Sunday, January 30, 2022

A Test of Courage by Justina Ireland - ADVISABLE

A Test of Courage by Justina Ireland, 229 pages. Disney Lucasfilm Press (Buena Vista Books), 2021. $15.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

At age 16, Vernestra is the youngest Jedi Knight in a long time, and she’s determined to do well on her first real assignment – even if it feels like babysitting. Her task is to supervise 12-year-old Avon, a senator’s daughter, on a ship to see the new space station, Starlight Beacon. However, when the ship is compromised, Vernestra, Avon, and a couple others escape on a maintenance shuttle and fly into the unknown. At least it’s better than being dead.

The ragtag team of a mirialan, three humans, and a droid seems like it shouldn’t be as relatable as Ireland makes it. Each of them struggle to know what to do next, some thinking rationally while others want to act on their emotions – including anger and grief. Ireland includes all the fun elements of Star Wars – i.e., spaceships, new planets, lightsaber battles, and Jedi mind tricks – making the story entertaining for old and new fans.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen


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