FICTION

Star Wars: A New Hope: The Princess, the Scoundrel, and the Farm Boy

by Alexandra BRACKEN
illus. by Ralph McQuarrie & Joe Johnston. 336p. Disney/Lucasfilm Pr. 2015. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781484709122.
COPY ISBN
Gr 5 Up—Bracken channels the Force to deliver a solid retelling of the "Star Wars" story that started it all. The princess (Leia), the scoundrel (Han Solo), and the farm boy (Luke) each take turns as the center of attention as the story progresses almost identically to the original film, A New Hope. The trio, along with wise Master Kenobi, must evade Vader and the Empire's forces and bring back detailed plans of the enemy's super weapon if they are to have any chance in the war. The story line is well paced, and Bracken brings readers slightly deeper into the minds of the three heroes. The story is divided into three sections, one for each character; this narrative format is expertly done and not only feels novel but breathes new life into this retelling.
VERDICT Avid fans of the franchise—as well as those new to the "Star Wars" universe wanting to delve into the history in anticipation of the new film—will enjoy this and likely pick up the two sequels, So You Want to Be a Jedi? by Adam Gidwitz and Beware the Power of the Dark Side! by Tom Angleberger (both Disney/Lucasfilm Pr., 2015).
Reviewed by Chad Lane, Tulip Grove Elementary School, MD
These adaptations--published in advance of the 2015 release of the seventh Star Wars movie--assume readers are familiar with the franchise and the plots of the original trilogy. The authors bring their own unique, fresh takes to elements not explained or mentioned in the movies. The novels include black-and-white halftone illustrations and full-color section-opening paintings by Ralph McQuarrie and Joe Johnston. Review covers these Star Wars titles: Return of the Jedi, A New Hope, and The Empire Strikes Back.
 , Nov 01, 2015

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