iggnaseous's review
4.0
Surprisingly fun re-telling of Empire, focusing on teachable moments from Luke's training in the film, interspersed with a pointers for young, would-be-Jedi readers. This book won't make you a Jedi, but it can help you determine if you have the right stuff to undergo the training.
amiry's review
3.0
Not the biggest fan of the style in which this one was written; second person pov is...weird. The chapters are broken up by "lessons" that take you out of the story. I think that's why it took me so damn long to finish it.
erinlynn1989's review
4.0
This review originally appeared on my blog, The Hardcover Lover. Feel free to check it out there, as well.
What's that? You've already read Alexandra Bracken's The Princess, the Scoundrel, and the Farm Boy? You're ready for another Star Wars novelization? Look no further than the second novel in this new series of illustrated novelizations based on the original three Star Wars films. Adam Gidwitz continues Luke, Leia, and Han's story with his retelling, So You Want to Be a Jedi?, which is based on Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.
So You Want to Be a Jedi> is a little different than the other two books in the illustrated series. Why? Gidwitz's writing style, that's why! In this novel, the reader isn't just reading about the events that take place; he/she is actually living them! Gidwitz developed this book to make it seem like the reader is really Luke Skywalker, and he takes them on the journey of actually becoming a Jedi Knight. At first, I thought that I wasn't going to enjoy this style, but I was surprised because I really, really liked it. It's definitely a cool way to do a retelling, and I felt like I was really reading and savoring every moment.
I also liked the lessons and tests that follow each chapter. Yes, some of these lessons are a bit quirky, and I certainly wasn't going to balance a book on my head while a friend threw paper balls at me or mess up my room and hop around on one foot just to test them out. I enjoyed the thought that went into them, and I could really see middle grade readers trying these out. (So watch out if you buy this book for your kid! He/she just might mess up their room!) These lessons do more than make the reader feel like they are actually training to become a Jedi Knight. They are full of some great advice for young kids, and they could even help kids work on skills like patience and being kind to others. (Always a plus in my grade book!)
Personally, I really enjoyed this novel, but I didn't think it was perfect. At times, I felt like Gidwitz was mostly writing the book for a male audience. I realize that he's assuming that the reader will assume the role of Luke Skywalker, a male character, but it would have been nice to see him reach out to some of the younger female fans of Star Wars.
I was also perplexed by the inclusion of some of the movie scenes. The reader is told that he/she is Luke Skywalker at the beginning of the book. It would have been more enjoyable to really see just what Luke sees, but Gidwitz includes some pretty memorable scenes from the movies where Luke wasn't present. I think finding another way to present those scenes to Luke, like added dialogue would have worked much better.
Gidwitz didn't write a perfect Star Wars novel, but in my opinion, he came pretty close. Yes, I've seen a lot of negative reviews for So You Want to Be a Jedi?, but I don't agree with them because this book is an absolute treasure, especially for its intended audience. I think this book is entertaining and engaging. Young readers will love reading this one and pretending to be Luke Skywalker, even if it's only for a few days, or in my case, hours.
What's that? You've already read Alexandra Bracken's The Princess, the Scoundrel, and the Farm Boy? You're ready for another Star Wars novelization? Look no further than the second novel in this new series of illustrated novelizations based on the original three Star Wars films. Adam Gidwitz continues Luke, Leia, and Han's story with his retelling, So You Want to Be a Jedi?, which is based on Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.
So You Want to Be a Jedi> is a little different than the other two books in the illustrated series. Why? Gidwitz's writing style, that's why! In this novel, the reader isn't just reading about the events that take place; he/she is actually living them! Gidwitz developed this book to make it seem like the reader is really Luke Skywalker, and he takes them on the journey of actually becoming a Jedi Knight. At first, I thought that I wasn't going to enjoy this style, but I was surprised because I really, really liked it. It's definitely a cool way to do a retelling, and I felt like I was really reading and savoring every moment.
I also liked the lessons and tests that follow each chapter. Yes, some of these lessons are a bit quirky, and I certainly wasn't going to balance a book on my head while a friend threw paper balls at me or mess up my room and hop around on one foot just to test them out. I enjoyed the thought that went into them, and I could really see middle grade readers trying these out. (So watch out if you buy this book for your kid! He/she just might mess up their room!) These lessons do more than make the reader feel like they are actually training to become a Jedi Knight. They are full of some great advice for young kids, and they could even help kids work on skills like patience and being kind to others. (Always a plus in my grade book!)
Personally, I really enjoyed this novel, but I didn't think it was perfect. At times, I felt like Gidwitz was mostly writing the book for a male audience. I realize that he's assuming that the reader will assume the role of Luke Skywalker, a male character, but it would have been nice to see him reach out to some of the younger female fans of Star Wars.
I was also perplexed by the inclusion of some of the movie scenes. The reader is told that he/she is Luke Skywalker at the beginning of the book. It would have been more enjoyable to really see just what Luke sees, but Gidwitz includes some pretty memorable scenes from the movies where Luke wasn't present. I think finding another way to present those scenes to Luke, like added dialogue would have worked much better.
Gidwitz didn't write a perfect Star Wars novel, but in my opinion, he came pretty close. Yes, I've seen a lot of negative reviews for So You Want to Be a Jedi?, but I don't agree with them because this book is an absolute treasure, especially for its intended audience. I think this book is entertaining and engaging. Young readers will love reading this one and pretending to be Luke Skywalker, even if it's only for a few days, or in my case, hours.
orangerful's review
5.0
I cannot say enough about these Star Wars books written by some of my favorite children's authors. Adam Gidwitz's take on 'Empire Strikes Back' not only puts YOU in the role of Luke Skywalker, telling his story from first person, it also provides lessons on how to be a Jedi, teaching the reader ways to calm their mind, meditate, think before acting, and focus.
If you know a kid/were a kid who loves Star Wars, this series is a great way to explore the many ways a story can be told.
If you know a kid/were a kid who loves Star Wars, this series is a great way to explore the many ways a story can be told.
factolvictor's review
3.0
It's a Y/A book written for second graders, which is a nice initiative and a nice way to introduce the Star Wars classic trilogy to the new generations.
nhayner's review
2.0
The second person was weird and overall this book was just not as good as the other two books in this series. Perhaps I’ll change my rating. when I’m not about to pass out from Benadryl lmao
the_fabric_of_words's review
5.0
May the 4th Be With You!
This gem by Adam Gidwitz is written entirely in 2nd person POV! I did a little dance when I discovered it.
As an ELA teacher, I used it and other Star Wars Choose Your Destiny and Choose Your Adventure books to help my students review and identify 2nd POV in literature.
You need a few of these books for your shelves, as your students will find plenty of other examples of 1st and 3rd POVs in most middle grade books.
And with the release of the last episode of Clone Wars (we all cried!), they're timely, as well.
For the super-simple, super-fun lesson plan and ideas on using it via distance learning, visit my blog: http://amb.mystrikingly.com/blog/may-the-4th-be-with-you-using-star-wars-to-identify-2nd-pov
This gem by Adam Gidwitz is written entirely in 2nd person POV! I did a little dance when I discovered it.
As an ELA teacher, I used it and other Star Wars Choose Your Destiny and Choose Your Adventure books to help my students review and identify 2nd POV in literature.
You need a few of these books for your shelves, as your students will find plenty of other examples of 1st and 3rd POVs in most middle grade books.
And with the release of the last episode of Clone Wars (we all cried!), they're timely, as well.
For the super-simple, super-fun lesson plan and ideas on using it via distance learning, visit my blog: http://amb.mystrikingly.com/blog/may-the-4th-be-with-you-using-star-wars-to-identify-2nd-pov
carolyndeas's review
4.0
Do you want to be a Jedi!
I totally do so I didn't know what to expect when I picked up this book. Obviously it tells the Star Wars story "The Empire Strikes Back" but just like the first book in this series, it's all about perspective.
The author, Adam Gidwitz, prepares you in the preface by getting you in the mindset of a Jedi. He's not just telling you a story. He's walking you through your story! In this book, you are Luke Skywalker, young Padawan, training with Yoda and fighting the Empire.
What I loved most about this book is the way in which it's told. Not only are you the hero, but between every chapter, there's an activity for you to do to work on your Jedi training. It starts off with easy tasks like trying to meditate (I mean really meditate) for as long as you can while counting to ten. Focus on the numbers and nothing but the numbers.
I tried it. It's super hard.
As the story progresses, so do your challenges. Focus on balancing on one leg while someone throws something at you.
Scatter things all over your room and then walk through with your eyes closed feeling the objects at your feet and not actually touching them.
Also like the first book in the series, it also spells out names that you (or me at least) can never remember or pronounce.
Yesterday I started the last book of this series and I can't wait to share my thoughts on that one with you!
I totally do so I didn't know what to expect when I picked up this book. Obviously it tells the Star Wars story "The Empire Strikes Back" but just like the first book in this series, it's all about perspective.
The author, Adam Gidwitz, prepares you in the preface by getting you in the mindset of a Jedi. He's not just telling you a story. He's walking you through your story! In this book, you are Luke Skywalker, young Padawan, training with Yoda and fighting the Empire.
What I loved most about this book is the way in which it's told. Not only are you the hero, but between every chapter, there's an activity for you to do to work on your Jedi training. It starts off with easy tasks like trying to meditate (I mean really meditate) for as long as you can while counting to ten. Focus on the numbers and nothing but the numbers.
I tried it. It's super hard.
As the story progresses, so do your challenges. Focus on balancing on one leg while someone throws something at you.
Scatter things all over your room and then walk through with your eyes closed feeling the objects at your feet and not actually touching them.
Also like the first book in the series, it also spells out names that you (or me at least) can never remember or pronounce.
Yesterday I started the last book of this series and I can't wait to share my thoughts on that one with you!
buuboobaby's review
1.0
This is a great big DNF. What a huge disappointment. My favorite of the original Star Wars movies, and I couldn't even struggle through this painful novelization. Second person POV is an awkward, off-putting narrative style, and it did not work for me. I can't think of an instance that it has EVER worked for me. If you are looking for the magic of the movie, keep right on going, because you aren't going to find it here.