The Fire Within, by Chris D'Lacey

[=Tamar]

I buy a lot of books second-hand. I bought a copy of The Fire Within by Chris D'Lacey (2001) in its American edition, and it's pretty good. I think it's probably classified Middle Grade level but is fine for elementary school kids. The story is from the point of view of a young male college student and writer who takes lodgings with a middle-aged female potter who specializes in pottery dragons. Mild Spoiler: No, they don't marry at the end. That would have been hackneyed. There are some mild clashes with a nasty neighbour but they are not the heart of the story, which is more about creativity and caring.