Great Books for Young Star Wars Fans

Guardians of the Whills, by Greg Rucka
Here’s one for those who loved Rogue One. Baze and Chirrut used to be Guardians of the Kyber Temple on the desert world of Jedha, but then the Empire took over the planet, and destroyed the temple. Now the two friends secretly try to resist the Empire. When Saw Gerrera arrives, and assembles his own army in opposition to the Empire, Baze and Chirrut must decide if they will join him…or not. These are two of the most intriguing characters introduced by the movie, and it’s great to see them getting a book of their own!

Join the Resistance, by Ben Acker, Ben Blacker, and Annie Wu
Kids who long to be heroes of the galaxy will love this story of a boy who knows that’s his destiny. Mattis Banz is recruited to be part of General Leia Organa’s army, but the squadron he’s assigned to doesn’t seem like they’ll amount to much, and get into trouble much too often! Can this squad of determined individuals come together to show they have what it takes when things get tough? The pages turn quickly as all get out, and the story is full of action and adventure, and humor too. Young readers who take particular delight in all the strange creatures of the Star Wars Universe will be especially pleased, because they are just about all here!

The Relic War (Daniel Coldstar Book 1), by Stel Pavlou
The first book of this new sci-fi series for kids sends a young hero out among the stars to confront evil. Daniel is one of hundreds of kids imprisoned in a hellish mine, searching for ancient relics with no hope of escape. But when his memory gets wiped clean, he forgets what it is to be hopeless, and when he finds a strange artifact that’s both a weapon and a shield, he seizes the chance to run. He makes it into space, and is taken in by the Truth Seekers, who work to maintain justice and peace amongst humanities intergalactic colonies. Now Daniel, and the artifact that gives him power, have become players in this struggle!

The Planet Thieves, by Dan Krokos
Here’s a full-blown military science fiction in space! A 13-year-old Earth kid, Mason Stark, is a cadet on board the SS Egypt, peacefully logging his required time in space when the ship is attacked by the alien Tremist, enemies of Earth. The Egypt’s crew is overpowered, and the cadets (shunted off to the sidelines during the attack) are the only able-bodied crew. Then they discover the reason for the attack—the Egypt was carrying a powerful weapon that could have won the war for Earth. Mason, appointed acting captain by the one injured officer still on board, must find a way to rally his fellow cadets to take back the ship, warn Earth, and try, desperately, to stop the Tremists from using Earth’s own weapon against them. The cool technology, mayhem, cunning plotting, interesting aliens, and some neat character interactions make this a great read for kids who are only just discovering the joy of sci-fi geekdom. The sequel, The Black Stars, is just as good!

Phoenix, by S.F. Said and Dave McKean
Here’s one for kids who dream of being heroes out among the stars. Lucky’s chance to set out on interstellar adventures starts the most unlucky way possible, when his mother is killed by the sinister Shadow Guards (the soldiers of humanity out among the stars). His mother’s last action was to get him on an Axxa ship, and the Axxa (with scary red eyes, horns, and hooves) are currently the official enemies of humanity, fighting out among the stars. But the Axxa and the humans are more alike than they are different, and perhaps they can help him control the fierce conflagrations he sets off when he’s threatened. After perilous adventures in space, the Axxa lead him to the revelation about himself that he, and the war torn galaxy, both need, and to a choice that isn’t really a choice at all….Exciting and mind-opening adventure at its best!

The Lost Planet, by Rachel Seales
Chase wakes up alone on the planet Trucon with no memories other than a single phrase “guide the star.” He’s found by Parker, a boy his own age, who takes him joyriding in a small space craft. While their up above Trucon, the planet explodes. Parker’s android caretaker, Mina, hunts them down, and now they must figure out who destroyed Parker’s home. The military Fleet, trying to keep order in a crowded galaxy, might help…but even when his memory starts coming back, it’s not clear who they can trust, and the evil Krasha Van, who directed the explosion, is a formidable enemy. Aliens, dangers, and intergalactic travels keep the pages turning quickly! Kids will want to go right on to the sequel, The Stolen Moon.

Cleopatra in Space, by Mike Maihack
Here’s a series for Star Wars fans who enjoy graphic novels! Cleopatra (yes, the original Cleopatra) unwittingly sent herself through time from Egypt to a far off future in space. There she is by sentient cats who become her teachers and advisors, is plunged into future-tech military training, and finds out she is prophesized to defeat an utterly evil space tyrant warlord, Octavian. There’s plenty of action-filled adventure in store for Cleo and her new friends, and plenty of trouble for impetuous and determined Cleo to get into. The story arc of finding the fabled Time Tablets holds things together plot-wise, and the illustrations bring it all to vivid life. Cleo’s adventures continue in The Thief and the Sword, Secret of the Time Tablets, and The Golden Lion.