Star Wars: A New Hope The Princess, the Scoundrel, and the Farm Boy

by Alexandra Bracken

Overview

This story begins as so many do: A long, long time ago... in a place far beyond the glittering stars you see in your night sky. This is the story of three people who cross paths with destiny—who are in the wrong place at the right time. Together, these three will prove there's more to them than meets the eye... and they might just be the galaxy's only hope for the future.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781368027519
Publisher:	Disney Publishing Group
Publication date:	03/19/2019
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	5.70(w) x 7.50(h) x 0.90(d)
Lexile:	800L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Alexandra Bracken is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Darkest Minds series. Born and raised in Arizona, she moved East to study history and English at the College of William & Mary in Virginia. After working in publishing for several years, Alex now writes full-time and can be found hard at work on her next novel in a charming little apartment that's perpetually overflowing with books. Visit her online at www.alexandrabracken.com and on Twitter @alexbracken.

Editorial Reviews

11/01/2015
Gr 5 Up—Bracken channels the Force to deliver a solid retelling of the "Star Wars" story that started it all. The princess (Leia), the scoundrel (Han Solo), and the farm boy (Luke) each take turns as the center of attention as the story progresses almost identically to the original film, A New Hope. The trio, along with wise Master Kenobi, must evade Vader and the Empire's forces and bring back detailed plans of the enemy's super weapon if they are to have any chance in the war. The story line is well paced, and Bracken brings readers slightly deeper into the minds of the three heroes. The story is divided into three sections, one for each character; this narrative format is expertly done and not only feels novel but breathes new life into this retelling. VERDICT Avid fans of the franchise—as well as those new to the "Star Wars" universe wanting to delve into the history in anticipation of the new film—will enjoy this and likely pick up the two sequels, So You Want to Be a Jedi? by Adam Gidwitz and Beware the Power of the Dark Side! by Tom Angleberger (both Disney/Lucasfilm Pr., 2015).—Chad Lane, Tulip Grove Elementary School, MD

School Library Journal

2015-09-05
Bracken launches this retelling with the first of the original Star Wars trilogy. Aptly titled, this novelization focuses on Leia, Han, and Luke as the titular princess, scoundrel, and farmboy, organized into a section for each. In the first, Leia has perhaps bitten off more than she can chew in trying to prove herself to the Rebellion and distance herself from princess stereotypes. The novel follows spirited Leia from Darth Vader's attack on her ship, through the "Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi" holographic message, her capture, and her interrogation to the destruction of planet Alderaan, her home. From there, the third-person narration shifts to Han, who agrees to transport Luke and Obi Wan to pay his debt to the dangerous Jabba the Hutt. They run into trouble with Vader and take advantage of the chance to rescue Leia from her impending execution. Han's pulled between his pragmatic desire for money (and skepticism of the Jedi "religion") and the affection he feels, against his will, for Leia and Luke. The final section begins as Luke grieves Obi-Wan's death and struggles to find his place both as a half-trained Jedi and in the Rebellion. While occasionally the narration dips into saccharine sentimentality and often tells more than it shows, generally Bracken's love for the source material results in enhanced characterization. A competent novelization of a beloved story. (Science fantasy. 8-12)

Kirkus Reviews