By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 14, 2009
Star Wars is everywhere: t-shirts, Legos, figurines, table sets, bedding, posters … the list goes on … babies are dressed-up as Yoda for Halloween, and 4-year-old kids (sometimes younger, often older) are waving their pretend light sabers in a pretend battle in the yard at preschool. The commercialization of Star Wars can not be escaped; sooner or later your kids are going to ask that all important question, “Can I watch Star Wars?”
Now comes the hard part: how old should your kids be before you let them watch the movie? There are so many things to consider, including: violence and adult concepts. Some parents say 10-years-old, others are more lenient with 8- or even 6-years-old. No matter what you decide is right for your family—I do recommend reading this article by Daniel Donahoo, Geek Dad—reading some Star Wars books may be a good way to delay a viewing of the movies; it will also allow for some thoughtful discussions on good vs. bad, before the onslaught of the visual impact.
Here is a list of books and their synopsis’, starting at the youngest reader and ending in books for older readers:
Reading level: Ages 1-5
Board book: 12 pages
Publisher: Cartwheel Books; Brdbk edition (September 1, 2009)
Publisher’s synopsis: A perfect introduction to the Star Wars universe, this board book features the names and images of the most iconic spaceships coupled with simple text, as the Millennium Falcon, TIE Fighters, and X-Wings blast across outer space.
Designed for the young Jedi-in-training, Star Wars: Spaceships will take children to a galaxy far, far away…into an epic story that was a defining moment for many of today’s parents.
The Force is strong with this book.
Add this book to your collection: Star Wars: Spaceships
Reading level: Ages 1-5
Board book: 12 pages
Publisher: Cartwheel Books; Brdbk edition (January 1, 2010) COMING SOON!
Source: Publisher
Publisher’s synopsis: A perfect introduction to the legendary Star Wars characters, this board book features the names and images of the most popular heroes coupled with simple text, as Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo fight to save outer space.
Designed for the young Jedi-in-training, Star Wars: Heroes will take children to a galaxy far, far away…into the Star Wars story that was a defining moment for many of today’s parents.
Add this book to your collection: Star Wars: Heroes
Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy
by Matthew Reinhart
Reading level: Ages 4-10
Hardcover: 6 pages
Publisher: Orchard Books; Pop edition (October 15, 2007)
Source: Book Store
Publisher’s synopsis: Sabuda and Reinhart Studios have created another spectacular pop-up book for George Lucas’s epic STAR WARS movies! Bestselling pop-up artist and engineer Matthew Reinhart has designed a thirtieth anniversary commemorative edition that comes packed with a variety of novelty features — pop-ups, working light sabers, pull tabs, and other interactive looks at the exciting and popular movies. This beautiful book will impress all fans of STAR WARS and gives a whole new perspective to the films.
MATTHEW REINHART is a renowned paper engineer and bona fide STARS WARS aficionado. He has worked with Robert Sabuda on many wonderful pop-up titles such as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, A B C Disney, Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Dinosaurs, and Movable Mother Goose. He also created Mommy? by Maurice Sendak, The Pop-Up Book of Nightmares, and The Pop-Up Book of Phobias. He lives in New York City.
Add this book to your collection: Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy
Luke Skywalker’s Amazing Story
Reading level: Ages 5-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: DK Publishing (December 1, 2008)
Source: Book Store
Publisher’s synopsis: With these new classic Star Wars(r) Readers, children learn about the fantastic Jedi Knights, rogue Rebels, heroic allies, and evil Sith Lords that are loved by several generations.
From his humble upbringing on Tatooine to his Jedi training with Obi-Wan and Yoda, follow Luke Skywalker as he grows from boy to man to Jedi Knight.
(c) 2008 Lucasfilm Ltd. (r) & TM
Add this book to your collection: Luke Skywalker’s Amazing Story
Reading level: Ages 6-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: DK Publishing (December 1, 2008)
Source: Book Store
Publisher’s synopsis: R2-D2, C-3P0, and other droids, large and small, come to life in this classic Star Wars(r) reader.
(c) 2008 Lucasfilm Ltd. (r) & TM
by Catherine Saunders
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 48 pages
Publisher: DK CHILDREN (February 18, 2008)
Source: Book Store
Publisher’s synopsis: More thrilling Star Wars episodes for young readers! Kids can continue their discovery of the fantastic Jedi knights, rogue rebels, heroic allies, and evil Sith lords that were loved by their parents’ generation, while strengthening their reading skills at the same time.
Discover how a promising young Jedi turned to the Dark Side and became the most feared Sith lord in the galaxy.
Add this book to your collection: The Story of Darth Vader
Lego Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary
by Simon Beecroft
Reading level: Ages 7+
Hardcover: 96 pages
Publisher: DK Publishing; Har/Toy edition (September 21, 2009)
Source: Book Store
Publisher’s synopsis: In true DK style, LEGO® Star Wars™: The Visual Dictionary elucidates, illuminates, and excites even the most discerning LEGO Group, Star Wars™, and minifigure fans around the world.. Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Yoda, Luke Skywalker, and more are brought to life with dozens of little-known facts and hundreds of photos, as are accessories, vehicles, weapons, and even the Death Star! Learn about the history, manufacture, and construction of the minifigures of the Star Wars galaxy, and come away a LEGO® Jedi Master.
LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick configuration and the Minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group. © 2009 The LEGO Group. © 2009 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Production by Dorling Kindersley under license from the LEGO Group.
Add this book to your collection: Lego Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary
Star Wars: Rebel Force: Target (Book 1)
by Alex Wheeler
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Mass Market Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Inc. (January 1, 2009)
Source: Publisher
Publisher’s synopsis: It is a critical moment in the struggle between the Rebels and the Empire: the Force itself hangs in the balance, and all the hopes of the galaxy depend on the adventures of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and a host of other heroes.
Add this book to your collection: Star Wars: Rebel Force: Target (Book 1)
Also in this series: Hostage (Book 2), Renegade (Book 3), Firefight (Book 4), and coming soon … Book 5.
A New Hope: The Life of Luke Skywalker
by Ryder Windham
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Inc. (September 1, 2009)
Source: Publisher
Publisher’s synopsis: Hidden away at birth, he would believe himself an orphan.
Watched over by a mysterious hermit, he would discover incredible abilities.
And by finding hope where others found only evil, he would restore balance to the galaxy.
This is the incredible story of Luke Skywalker, as told by New York Times bestselling author Ryder Windham.
Add this book to your collection: A New Hope: The Life of Luke Skywalker
The Rise and Fall of Darth Vader
by Ryder Windham
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: Scholastic (December 7, 2007)
Source: Publisher
Publisher’s synopsis: The full story of Anakin Skywalker, from his birth in slavery to his death as the powerful Darth Vader … told for the first time in its entirety by NYT bestselling Star Wars author Ryder Windham. Spanning all six Star Wars movie and including the pieces of the story that fill in the gaps, this novel will be a must-have for any Star Wars fan.
Add this book to your collection: The Rise and Fall of Darth Vader
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3 Comments
The DK readers set of Star Wars books – especially levels 2-4 – are terrific for advanced first graders. My son is devouring them. The problem is that there’s not a big difference between level 3 and 4, and after 4 you’re done!
What Star Wars books would be appropriate for the next level (2nd grade reading level) that are short chapter books?
BTW – my sons (4 & 7) watch Star Wars IV-VI starting when the youngest was 3. They adore the movies, but I won’t let them watch the prequels until they are much older. I saw Star Wars the original in the theaters when I was 6 and I was hooked – unfortunately I think I was the only girl in my class that liked Sci Fi. Handy now as a mom to two boys – I am the Star Wars trivia expert for them 🙂
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