Return of the Padawan

Roan Novachez returns for his second year at Jedi Academy, eager to finally begin his starfighter pilot training. At first, things are going well. He reunites with his friends and even takes a field trip to the ice planet Hoth. Soon, trouble arises as his star pilot training class proves to be more challenging than he had anticipated. To make matters worse, Roan’s closest friends, Pasha and Gaiana, start ignoring him, leading him to wonder what he did wrong.  

In a similar format to the first book, Return of the Padawan is told through Jeffrey Brown’s illustrations. Roan’s diary entries, sketches, comics, newspapers, and poster clippings fill every page, and are just as charming as in Jedi Academy. The book is mostly split between Roan’s journal entries and his comic strips, the former featuring more words per page than the latter. Roan’s doodles continue to be humorous, relatable, and full of heart. The scrapbook style helps bring the characters to life and engages reluctant readers.  

Return of the Padawan is an excellent example of how problems can arise from simple misunderstandings. During gym class, Roan accidentally hits Gaiana in the face with a ball. Later, when Roan is unable to find her during the school dance, Gaiana assumes that he is ignoring her. From that point, Gaiana starts ignoring Roan. Roan’s friendship with Pasha also takes a tense turn. During a visit to Pasha’s home planet, Roan accidentally rips a museum’s ancient text, angering both Pasha and his family. The tension deepens when Roan sees Gaiana and Pasha holding hands in the hallway, making him feel even more isolated than before. 

Roan discovers Gaiana has been ignoring him because her father is sick. Afterward, Roan makes the effort to speak with her, owning up to his rude and selfish behavior, and asking about her father’s health. Gaiana is thankful for the gesture. He showcases his growth further during the lightsaber fencing tournament, when bullies Cyrus and Cronah give him the opportunity to cheat, but he ultimately chooses not to. Pasha asks him about this after the tournament, to which Roan replies, “It would’ve been cheating. Cyrus and Cronah were the ones who blinded you. . . when it came down to it, I didn’t want to be like them.” Roan’s actions highlight the value of integrity over a hollow victory.  

Overall, Return of the Padawan is a worthy sequel to Jedi Academy, offering a compelling continuation of Roan’s journey to become a Jedi Knight. Middle-school readers will find Roan’s story to be especially relatable regarding their own friendships. And much like the first book, you don’t have to be a Star Wars fan to enjoy this heartfelt adventure. 

Sexual Content 

• None 

Violence 

• During gym class, Roan accidentally hits Gaiana in the face with a ball. An illustration of Gaiana getting hit, as well as sporting a black eye, is included. 

• There are lightsaber training and fencing sequences with minimal violence (i.e., clashing sabers). No one is hurt in these sequences, though Pasha is noticeably more aggressive with his swings during his duel with Roan, leading Roan to wonder, “Is he trying to hurt me?” Moments later, bullies Cyrus and Cronah use a light to blind Pasha, helping Roan cheat. They tell Roan to “strike [Pasha] down.” Roan instead allows Pasha a few moments to recover before continuing their duel, which Pasha ultimately wins.  

Drugs and Alcohol 

• None 

Language 

• While there is no overtly rude language, the characters Cronah and Cyrus are known for their verbal insults. Roan explains, “Every time I post on Holobook, it seems like Cronah and Cyrus have to say something mean to me. . . They’re jerks to pretty much everyone on Holobook, but if you say anything, they notice you and write even MORE mean stuff.” 
• For instance, Cronah and Cyrus leave mean comments such as, “You couldn’t smell them because of how bad YOU stink, Roan,” “You’re a horrible pilot, so you can use more training for sure,” and “I think Roan was bit by a krayt dragon, and it made him stupid.” 
• Characters use words like “stupid” and “jerk.” 

Supernatural Content 

• The Force can be interpreted as a supernatural entity, allowing the user, among other abilities, to lift things with their mind. For example, an article in the school newspaper, The Padawan Observer, reads “Master Yoda was pleased with his class, except that ‘lifting things with the Force all the time, too many students were.’” 

Spiritual Content 

• None 

by Nicholas Paragano