Book Review: Star Wars: Jedi Academy

Jeffrey Brown, Star Wars: Jedi Academy. New York: Scholastic, Inc., 2013. ISBN: 9780545505178.

Genre: Star Wars

Subgenre: children and young adult

Format: hardcover

Source: Berea branch, Madison County (KY) Public Library

 

Since I read and enjoyed Brown's previous books, Darth Vader and Son and Vader's Little Princess (link to my reviews), I figured I would try the first volume in this series. I checked, and there are nine books so far in the series; Brown writes the first three. I will list the titles at the end of the review for reference. 

In this story, Roan Novachez dreams of becoming a pilot. When he is rejected for Pilot Academy, it seems he is destined for a farmer school. However, at the last minute he gets a letter inviting him to the Jedi Academy, so he leaves his family and home on Tatooine for Coruscant. This book tells the story of Roan's first year at Jedi Academy.

Roan tells his story through journal entries and drawings. We also get comic strips and other art to tell the story. Roan makes friends, tries to steer clear of the bullies, and does his best. He is a bit concerned he does not seem strong in the Force initially, but Master Yoda keeps encouraging him to do his best. 

This is basically a middle school story with a Star Wars coating. Roan goes through the travails of a middle schooler in a new school such as classes, making friends, the cafeteria food, and dealing with bullies. The book does have some light humor and is overall positive in tone. It puts the Star Wars universe in a lighter tone for children of all ages. If you like Star Wars, you will probably enjoy this. It does take a few liberties with "continuity," so it may bother some "purists." Ignore the purists and read it anyhow. It is a nice, fun, and easy read for the rest of us. 

The art is very nice and keeps the essence of Star Wars. The characters are amusing, specially some of the teachers. Art is black and white. It would be nicer if it was in color like the book cover. 

Overall, I really liked this one. It was a cute and amusing Star Wars story with warmth and humor. I am willing to read the next one in the series to see how Roan's story progresses. It's a new story that maintains the familiar Star Wars elements. This is a good one for middle school level readers and Star Wars fans of all ages. 

4 out of 5 stars. 

List of books (so far) in the Jedi Academy series: 

1. Star Wars: Jedi Academy.
2. Return of the Padawan.
3. The Phantom Bully.
   
4. A New Class.
5. The Force Oversleeps.
6. The Principal Strikes Back.
7. Revenge of the Sis.
8. Attack of the Furball.
9. At last, Jedi.