Whenever I see new titles that are Star Wars spin-offs, I just have to get my hands on them! I especially love Star Wars literature geared towards kids- what better way to share the geeky love??
Of course, when Scholastic handed out egalleys of Star Wars: Jedi Academy by Jeffrey Brown I was eager to get my hands on one.
About the book:
Scholastic // 8.27.13
This incredible, original story captures all of the humor, awkwardness, fun, and frustrations of middle school--all told through one boy's comics, journal entries, letters, doodles, and newspaper clippings. The setting? A galaxy far, far away...
Roan's one dream is to leave home and attend Pilot Academy like his older brother, father, and grandfather. But just as Roan is mysteriously denied entrance to Pilot School, he is invited to attend Jedi Academy--a school that he didn't apply to and only recruits children when they are just a few years old. That is, until now...
This inventive novel follows Roan's first year at Jedi Academy where, under the tutelage of Master Yoda, he learns that he possesses more strength and potential than he could have ever dreamed. Oh, and he learns other important things too--like how to make a baking soda volcano, fence with a lightsaber, slow dance with a girl, and lift boulders with the Force.
My thoughts:
This story was completely charming. I adored Roan and the entire cast of characters was wonderful. Brown included Master Yoda and lots of other fun characters based on classic Star Wars. There were lightsaber duels, force lifting, science fair experiments, a school dance, and field trips... all set on a backdrop of a Jedi boarding school. The plot was cute and included all the things kid lit needs right now: bullies, disappointments, hope, awkward boy-girl moments, and trials in friendships. It was also written in a way which is appealing... it included journal entries, comic strips, posters, detailed guides, report cards, letters, doodles, snapshots, and newspaper clippings. All of those made this a fun and delightful read without ever feeling stagnant. I think that kids will like the format and keep interested while the story moves along. This is a book I certainly will recommend to my colleagues with younger students and will definitely be sharing with Madeline at some point. It was a fun read and the ending leaves it open for subsequent books to follow Roan through the rest of his Jedi training. All the young Padawan's should read this one!
About the author:
Jeffrey Brown is the bestselling author/illustrator of Darth Vader and Son and Vader’s Little Princess, both which imagine what it would have been like if Darth Vader had raised a young Luke and Leia.
Jeffrey is a lifelong Star Wars fan, but despite his best efforts, has been unable to use the Force. He lives in Chicago with his wife, Jennifer, and his two sons.
write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow
FTC: I received an egalley of this novel from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Book summary and author information from Amazon.com
I think my son would love this book (and I want to read it too)! I may just have to get it for him for Christmas!!
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