To the Jedi Academy, Return Victor Must - Youngling Battles Alarm Clocks, New Kids, and Rumors in Year Two

Jedi Academy: The Force Oversleeps by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Hello, Readers!

This week, 4th grade book club members are discussing Jedi Academy: The Force Oversleeps by Jarrett J. Krosoczka. This graphic novel is the fifth book in the Star Wars Jedi Academy series, and it continues to entertain with relatable characters, humorous situations, and simple, yet important, lessons in humanity.

Victor Starspeeder is back at Jedi Academy for year two, but it's not going the way he'd planned. He was thrilled about Drama Club and hoped to get the lead in this year's musical. But a new kid got the role! What gives?! Plus, he keeps oversleeping and arriving at class late.

Worst of all, his big sister Christina is getting ready to graduate from Jedi Academy, and there are rumors going around that she's a Sith! What's a Padawan to do? In times when he feels more alone than ever, Victor will have to trust the ways of the Force and his friends if he's going to survive year two.

(Source: https://www.scholastic.com/kids/book/the-force-oversleeps-by-jarrett-j-krosoczka/)

Possible Discussion Questions:

1. What formats of writing appear in this story, and which was your favorite? Did the multiple formats of writing make it more challenging or more entertaining as you read?
2. New Beginnings - Why is Victor looking forward to this school year? How is Zavyer new and not new at the same time?
3. Friendship - Friendship is a subject that is explored in The Force Oversleeps. What lesson(s) or message(s) did you learn about friendship by reading this story?
4. Family - Describe Victor’s relationship with his sister, Christina. What is going on at school (or on Stargram) that has Victor concerned about Christina? 
5. Emotions and the Force - Why did Yoda say that it was important to talk and get your feelings out instead of letting them stay bottled up inside? 
6. Growth - Which characters changed the most in this story? In what ways? 
7. Learning – What did Victor learn this year, both literally from attending his classes at school, and more importantly, through his experiences with his friends, family, and teachers?
8. Humor - Humor is a big part of the Jedi Academy series. What part did you find the funniest? What strategies or techniques does Jarrett J. Krosoczka use to make the story funny (for example, references to the Star Wars books/movies)?

Curriculum Connections:

• Visit Jarrett J. Krosoczka's web site to learn more about him and the other books he has written and illustrated.
• Character Development (friendship, problem solving, working together)

What 4th Grade Book Club Members Thought:

• Our rating: 4.9 out of 5 - Wow! We loved it!
• "My favorite part was when the 2nd and 3rd years had a light saber tournament." --Varun
• "I want to talk about the Stargram posts." --Rehet
• "How did their father turn Sith?" --Jack
• "I wondered what did his mom and sister talk about?" --Addie
• "My favorite part was the light saber tournament when Krio Vin invades Victor's mind." --Alex
• "Why did Victor want to be a star speeder driver?" --Jeb
• "I wondered how long the Academy has been around." --Ryan
• "My favorite part was when it said, 'If you can't help your sister, annoy her.'" --Hailey
• "How come Viktor got crazy mad about his sister calling him a Nerf Herder?" --Varun
• "My favorite part was when the book showed Victor's report card and he never got an 'A'!" --Anjulia

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