Rowan of Rin

The novel Rowan of Rin by Australian author Emily Rodda is an accessible fantasy adventure story aimed at preteen-teenage readers.

The following synopsis serves as the blurb on the back cover:

Rowan doesn't believe he has a brave heart. But when the river that supports his village of Rin runs dry, he must join a dangerous journey to its source in the forbidden Mountain. To save Rin, Rowan and his companions must conquer not only the Mountain's many tricks, but also the fierce dragon that lives at its peak.