Tuesday Trailer and Review: Star Wars: Jedi Academy

Title: Star Wars: Jedi Academy

Author: Jeffery Brown
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Pages: 160
Available: On shelves now
Review Copy: Netgalley

Summary: 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. -- summary and cover image via Goodreads

My Thoughts: Roan and his adventures at the Jedi Academy are adorable. Really. The book made me smile. He is an innocent youngster dreaming of being a pilot like other members of his family when he is whisked off to a strange school with a totally new way of looking at his future.

My teenage daughter was charmed and she pointed out how cool it was that someone got their fanfic published. She was right on target. This looks like a piece of fanfic. Yoda is in the book, but most of the other characters simply resemble other Star Wars figures. It is a different story in the world of Star Wars. My elementary students love it and I had a smile on my face throughout most of the book.

Jeffery uses humor liberally including a detailed drawing of Yoda's ear hair and descriptions of dinner - roasted tentacles. When Roan passes out he wakes up an hour later "in a bacta tank (pretty cool, except being in my underwear)" which also has a visual for the reader. Between the text and the great illustrations, readers will be laughing their way through. The book deals with middle school or actually upper grade elementary issues with a light hand so it is still very appropriate for elementary school readers while allowing them to enter the middle school world.

Finally, one of the best things is hiding at the back of the book. Roan provides tips on starting a journal. The tips include writing at least ten words a day, including pictures and items from newspapers, and having fun.

It's Monday! What are you reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journeys. Jen Vincent over at Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee Moye from Unleashing Readers decided to put a children's and YA spin on it and they invite anyone with an interest to join in. You can participate by creating your post then visit one of their sites to add your site. Finally, visit at least three participant blogs and comment to spread the love.

If you want to know more about what I am reading, visit me at my Goodreads shelf. Images via Goodreads unless otherwise noted.

I am in the midst of #NaNoWriMo and have been at an educational conference for four straight days so my reading was minimal this week.

The Past Week

Picture Books

This was an interesting book because it is told from the perspective of a young girl and her family is transient. They are called travelers because in the summer they go from place to place as her father seeks work. The author shows that some family members value that and overall the book affirms this lifestyle.

Middle Grade

I bet that Jeffrey Brown was not going for the term "adorable" when he wrote this, but that is actually what he managed. This is essentially a published fanfic and it will be a winner with elementary students. I will post a more thorough review later this week.

Young Adult

I guess I should have read the blurb more carefully - or maybe I didn't even read it, but this was not what I expected. The book is narrated by a gay man or men who lived in times when AIDS was just beginning to gain national attention. The narration is bittersweet as he is unable to step in and do anything. The narrator is a spectator as two boys try to break the world's record for kissing, several other couples work through their relationship issues, and one young man flounders in depression. It was a powerful book. I just didn't realize it would be from an adult perspective.

Professional

For one of the conferences I attended this week, this was the text. I found many helpful bits of information here, but I also appreciated the reminders of classroom procedures and protocols that I have used in the past that are great for student responses and interactions within the classroom. The conference and book both got us thinking about culturally responsive practices and I am excited to do some re-decorating, try new things in the classroom, and begin to have more discussions about culture with our staff.

The Coming Week:

I really have no idea what I will be reading. I have two different piles of books from the library and several books as digital ARCs, but I am behind on my #NaNoWriMo and will have to kick it into gear to get caught up so I am not sure how much reading time I will have this week. What will you be reading?