Just in time for the release of the new "Star Wars" movie, "The Force Awakens," I was excited to find this children's version of the original "Star Wars: A New Hope." Alexandra Bracken, author of "The Princess, the Scoundrel and the Farm Boy," doesn't change the plot points of the story but does elaborate on the feelings and experiences of each of the famous three main characters.
If you are unfamiliar with the plot of "Star Wars," reading this book would be a good way to start. You'll discover some of the personality of each character as well as a bit of background. Since it is a children's book listed for grades three to seven, it is illustrated and has larger type. So even though it is 317 pages, it is a fast read. Bracken's writing captures the magical feel of the first movie and adds to the mythology of the characters even for die-hard adult fans of the series.
The story starts with the galaxy at war and with Princess Leia in charge of her first big mission for the resistance. Hope is fading as the resistance is winning fewer and fewer battles. The empire has nearly completed a new weapon, a death star. The death star will be powerful enough to destroy a whole planet. Leia must find the blueprints of the death star and deliver the plans to the resistance. The rebels' only chance to defeat the empire will soon be in the hands of our three young heroes, Leia, Han Solo and Luke Skywalker. Follow along as these three characters meet each other for the first time, start to learn what is really important in life and learn to trust in friendship.
This was a delightful read, and it was really nice to see more of Leia and Han's personalities and to round them out as deeper characters than some have given them credit for. Overall, I found it a fun, fast read. It would be perfect for a parent or grandparent to read to their children as an introduction to the world of "Star Wars" as long as the child is ready for some battle scenes and a few scary moments.
Tammy Paris is a circulation assistant at Missouri River Regional Library.