Good Books for Kids | YA and Kid Reviews Since 2006

bookcover of Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi - Volume 1

Thousands of years before Yoda and Darth, before there were lightsabers and hyperspace travel, there were system bound peoples who were sensitive to the Force. These peoples were drawn to mysterious 'monuments' that some called Tho Yor. They gathered at their base and over time those that studied developed and increased their understanding of the Force. And then one day the monuments activated themselves, becoming ships that took select people to the planet Tython.

Over the next ten thousand years the sentients (who are variously humanoid) spread throughout the Tython system and become strong in the force. But they were not without opposition, both internally within their star system, and externally, from beyond. For while they were developing their skills, there were others working to breed their own sensitives. In this case, not to use the Force, but to sniff it out, so that their masters could destroy anyone with even nascent power.

------------------------------------------------------------------
Review: BATTLING BOY
Review: YUMMY: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty
------------------------------------------------------------------

The Dawn of the Jedi, as you can see from the above illustrations, is a beautifully illustrated book. The backgrounds are lush and detailed, and even more importantly the humanoids are believable concocted.

This first volume introduces the origins of the Je'daii and also the characters and opponents we'll see more of in the future. There are the young people – Shae Koda, Tasha Ryo, Sek'nos Rath– and their masters on the 'light side'. As well as the enigmatic Xesh and his masters on the 'dark side'.

One of the things I really liked about the plotting is that there's depth to the societies. There are parents and peers to deal with. And neither side is so simplified as to being monochromatic. There are some complex politics going on, even on Tython.

Now my take on this book is probably very different from the normal fan-review. My interest in this series is as a parent and promoter of reading. And in that regard I'm going to give this book a thumb's up. I think teachers and parents ought to consider this graphic novel for their reluctant readers –and well, for any reader looking for a little fun escapism.

I wish I could say that there was reading level information, but there isn't. My own children, currently 10 and 12, had no trouble with the text, and I had no problem with their reading this book. There is mild violence and some bullying, but nothing excessive to what they've been exposed to on television.

Notes:
--The beginnings a little slow as the greater universe of the book is constructed, but younger readers can just scan those pages, if necessary, and get the gist of what is going on. After Shae and the gang make an appearance there is plenty of action to keep everyone enwrapped.

A worthy library or classroom choice.

Pam T
Somewhere in the X-burbs

Star Wars
Dawn of the Jedi Volume 1
Force Storm
by John Ostrander
Randy Stradley
Jan Duursema
Dan Parsons