Of all the journal-y middle grade books I've read lately (and I've read many!), I was surprised that this one feels the most like a real, handwritten, middle-schooler's journal. Brown has managed to squeeze humorous illustrations, a fun plot, wacky teachers, and the Star Wars universe into short novels that don't feel crammed or like they're just riding the coattails of a popular franchise. Return of the Padawan is a well-developed story that can stand all on its own, independent of both the film franchise and the other books in the Star Wars: Jedi Academy series, but those who are familiar with the Star Wars franchise or the other books in Brown's series will, of course, find even more to enjoy.

Be warned, though: Return of the Padawan may inspire some curriculum envy. After all, who wouldn't want to use spaceship flight simulators in school or take classes on using the Force with Yoda himself?

Note: I received a digital galley of this book through NetGalley. ( )

My review of this book can be found on my YouTube Vlog at:

https://youtu.be/v-NPtgQ_0w0

Enjoy!

Super fun. Enjoyed this even more than book 1. ( )

More of the same, but it's quick filler when you're on the toilet. Heh. Yep. ( )

http://olvasonaplo.net/olvasonaplo/2017/06/13/jeffrey-brown-star-wars-jedi-akade... ( )