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Star Wars: Jedi Academy (Star Wars: Jedi Academy #1)



Last updated Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Author: Jeffrey Brown
Date of Publication: 2013
ISBN: 0545505178
Grade Level: 5th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: May 2022

Synopsis: 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.

Note to readers:
•  This is the first in a series of books about a boy who dreams of going to pilot school, like his older brother, but doesn’t make the cut. Instead, he is offered a place at the Jedi Academy by Yoda himself. This book is a mashup of his personal journal and a graphic novel that shows day to day life at the school.
SPECIAL NOTE: The list of vocabulary words includes “jedi” which in now in our dictionary (Merriam-Webster). If you have a smart phone, you could look it up for the kids.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Roan, a boy entering middle school, has dreamed of going to the Pilot Academy since he was very little, just like his older brother. His father is also a pilot. However, he doesn’t make the cut and thinks he’s going to Plant School as is expected of many who live on Tantooine. He receives an unexpected invitation to the Jedi Academy from Yoda himself. This book is a journal/graphic novel of his first year.

Vocabulary:

•  jedi: (Yes, it’s a real word in the dictionary). A person who shows extraordinary skill or expertise in a specified field or endeavor.
•  academy: a school or college for special instruction or training in a subject.
•  pilot: a person qualified to operate an aircraft (ex., balloon, airplane, and spacecraft).
•  faculty: the teaching or administrative staff at a school or university.
•  extracurricular: outside the regular curricular program of courses, such as an after school sport.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Do you have special program you’d like to participate in such as going to a STEM Magnet school or playing on the basketball ball team? Maybe it something you’ll want to do when you’re older, such as play professional soccer.

Craft ideas:
•  Create your own journal. Take several sheets of blank white paper. Layout with the long edge (11”) at the top. Fold pages in half. Do the same with a regular sheet of construction paper. Slip the white paper inside the folded construction paper. Secure the fold with staples. Decorate the cover of you journal. Don’t forget to put your name on it.
•  Draw your favorite Star Wars character(s).
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest! at https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/may-2022fantasy-folklore-and-fairytales
•  Check this website for more suggestions: https://readingtokids.org/ReadingClubs/CraftTips.php

Special activities:
•  Do the word search at https://thewordsearch.com/puzzle/3625283/star-wars-jedi-academy/

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!