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We’ve found the best Star Wars books for kids that will get them reading, coloring, and daydreaming of a galaxy far, far away.
A long time ago, in a galaxy far away… George Lucas directed the movie Star Wars, which became a sensation almost immediately after its release to theaters in the summer of 1977. In the nearly fifty years that followed, Star Wars has expanded into video games, television shows, toys, and, of course, books.
That last category is particularly fitting for Star Wars. As its famous opening words suggest, the series has its roots in literature, as Lucas created the movie as a modern-day fairy tale, complete with a bold princess, brave and noble knights, and wise magicians.
In fact, in the sixteen years between Return of the Jedi in 1983 and the release of The Phantom Menace in 1999, Star Wars was primarily a literary franchise, as a bevy of expanded universe novels told the continuing adventures of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo. They even introduced beloved new characters, such as Kyle Katarn and Jacen Skywalker. The prequel movies only accelerated the production of these books, as has the new trilogy that started with The Force Awakens. The movies may get more attention, but the books get to spend the most time in the universe.
But even the biggest Star Wars-loving parent will be overwhelmed by the vast number of choices out there. But we here at Nerdy With Children are bonafide experts in nerdy kids’ books, whether they be magical stories, graphic novels for middle school students, or good old sci fi and fantasy books. We’re bringing that same level of knowledge to the worlds of Star Wars to direct you to the best reads for your young Jedi.
Ages 2-5
Star Wars Coloring Book 
All kids love coloring books, and with good reason. Not only is coloring an inherently relaxing exercise (for proof, just look at the legions of coloring books for adults), but it gives kids a chance to study the characters they love and let their imaginations go wild. So of course there are plenty of coloring books about Star Wars, a franchise chock full of wild aliens and amazing machines.
Illustrated by Nadiya Zabolothaya, the official Star Wars coloring book indulges in all the cool creatures and star crafts that the universe has to offer. Kids can spend time coloring in the lines of classic elements like the Imperial Walkers that menaced the ice planet Hoth or they can go crazy with new designs of new entries like the Progs of The Last Jedi. With 62 full pages of figures, the Star Wars coloring book gives kids plenty of room to release their inner George Lucas. No matter the age of your child, if they are the creative type how about helping them decorate their whole bedroom in a Star Wars theme.
ABC-3PO: Alphabet Book 
While the favorite Star Wars character of most children is one of the heroes of villains – Luke or Vader, Rey or Kylo Ren, Anakin or Count Dooku – for young kids, it’s all about the ‘droids. And since children need to learn their ABCs at some point, why not bring those lovable robots in to help make the process fun?
That’s the appeal of ABC-3PO, written by Calliope Glass and Caitlin Kennedy and illustrated by Katie Cook. Guided by the lovably fastidious C3-PO, ABC-3PO takes the reader through the Star Wars universe guided by the alphabet. Simplifying his protocol droid explanations for an early reader audience, C3-PO teaches kids that “A is for Ackbar” and “B is for Boba Fett.” With this book, kids will not only learn their alphabet but also gain a love of the Star Wars galaxy.
Ages 6-10
C-3PO Does NOT Like Sand! 
Part of the appeal to Star Wars is the broad nature of their characters. While there are certainly interesting contours to our favorites, kids can easily understand that Luke is heroic, Vader is evil, and Poe Dameron is dashing. That’s doubly true of the droids. R2-D2 is irascible and cute, while C-3PO is fussy, which makes them an appealing comedy team for children.
Once again, Caitlin Kennedy writes a funny and accessible story that puts the droid duo in the center, with new addition BB-8 joining them for the ride. But by returning 3PO to his desert home planet of Tatooine, Kennedy amps up the comic hijinks by making the protocol droid irritated at, well, everything. Brian Kesinger’s vibrant and sketch-like artwork heightens the humor, capturing 3PO’s annoyance while keeping everything fun.
Star Wars: The Mandalorian: Allies & Enemies 
While Star Wars has roots going back to the late 70s, the current generation is all about The Mandalorian. Applying the classic Lone Wolf and Cub trope to the Star Wars universe, The Mandalorian pairs a stoic, conflicted warrior with a lovable tyke of infinite potential. The irresistible combination draws children into the Star Wars universe, fostering excitement all over again.
For those who learn about Star Wars through The Mandalorian, Allies & Enemies is a perfect introduction. Written by Brooke Vitale, with illustrations from Tomatoform, Allies & Enemies is an early reader book that takes kids on a tour through The Mandalorian universe. Kids get to meet the major characters, including evil Moff Gideon, robot hunter IG-11, and of course the breakout star The Child (not called either Baby Yoda or Grogu here). Allies & Enemies is the perfect book for kids who want to read for themselves about the basics of the Star Wars universe.
Ages 11-14
Star Wars: Alien Archive 
Most young kids love Star Wars, just like they love every bright, splashy media franchise. But it’s a special kid who not only continues that love when they get older, but then they get serious about it. And when you get serious about a franchise, especially one with such a deep backstory, you dig into the weird minutia. While internet databases such as Wookiepedia can give fans the exhaustive information they want, there’s no replacing an actual physical guidebook, something you can pull off the shelf and flip through the pages to prove a point to your other nerdy friends.
The Star Wars: Alien Archive continues this proud tradition of nerdy guidebooks. Alien Archive combines detailed technical entries with intricate illustrations, creating the definitive answer for all things Star Wars.
Star Wars: Ahsoka 
Although the animated film Star Wars: The Clone Wars received a theatrical release, it and the animated series that followed did not receive as much attention as other releases in the franchise. But those who did watch found a fascinating and complex series, which not only fleshed out Anakin Skywalker’s relationship with Obi-Wan Kenobi but introduced some great new characters. One of the standout characters from the series was Ahsoka Tano, Anakin’s padawan learner.
Written by the author of several Star Wars novels, E.K. Johnson fills in the blanks between the end of the Clone Wars series and her return in the sequel animated series Star Wars: Rebels. Taking a YA approach that emphasizes the heroism of a lone fighter coming into her own, Johnson explores Ahsoka’s mixed feelings about her mentor’s turn to the dark side while finding the strength to stand her own. The book establishes Ahsoka as a fully realized and inspirational figure, perfect for tween readers.
Ages 15+
Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens: Lost Stars 
During the fallow period between Return of the Jedi and the release of The Phantom Menace, Star Wars was not the dominant cultural force that it is today. Not only were no new Star Wars movies or tv shows being made (save for the occasional Ewoks special), but most people had moved on to different pop culture franchises. However, fans during that time kept the hope alive thanks to the Expanded Universe novels, which continued the adventures of beloved characters and explored new places in the universe.
The Journey to Star Wars series continues that proud tradition by introducing readers to unknown worlds affected by the Galactic Empire. Written by Claudia Gray, Lost Stars takes place on the outer planet of Jelucan, where the Empire continues its rule and a new hero joins the fledgling rebellion. The story captures the classic tensions of a great Star Wars story while adding a romantic element and introducing new characters, keeping the franchise fresh and accessible.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: A Crash of Fate 
Most Star Wars stories tie into the movies, cartoons, and tv shows. But that’s not all that Star Wars is anymore. These days, Star Wars is an event and a place, as evidenced by the new Galaxy’s Edge collection at Walt Disney World. Guests at Galaxy’s Edge get to live in the world of Star Wars, ordering blue milk and rubbing shoulders with some of the franchise’s signature aliens. For a teenager who loves Star Wars, Galaxy’s Edge is a dream come true, a chance to play a part of their favorite franchise.
The Galaxy’s Edge book series builds on that feeling to follow the backstory of characters who live in that world. Written by the award-winning author Zoraida Cordova, A Crash of Fate takes place on a largely unknown Star Wars world called Batuu, an idyllic planet caught in the struggle between the empire and the rebels. But while the world may be new, the story will be familiar to fans of the series, as it focuses on two childhood friends whose bond is tested by galactic tensions. In other words, it’s exactly the type of dramatic and deeply nerdy story that teenaged Star Wars fans love.
The post Star Wars Books for Kids That Dream of Far Away Galaxies appeared first on Nerdy With Children.
We’ve found the best Star Wars books for kids that will get them reading, coloring, and daydreaming of a galaxy far, far away.
A long time ago, in a galaxy far away… George Lucas directed the movie Star Wars, which became a sensation almost immediately after its release to theaters in the summer of 1977. In the nearly fifty years that followed, Star Wars has expanded into video games, television shows, toys, and, of course, books.
That last category is particularly fitting for Star Wars. As its famous opening words suggest, the series has its roots in literature, as Lucas created the movie as a modern-day fairy tale, complete with a bold princess, brave and noble knights, and wise magicians.
In fact, in the sixteen years between Return of the Jedi in 1983 and the release of The Phantom Menace in 1999, Star Wars was primarily a literary franchise, as a bevy of expanded universe novels told the continuing adventures of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo. They even introduced beloved new characters, such as Kyle Katarn and Jacen Skywalker. The prequel movies only accelerated the production of these books, as has the new trilogy that started with The Force Awakens. The movies may get more attention, but the books get to spend the most time in the universe.
But even the biggest Star Wars-loving parent will be overwhelmed by the vast number of choices out there. But we here at Nerdy With Children are bonafide experts in nerdy kids’ books, whether they be magical stories, graphic novels for middle school students, or good old sci fi and fantasy books. We’re bringing that same level of knowledge to the worlds of Star Wars to direct you to the best reads for your young Jedi.
Ages 2-5
Star Wars Coloring Book
All kids love coloring books, and with good reason. Not only is coloring an inherently relaxing exercise (for proof, just look at the legions of coloring books for adults), but it gives kids a chance to study the characters they love and let their imaginations go wild. So of course there are plenty of coloring books about Star Wars, a franchise chock full of wild aliens and amazing machines.
Illustrated by Nadiya Zabolothaya, the official Star Wars coloring book indulges in all the cool creatures and star crafts that the universe has to offer. Kids can spend time coloring in the lines of classic elements like the Imperial Walkers that menaced the ice planet Hoth or they can go crazy with new designs of new entries like the Progs of The Last Jedi. With 62 full pages of figures, the Star Wars coloring book gives kids plenty of room to release their inner George Lucas. No matter the age of your child, if they are the creative type how about helping them decorate their whole bedroom in a Star Wars theme.
ABC-3PO: Alphabet Book
While the favorite Star Wars character of most children is one of the heroes of villains – Luke or Vader, Rey or Kylo Ren, Anakin or Count Dooku – for young kids, it’s all about the ‘droids. And since children need to learn their ABCs at some point, why not bring those lovable robots in to help make the process fun?
That’s the appeal of ABC-3PO, written by Calliope Glass and Caitlin Kennedy and illustrated by Katie Cook. Guided by the lovably fastidious C3-PO, ABC-3PO takes the reader through the Star Wars universe guided by the alphabet. Simplifying his protocol droid explanations for an early reader audience, C3-PO teaches kids that “A is for Ackbar” and “B is for Boba Fett.” With this book, kids will not only learn their alphabet but also gain a love of the Star Wars galaxy.
Ages 6-10
C-3PO Does NOT Like Sand!
Part of the appeal to Star Wars is the broad nature of their characters. While there are certainly interesting contours to our favorites, kids can easily understand that Luke is heroic, Vader is evil, and Poe Dameron is dashing. That’s doubly true of the droids. R2-D2 is irascible and cute, while C-3PO is fussy, which makes them an appealing comedy team for children.
Once again, Caitlin Kennedy writes a funny and accessible story that puts the droid duo in the center, with new addition BB-8 joining them for the ride. But by returning 3PO to his desert home planet of Tatooine, Kennedy amps up the comic hijinks by making the protocol droid irritated at, well, everything. Brian Kesinger’s vibrant and sketch-like artwork heightens the humor, capturing 3PO’s annoyance while keeping everything fun.
Star Wars: The Mandalorian: Allies & Enemies
While Star Wars has roots going back to the late 70s, the current generation is all about The Mandalorian. Applying the classic Lone Wolf and Cub trope to the Star Wars universe, The Mandalorian pairs a stoic, conflicted warrior with a lovable tyke of infinite potential. The irresistible combination draws children into the Star Wars universe, fostering excitement all over again.
For those who learn about Star Wars through The Mandalorian, Allies & Enemies is a perfect introduction. Written by Brooke Vitale, with illustrations from Tomatoform, Allies & Enemies is an early reader book that takes kids on a tour through The Mandalorian universe. Kids get to meet the major characters, including evil Moff Gideon, robot hunter IG-11, and of course the breakout star The Child (not called either Baby Yoda or Grogu here). Allies & Enemies is the perfect book for kids who want to read for themselves about the basics of the Star Wars universe.
Ages 11-14
Star Wars: Alien Archive
Most young kids love Star Wars, just like they love every bright, splashy media franchise. But it’s a special kid who not only continues that love when they get older, but then they get serious about it. And when you get serious about a franchise, especially one with such a deep backstory, you dig into the weird minutia. While internet databases such as Wookiepedia can give fans the exhaustive information they want, there’s no replacing an actual physical guidebook, something you can pull off the shelf and flip through the pages to prove a point to your other nerdy friends.
The Star Wars: Alien Archive continues this proud tradition of nerdy guidebooks. Alien Archive combines detailed technical entries with intricate illustrations, creating the definitive answer for all things Star Wars.
Star Wars: Ahsoka
Although the animated film Star Wars: The Clone Wars received a theatrical release, it and the animated series that followed did not receive as much attention as other releases in the franchise. But those who did watch found a fascinating and complex series, which not only fleshed out Anakin Skywalker’s relationship with Obi-Wan Kenobi but introduced some great new characters. One of the standout characters from the series was Ahsoka Tano, Anakin’s padawan learner.
Written by the author of several Star Wars novels, E.K. Johnson fills in the blanks between the end of the Clone Wars series and her return in the sequel animated series Star Wars: Rebels. Taking a YA approach that emphasizes the heroism of a lone fighter coming into her own, Johnson explores Ahsoka’s mixed feelings about her mentor’s turn to the dark side while finding the strength to stand her own. The book establishes Ahsoka as a fully realized and inspirational figure, perfect for tween readers.
Ages 15+
Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens: Lost Stars
During the fallow period between Return of the Jedi and the release of The Phantom Menace, Star Wars was not the dominant cultural force that it is today. Not only were no new Star Wars movies or tv shows being made (save for the occasional Ewoks special), but most people had moved on to different pop culture franchises. However, fans during that time kept the hope alive thanks to the Expanded Universe novels, which continued the adventures of beloved characters and explored new places in the universe.
The Journey to Star Wars series continues that proud tradition by introducing readers to unknown worlds affected by the Galactic Empire. Written by Claudia Gray, Lost Stars takes place on the outer planet of Jelucan, where the Empire continues its rule and a new hero joins the fledgling rebellion. The story captures the classic tensions of a great Star Wars story while adding a romantic element and introducing new characters, keeping the franchise fresh and accessible.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: A Crash of Fate
Most Star Wars stories tie into the movies, cartoons, and tv shows. But that’s not all that Star Wars is anymore. These days, Star Wars is an event and a place, as evidenced by the new Galaxy’s Edge collection at Walt Disney World. Guests at Galaxy’s Edge get to live in the world of Star Wars, ordering blue milk and rubbing shoulders with some of the franchise’s signature aliens. For a teenager who loves Star Wars, Galaxy’s Edge is a dream come true, a chance to play a part of their favorite franchise.
The Galaxy’s Edge book series builds on that feeling to follow the backstory of characters who live in that world. Written by the award-winning author Zoraida Cordova, A Crash of Fate takes place on a largely unknown Star Wars world called Batuu, an idyllic planet caught in the struggle between the empire and the rebels. But while the world may be new, the story will be familiar to fans of the series, as it focuses on two childhood friends whose bond is tested by galactic tensions. In other words, it’s exactly the type of dramatic and deeply nerdy story that teenaged Star Wars fans love.
The post Star Wars Books for Kids That Dream of Far Away Galaxies appeared first on Nerdy With Children.
Comedian Scott Seiss posted a spot-on and unsparing video response to anti-vaxxers in May that took off on Twitter again after some recent celebrity retweets.
This blunt handling of the topic feels refreshing in a time of mass social media misinformation about vaccines, falling vaccination rates even as the Delta variant surges, and news outlets that use gentler terms like “vaccine hesitancy.” President Biden has just called out social networks like Facebook for “killing people” by helping to host and spread lies about the vaccine.
Seiss’s frustration and impatience with those who are putting themselves and others at risk bleeds through this short TikTok video. For many of us watching baffled as people proudly go unvaccinated, and for those who have failed to convince friends and family, Seiss’s words are relatable. This is further evidenced as the video racks up retweets and the stats stand at more than 2 million views on Twitter alone.
If you think he’s being harsh in his messaging, I think it’s harsh to forgo a vaccine that could save your life, help protect those around you, and that countless people who can’t access it worldwide would be thrilled to receive. This sort of video is also Seiss’s trademark comedic approach, and you can watch more of them over on TikTok.
“I’m not gonna get the vaccine” pic.twitter.com/pllmMTZBEk
— Scott Seiss (@ScottSeiss) May 13, 2021
“I’m not gonna get the vaccine,” Seiss begins, in a somewhat mocking tone. Fast cut to:
“Then die,” he says. “What do you want me to do? Argue with you? I’m not on the debate team. This isn’t mock trial.”
He switches back to the voice of an anti-vaxxer. “Aren’t you worried about the side effects?”
“I’m worried about the disease.”
The anti-vaxxer again: “They’re tracking you through the microchip.”
This is a reference to the absurd but widespread conspiracy theory that governments are using COVID-19 vaccines as a chance to insert a tracking microchip into recipients. As though they were incapable of tracking people through the phones we carry everywhere and the information we willingly put on social networks every day, should they like! As though the governments of the world could be bothered to microchip millions of its residents for—I don’t know, reasons? There never seems to be a reason provided beyond the initial paranoid assertion.
Seiss answers the “microchip” claim with the same reminder: “They’re tracking you through the phone you’re watching this on.”
“Get the vaccine,” he finishes adamantly.
There are people out there who cannot get the vaccine because they have certain medical conditions, and this clearly isn’t directed at them. The best thing that we can do for those who cannot safely be vaccinated and those under the age of 12 who are not yet eligible is for those who are eligible to get vaccinated to better protect them.
As much as I appreciate Seiss’s no-holds-barred approach, it’s stunning to look at the replies underneath his Tweet and see an endless stream of anti-vaxxers chiming in to angrily refute his message. There are even many people claiming more than a year into a pandemic that has killed four million people worldwide that the coronavirus isn’t real. If you want to lose faith in humanity, I can recommend that thread. If you’ve had enough with an anti-vaxxer in your life, you can send them this video.
Here are some other things we saw:
- Rescuers are still racing against the clock to find survivors of Western Europe’s devastating floods, as the region reels from “a catastrophe of historic proportions.” (via CNN)
- Celebrities are mourning Biz Markie with tributes after the “Just a Friend” rapper died at age 57. (via HuffPo)
- “So Wait, Are Hayley Atwell and Tom Cruise Actually Dating?” I don’t want to know the answer to this so you can click for me. (via Pajiba)
- Director Spike Lee seems to have jumped the gun and announced Titane as the winner of the Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or top prize. (via Variety)
- Space Jam: A New Legacy had a strong box office start, but critics are being less kind, with the movie currently at 31% on Rotten Tomatoes. (via Deadline and Rotten Tomatoes)
- Miss Minutes almost had a fight scene on Loki??? (via Nerdist)
I’m glad that we as a society read Luigi Massoni and collectively said “naw bro let’s get Luigi’s Mansion trending” https://t.co/hBWvtsNt5C pic.twitter.com/6LpfavnO7Q
— 🦋 #BLM | Señorish 🦋 (@Senorish) July 17, 2021
And finally, is The Good Place’s Manny Jacinto the most beautiful person on Earth? All signs point to yes.
My WORD. https://t.co/bIIImYS1cy
— Saeed Jones (@theferocity) July 17, 2021
What did you see out there on this fine Saturday?
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—The Mary Sue has a strict comment policy that forbids, but is not limited to, personal insults toward anyone, hate speech, and trolling.—
The post Things We Saw Today: Viral TikTok Video Has a Brutally Honest Response to “I’m Not Gonna Get the Vaccine” first appeared on The Mary Sue.
I suspect Marvel Entertainment/Disney and filmmaker extraordinaire, Ryan Coogler are "thinking of a master plan" concerning the forthcoming Black Panther sequel but rest easy, your AFROnerdist hosts are on the case! Welcome to another Afronerd Radio engineered broadcast of The Mid Week in Review airing this Wednesday at 8 p.m. eastern on the rising BTalk 100 internet platform. The topics to be discussed are: recent Afronerd Radio guest, Chicago film critic, Emmanuel Noisette (E-Man's Movie Reviews) had a blistering (and warranted) critique of popular writer/Youtuber, Grace Randolph's reporting of an unconfirmed death scene being proposed for the T'Challa character in the Wakanda Forever film, set to be released in '22;
Our thoughts about the recent release of the DC Animated movie, Batman: The Long Halloween Part 1, based on the eponymous graphic novel limited series by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale; And then there's the always on time and expected racial misstep by corporations that try to honor Black holidays, culture and traditions. An Atlanta, Georgia IKEA furniture retailer commemorated Juneteenth with a very stereotypical menu for employees causing outrage; and speaking of race......BET's upcoming Karen film is causing quite a stir for mimicking Jordan Peele's Get Out.....badly;
And then there's a more "fleshed out" trailer for James Gunn's Suicide Squad and again, we give our impressions...oh and we never did discuss, Gunn's DC/Marvel crossover dreams!
Reports are coming in that filmmaker, Tyler Perry will be expanding his brand to include a theater district, restaurants and retail shops; lastly, the LA Times gives Black indie comic creators their closeup.
One thing that Dburt is doing (finally) is investing in cryptocurrency, courtesy of Roundlyx. We would implore our followers to investigate, discern and then explore by using our referral code: afro-87A4BF
Call us LIVE at 508-645-0100. AFTER CLICKING ON THE HIGHLIGHTED LINK, GO DIRECTLY TO AFRONERD RADIO!!!
or This link below.....
Also, Afronerd Radio's podcast format can be heard via BTalk 100 Pandora, Spotify and, IHeartRadio....more formats to follow!
Salutations to our longstanding AFROnerdist listenership! It's that time AGAIN! Check out the latest episode of Afronerd Radio's Mid Week in Review internet show airing this Wednesday at 8 p.m. eastern on the BTalk 100 platform. Your highly favored AFROnerdist hosts will be waxing about the following issues: somehow we overlooked a major caveat attached to the He-Man animated Netflix reboot but purportedly there will be a racial swap with the character and as expected longtime fans are none too pleased; in the wake of the European Championship football finals, it appears that Black UK players are experiencing an uptick in racial animus from alleged fans on social media;
rising star and fan-favorite graphic novel illustrator, Robson Rocha passes at 41 from COVID-19; the highly anticipated Marvel Studios' Black Widow movie finally premiered-post pandemic-to very respectable box office receipts and we give you our impressions; late astrophysicist and original Cosmos host, Carl Sagan had some pretty insightful things to say about race and Star Wars in a revisited viral '78 interview as a guest on Johnny Carson's The Tonight Show: Hat tip goes to long-time Afronerd Radio supporter, Sergio Mims for pointing our team toward a black historical anecdote regarding a national spelling bee champion during the early 20th century which allows us to connect that story to the more recent case of Zaila Avant-garde
We need to talk about Critical Race Theory if time permits....what (and why) is it being discussed as an educational tool? And more importantly, why the controversy? And lastly, it looks like San Diego Comic-Con is making another virtual return for 2021.
One thing that Dburt is doing (finally) is investing in cryptocurrency, courtesy of Roundlyx. We would implore our followers to investigate, discern and then explore by using our referral code: afro-87A4BF
Call us LIVE at 508-645-0100. AFTER CLICKING ON THE HIGHLIGHTED LINK, GO DIRECTLY TO AFRONERD RADIO!!!
or This link below.....
Also, Afronerd Radio's podcast format can be heard via BTalk 100 Pandora, Spotify and, IHeartRadio....more formats to follow!