Star Wars: Episode #01 The Phantom Menace

Product DescriptionTwo Jedi Knights escape a hostile blockade to find allies and come across a young boy who may bring balance to the Force, but the long dormant Sith resurface to reclaim their old glory. The evil Trade Federation, led by Nute Gunray is planning to take over the peaceful world of Naboo. Jedi Knights Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi are sent to confront the leaders. But not everything goes to plan. The two Jedi escape, and along with their new Gungan friend, Jar Jar Binks head to Naboo to warn Queen Amidala, but droids have already started to capture Naboo and the Queen is not safe there. Eventually, they land on Tatooine, where they become friends with a young boy known as Anakin Skywalker. Qui-Gon is curious about the boy, and sees a bright future for him. The group must now find a way of getting to Coruscant and to finally solve this trade dispute, but there is someone else hiding in the shadows. Are the Sith really extinct? Is the Queen really who she says she is? And whats so special about this young boy?About the AuthorMuch-loved YA author Patricia Wrede (Dealing with Dragons, Calling on Dragons) retells here the storyline of Episode I, The Phantom Menace from opening shot to final scene. Since much of the action in Phantom Menace centers on 14-year-old Queen Amidala and 9-year-old Jedi-to-be Anakin Skywalker, Wrede takes the opportunity to focus on the thoughts and struggles of these two scrappy youngsters. And young Star Wars fans will appreciate that Wredes adaptation is faithful to the screenplay - the events and dialogue mesh seamlessly with memories from the movie, only complementing the action with added details and inner dialogue. (We all knew what Anakin was thinking when he rolled his eyes at Qui-Gons mollycoddling, but this book confirms our suspicions as Anakin groans to himself, Grown-ups!) An inset section with 28 color stills from the movie adds a nice visual touch to a well-told story. (Ages 9 to 12) --Paul Hughes