Cowell places importance not simply on reading, but on curiosity, the desire to discover, and the need to share that information. These traits are representative of growth, change, and progress. In the novel, reading and writing is a motif that develops the theme of Breaking Tradition: Ingenuity in Leadership.

Hiccup’s major conflict through the first half of the novel comes from knowing the value of reading but not having effective resources. Professor Yobbish’s book, How to Train Your Dragon, offers limited guidance, which frustrates Hiccup as he seeks answers to compensate for his lack of forceful charisma, i.e., his leadership appeal. The book’s single, wordless page symbolizes the Hooligan Tribe’s dedication to remaining static.

However, Hiccup responds to the useless guide by increasing his own literacy skills. He researches and takes notes during his training with Toothless, and he ultimately writes his own guide—evidenced by the novel crediting him as the author. Hiccup demonstrates the process of research as performed by academics in universities. This process helps discover new information and learn things that no one knew before, and it is a vital part of progressing as a society. The Vikings have seemingly ignored literacy, research, and progress until this point, and Hiccup can now teach them something new.