Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those rare books that tricks kids into reading. Jeffrey Brown took the Star Wars universe and made it genuinely relatable—Roan's struggles with homework, friendships, and not getting into his dream school feel real, even when he's learning to use the Force.

The format is the secret weapon here. It's not a traditional novel and not quite a graphic novel—it's a hybrid of comics, doodles, fake report cards, and journal entries that makes every page feel different. For kids who groan at chapter books, this is a gateway drug.

It's funny without being stupid, wholesome without being preachy, and Star Wars-y enough to satisfy fans while being totally accessible to newcomers. The 4.7 Amazon rating and NY Times Bestseller status aren't flukes—this book delivers exactly what it promises and does it well.

The only knock? It's not particularly deep. You're not getting profound life lessons or complex character development. But that's fine. Sometimes a book just needs to be fun and make kids want to keep reading. This one does that beautifully.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 7-12, especially reluctant readers or Star Wars fans. The graphic novel format and middle school setting hit the sweet spot for this age range. By 13, most kids will have aged out unless they're reading it with a younger sibling.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

Captures middle school awkwardness with humor and heart. Models friendship, perseverance through academic challenges, and finding your own path when expectations don't pan out. The tone is consistently kind—Roan deals with disappointment (not getting into Pilot Academy) but grows through it. No mean-spirited humor or toxic dynamics.

Imaginative

92

Brilliantly original format—comics, doodles, journal entries, newspaper clippings—that invites kids to see storytelling as playful and accessible. Takes the Star Wars universe and reimagines it as a middle school setting, which is genuinely creative. The mixed-media approach inspires kids to create their own illustrated stories. Balances familiar Star Wars elements with fresh, kid-centered perspective.

Safe

95

Extremely safe. It's Star Wars filtered through a middle school lens with lightsaber fencing class and Force-lifting boulders as homework assignments. No violence beyond cartoon-style training exercises, no scary content, no mature themes. The 'dangers' are things like embarrassing yourself at a school dance or struggling with a baking soda volcano project.

Enriching

79

Solid on social-emotional learning—navigating disappointment, making friends in a new environment, discovering unexpected strengths. The graphic novel format is great for reluctant readers and builds visual literacy. However, it's primarily entertainment rather than deeply thought-provoking. Kids learn persistence and self-acceptance, but the educational payload is light (despite the school setting being a fun backdrop).

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

The mixed-media format (comics, doodles, fake homework assignments) makes it irresistible for kids who think they don't like reading
Nails the awkwardness of middle school—slow dancing, making friends, dealing with disappointment—with genuine humor and zero cringe
Takes Star Wars seriously enough for fans but makes it totally accessible for kids who've never seen the movies
Short chapters and visual storytelling mean kids can actually finish it and feel accomplished
Models resilience beautifully—Roan doesn't get what he wants but discovers something better

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What to Watch For

It's pretty light on plot depth—this is entertainment first, not a literary masterpiece
Kids unfamiliar with Star Wars will miss some references, but the book works fine standalone
Some kids might find the diary format too 'young' by age 11-12, though many will still enjoy it

Conversation Starters

"Roan really wanted to go to Pilot Academy like his dad and brother. Have you ever been disappointed about something but then it turned out okay?"
"If you went to a school in a galaxy far, far away, what kind of classes would you want to take?"
"Roan has to learn how to make friends at a totally new school. What's your best advice for someone starting somewhere new?"
"The book is told through drawings and journal entries. If you made a book about your life, how would you tell the story?"

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