigue, magic, royalty, suspicions, a found family, a trial/challenge, some betrayal and most importantly... Incredible DRAGONS!!! I just wish the book was longer as I didn't want it to end!”
— Amber Mars, AmazonMake your dreams
your reality.
When I told my primary school teacher that I was going to be a writer when I grew up, they told me it was unlikely. That I should get a “real” job and keep writing on the side. But I knew that writing could never be “just” a hobby. My characters consumed me, writing themselves into fantastic worlds that I had to translate to the page.
I finished my first book, a middle-grade fantasy novel called Dragon Pearls, at the age of fourteen and the sequel two years later. These books—rereleasing in 2026 and 2027—opened the door to several amazing opportunities that eventually resulted in working with ghostwriter Alee Anderson to build Hey! Young Writer, a website that aims to help young writers break into the literary industry.
When I first stepped into my role as Contributing Editor in 2021, I was writing a story per month and helping other young writers build their portfolios. Now, in addition to my full-time work as Lead Editor of Alee Anderson Editorial, I retain close ties to their team, which produces annual digital zines and runs workshops to help young writers expand upon and strengthen their writing, editing and designing skills.