GRIFFIN SPEAKER, by Jan M. Flynn and Matt Rockefeller, Disney Hyperion, May 5, 2026, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 8-12)
When a girl bonds with the last wild griffin, she sets in motion events that could change everyone’s lives in Griffin Speaker, by Jan M. Flynn and illustrated by Matt Rockefeller.
As an orphan on the lowest rung of society, twelve-year-old Rain is destined for a future of hard labor—until she meets a wild griffin and bonds with him.
An old law says that bond entitles Rain to an education at the elite Griffin Riders Academy instead of a life in the mines. But Rain’s Rise threatens to topple Griffin Land’s fragile hierarchy, and those at the top are determined to see her fail. So they task Rain with proving herself: Armed with just her wit and accompanied by her best friend and an unlikely ally, Rain must scale the highest peak in Griffin Land and defeat the monster at its summit.
Rain’s success could change the world. But with an impossible quest ahead, will she and her griffin even survive? —Synopsis provided by Disney Hyperion
Griffin Speaker is a quick-moving fantasy novel with a strong focus on friendship and fighting for equality.
The story follows Rain, who lives in a caste system where everyone is born to a certain level of society, and Rain is at the bottom. She’s a girl who has always dreamed of something more than working underground, and bonding with Griff proves it. Rain is determined and strong and everything you’d want a young protagonist to be.
As Rain begins her push to rise in society, she is supported by a strong cast of supporting characters — some expected and others who come as a surprise. The friendships she forms are strong and enjoyable to follow.
Rain’s story follows the rise above your station trope, but feels unique within the mythical world Jan M. Flynn has created. Young readers will be drawn to her story of wanting, and deserving, more in a society where people’s value lies in what’s dictated by society rather than skill.
Griffin Speaker is the first book in a planned series that features fantastic black-and-white illustrations sprinkled throughout.
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