Dragonsong, one of the novels in the Pern series, is both an adventure tale and the story of a young woman finding a place for herself in her world. The overarching theme of the series is the strength of love, most dazzlingly embodied in the telepathic bond between a dragon and its rider. Scarcely less important is McCaffrey's portrayal of the seamless web of a society; one's talents and desires must be realized in the context of social responsibilities. Failure here can bring consequences as dire as destruction of the planet's life forms. But the world also provides ways for an individual's dreams and gifts to blossom in whatever social setting will best nurture them.

All these themes are present in Dragonsong, which relates the story of Menolly. She has grown up in an isolated seahold, whose practical fisherfolk see no value in the music she loves so much. Before she discovers her destiny, she is battered again and again—by her own mother's indifference to the hand injury which makes it impossible for her to play music, by hunger and isolation, and threat of death from Threadscore. She finally sees a more accepting way of life among the dragonriders, but she fears she can never aspire to join them. Menolly's escape from her restrictive life forms the basis of her adventures. Readers cringe as she tears her feet on the rocks fleeing Thread, and share her sheer delight as a flock of fabulous fire lizards adopt her as "their" person. Along the way, Menolly learns important lessons: that the first adult to tell her what to do may not be the wisest and that small deeds of kindness or bravery can have great results.