Jane Yolen

Jakkin, a bond boy who works as a Keeper in a dragon nursery on the planet Austar IV, secretly trains a fighting pit dragon of his own in hopes of winning his freedom.

Falsely accused of sabotage, Jakkin and Akki are sent out to certain death in the wilderness of the planet Austa IV but, through the heroic sacrifice of Jakkin's dragon and the help of her offspring, manage not only to survive but gain unusual powers and insights.