My library is full of Star Wars fans and we can’t keep anything to do with Star Wars on the shelf. The enduring popularity of the franchise, plus all the toy, movie, and book tie-ins, make it perfect for tween readers. The second annual Star Wars Reads is happening this year on October 5.
Star Wars Reads is an initiative to bring together bookstores, libraries, publishers and readers to celebrate a love of reading through Star Wars. It’s the perfect time to reach out to those Star Wars fans at the library. Try giving your Star Wars fans some of these titles:
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger (and sequels)-Dwight is the strange kid in school and no one is sure what to think of the Origami Yoda he brings to school. This series now has four titles included and there’s even an origami companion, Art2-D2’s Guide to Folding and Doodling, if your fans want to give some Star Wars origami a try.
Star Wars: Jedi Academy by Jeffrey Brown-If you have comic book fans and readers who enjoy humor, this title is perfect. Imagine all the angst and confusion of middle school only set inside of a Jedi Academy where learning to use lightsabers and the Force are key classes.
LEGO Star Wars: The Yoda Chronicles by Daniel Lipkowitz-LEGOs, Star Wars, and Yoda-what more could a tween ask for? The book includes photographs of LEGO Star Wars figures telling some of Yoda’s amazing adventures.
In case your Star Wars fans have already read everything Star Wars the library has, science fiction can be a great genre bridge to finding new books.
Starbounders by Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson-A group of kids end up having to put their new training to work when their space mission goes wrong and they are left in charge. Lots of action and adventure perfect for Star Wars fans.
The Planet Thieves by Dan Krokos-A group of cadets are stranded alone after an alien race attack and must defend their ship and learn how to survive. Maybe a bit more Star Trek than Star Wars, a good science fiction choice for middle grade readers.
Any other favorite Star Wars reads or science fiction for tween readers?
Are you interested in reading more tween-related posts? The YALSA Blog and the ALSC Blog both offer information of interest to librarians who work with tweens.
