Hopefully, all the hype that has generated such interest in the “Star Wars” phenomena can be funneled into several new books featuring “a galaxy far, far away.”
Tom Angleberger’s “Beware the Power of the Dark Side” is geared to readers in grades 4-8. Angleberger uses “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi” as the premise of his book. He stay faithful to the plot but adds lots of background and insight into the story. Angleberger has a great affection for and a wealth of knowledge of the “Star War” sagas that he wants to share with his readers. This is a book for old and new fans alike.
Adam Gidwitz has his readers use the persona of Luke Skywaker in his new book “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back: So You Want to Be a Jedi?” Using the events of the 1980 film “The Empire Strikes Back,” readers fight in the Battle of Hoth, meet Yoda and battle against Darth Vader. At the end of each chapter, readers are given hands-on exercises to try and “harness the energy of the Force.” The book follows the plot of the original movie but adds “new and unique perspective.” Geared to readers grade 5 and up.