2014
WISE Score
Amazon
Middle school is basically the Dark Side, but with more homework and fewer cool capes.
4.7
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This is a winner. It’s one of those rare books that kids actually want to read on their own without being nagged.
Jeffrey Brown knows how to write for this age group—he doesn't talk down to them, and he gets the humor right. It’s safe, it’s funny, and it’s a great way to keep a kid engaged with a book instead of a screen for a few hours. Even if they aren't obsessed with Star Wars, the 'new kid struggling to fit in' trope is universal enough to work.
Ideal for 7 to 12-year-olds. It hits that sweet spot for kids who have graduated from 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' but still want something funny and visual.
It handles the messy reality of middle school friendships—jealousy, drifting apart, and social pressure—with a lot of heart and zero preachiness.
The mix of journal entries, comic strips, and school newsletters is a clever way to build a world. It's a great 'Star Wars' spin on the mundane parts of life.
It's a Scholastic book. The 'violence' is cartoonish and limited to training or mild school scuffles. No heavy themes or inappropriate content.
Excellent for reluctant readers. It uses the 'Dark Side' as a perfect metaphor for making bad choices to fit in with the 'cool' kids.
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