The following version of the book was used to create this study guide: Sutherland, Tui, Wings of Fire Book 7; Winter Turning. Scholastic Press, New York, NY, 2015. Kindle AZW file.

Winter Turning is the seventh installment of a fantasy series, Wings of Fire by Tui Sutherland. This book takes place on the continent of Pyrrhia which is inhabited by seven tribes of dragons – IceWings, RainWings, MudWings, NightWings, SandWings, SkyWings, and SeaWings. The tribes have some things in common, including involvement in a recent civil war that killed many dragons. Each tribe has its own culture, and most consider themselves superior to all the other tribes. To promote goodwill and understanding, a group of young dragons have opened the Jade Mountain Academy to dragons from every tribe. Four dragonets from the school are currently on a quest together. The group includes an IceWing named Winter, a SandWing named Qibli, a NightWing named Moon, and a RainWing named Kinkajou. Winter has learned his brother, Hailstorm, is apparently alive and being held prisoner by an evil SandWing named Scarlet. Winter sets out to save Hailstorm and their sister, Icicle, who is plotting a murder in the hope that Scarlet will then release Hailstorm. Winter does not want the help of Qibli, Moon, and Kinkajou. However, the three are already devoted to this friendship and are determined to help Winter.

Moon is a special NightWing because she was the first in generations of her tribe to be born under the full moons of Pyrrhia. Moon has the ability to read minds and tell the future – abilities that have died out among the NightWings in recent generations due to horrible living conditions. Moon issues a prophecy that predicts dire consequences unless they find the lost kingdom of the NightWings. Moon does not reveal to her friends that she has been communicating with an ancient NightWing named Darkstalker who has been trapped in Jade Mountain for centuries. Moon believes the prophecy may be connected to Darkstalker, but she does not know how.

Winter and Hailstorm have grown up believing that the IceWings are a superior tribe to all others, and Winter is shocked when he rescues Hailstorm from an enchantment that made him believe he was a SkyWing. While Hailstorm struggles to regain his previous level of self-confidence, Winter struggles with doubts. He knows he should hate Moon based on the fact that she is a NightWing, but he is attracted to her. He knows he should not be willing to accept help from other tribes, but he needs them. He also discovers that he values their friendship and trusts them with his very life.

Winter agrees to leave his friends behind to return to the Ice Kingdom. There, he is reminded that members of his tribe do not show kindness or affection, even when he has risked his life to save his brother. Winter's father sets the stage for Hailstorm to challenge Winter in a battle that will end with Winter's death; but, the time away from the tribe has changed both Winter and Hailstorm. As the novel comes to an end, Hailstorm regains his position as leader among the young IceWings, but he does not kill Winter. Winter releases an ancient dragon from a terrible fate with plans to rejoin Qibli, Moon, and Kinkajou as they continue their quest for the lost kingdom.