Apparently based on some sort of animated movie. It's certainly how it reads, as the action is more or less nonstop as Anakin and Ahsoka slice their way through relentless waves of battle droids like Swiss cheese. I'm sure the Star Wars-obsessed elementary school student will want to read this, but I'm not sure who else would - I'm sure the book doesn't compare to the movie. Darth Sidious and Count Dooku make cameo appearances in order to place the book in the mythos and further the story arc slightly. It's so difficult to buy into Anakin at this age as ever turning to the dark side, as the authors are thrilled to make him their superhero. Still, at the elementary school level, I suppose the tortured anti-hero bit that I'm looking for doesn't really play well. ( )

West, Tracey. Star Wars, The Clone Wars. (2008). New York: Grosset and Dunlop.

Anakin Skywalker finds that his former master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, has arranged for him to teach a young Padawan learner, Ahsoka Tano. At 14 she is 2 years younger than the expected age to become a Padawan. At first reluctant to have a Padawan, Anakin grows to like Ahsoka as they bicker good-naturedly through battle after battle in their mission to rescue Jabba the Hutt’s baby son, who has been kidnapped by former Jedi Count Dooku in an attempt to frame the Jedi Order for the crime. Anakin and Ahsoka are able to return Jabba’s to him and in return he agrees to allow the Republic access to Hutt trade route, which will help them greatly in their war with the Separatist’s and their droid army.

This book is a effective science fiction book for older elementary students. The plot is clear and maintains its logic consistently. The character traits of the main characters, Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, are well-known to students who follow the Star Wars movies and the new animated television series this book is based on. These traits carry over correctly to this book. Anakin is reckless and proud, and Obi-Wan remains heroic and can be trusted to back up his former Padawin in any battle. Ashoki’s character is established from the start of the book to be reckless, smart, and courageous, and she remains so throughout the story. The language and the objects of the science fiction permeate the story, including blasters, lightsabers, shield generators, and battle cruisers, to name a few. They show a world that could be possible in the future. There are also several sentient alien species, such a Hutt, and a Togruta from the planet Shili, to name a few. And, of course, many of the battles occur in space. Finally, the story isn’t just about the Jedi against the Separatists. The story means more; it reflects the hope that good will triumph against evil not only in the world of the book but also in our world. The story expresses the hope that those who are crusaders for good in our society will win over the greedy elements who resemble the Separatists. ( )