Star Wars: Jedi Academy 4 - A New Class

Jedi Academy #4

by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Confidential until November 2015!

Genres: Star Wars, Graphic Novels, Science Fiction, Childrens, Comics, Middle Grade, Fantasy

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 26, 2016

About the author

Jarrett J. Krosoczka, known since boyhood as "JJK," is the New York Times bestselling author/illustrator behind more than forty books for young readers, including his wildly popular Lunch Lady graphic novels, select volumes of the Star Wars™: Jedi Academy series, and Hey, Kiddo, which was a National Book Award Finalist. Krosoczka creates books with humor, heart, and deep respect for his young readers—qualities that have made his titles perennial favorites on the bookshelves of homes, libraries, and bookstores over the past twenty years.

In addition to his work in print, Krosoczka produced, directed, and performed in the full-cast audiobook adaptations of his graphic novels. The Hey, Kidoo audiobook garnered both Audie and Odyssey Awards for excellence in audiobook production. The Lunch Lady audiobook cast is led by Kate Flannery (The Office) and is rounded out by famed audiobook narrators and real kid actors! Krosoczka has been a guest on NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross, has been profiled in The New York Times, was featured on Good Morning America, and has delivered three TED Talks, which have accrued millions of views online. Krosoczka has garnered millions of more views online via the tutorials he has produced for YouTube and TikTok. As well as working on his books' film and television adaptions, Krosoczka has also written for The Snoopy Show (Apple TV+) and served as a consultant for Creative Galaxy (Prime Video), and appeared in live segments for the show.

Realizing that his books can inspire young readers beyond the page, Krosoczka founded School Lunch Hero Day, a national campaign celebrating school lunch staff. A consummate advocate for arts education, Krosoczka also established the Joseph and Shirley Krosoczka Memorial Youth Scholarships, which fund art classes for underprivileged children in his hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts.

Krosoczka lives in western Massachusetts with his spouse, their three children, pugs Ralph and Frank, and a French bulldog named Bella Carmella.

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Disney may have bungled Star Wars when it came to the movies, this kiddie graphic novel series is a blast! Between an inspiring story, a bit of intensity, and even dashes of humor including some hilarious parodies of longtime funny pages mainstays, this is fabulous reading indeed! It may be quite lighthearted compared to the flicks, but, it's still fun for any space opera fan who enjoys a good laugh.

[Corrina Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A New Class is the fourth book in the Star Wars Jedi Academy series and follows a new set of students and features a new author - Jarrett J. Krosocka, who you may know from his fantastic and fun Lunch Lady series.

This combo illustrated / graphic novel is all about a young padawan named Victor Starspeeder, who seems to be about 12 years old. Victor, an energetic kid, was transferred to the Jedi Academy halfway through the year because the teachers at his old school saw strong signs of the force in him - and also because he was wreaking havoc!

From the very beginning, it’s not clear that he really has what it takes to stay. He gets caught passing notes, he breaks a droid in gym class, he gets involved in a food fight, he slacks off, and essentially, he’s not quite cutting it.

Another major problem for Victor is making friends and figuring out who he can really trust - just like any kid at a new school. Victor’s older sister, Christina, already attends the Jedi Academy but does not want to have anything to do with him there. He meets Artemis - a brooding boy in a black hood who Victor suspects is a Sith. Then the popular kid, Zach, who is really nice to Victor but seems to be thoughtless toward others. And then there’s Maya - smart, theatre geek, and - Victor’s crush. But she’s completely focused on her school work and Drama Club, so barely notices him.

A New Class was a fun, fast-paced read and full of entertaining, if somewhat predictable plot twists. I loved the school newspaper, The Padawan Observer, with its advice column and charmingly nostalgic Star Wars twists on old school comics like “Wookie Circle” instead of “Family Circle” and “Huttfield” instead of “Garfield”.

This book is perfect for kids who love illustrated novels and the world of Star Wars. Readers of books like the 13 Story Treehouse, Diary of Wimpy Kid, Big Nate, or The Origami Yoda series will love this book.

*This review is based on the ARC, which did not include final illustrations.

[Marcos · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is based off of Star Wars but with different characters and spin-offs, like a droid named T-3PO. The main characters are brother and sister Victor and Christina Starspeeder. The book is funny and I enjoyed reading it. For me, it was a light reading book. It also has lots of illustrations. It was a nice break from other chapter books. I would recommend it to people who like Star Wars and funny stories.

[Manuel R · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Jedi Academy: A New Class, Victor Starspeeder, a troublemaker and want to be future Jedi, gets transferred to Jedi Acadamy with his sister. Victor gets there and is very nervous. He meets somebody who he thinks is Sith, and another who he thinks is a determined Jedi. his sister doesn't talk or go near Victor, because she thinks it will ruin her style. Victor also tries to impress the girl if his dreams, and gets on some teachers bad side doing so. Will Victor make it through the year? Will Victor remain his bad grades, and reputation as known troublemaker? Read the book to find out! I thought this book was pretty good. It had comedy and drama all over, which I absolutely adore. This book made me feel happy, scared, and sometimes made me want to face palm. I feel like people who like slight drama, action, and romance will like this book. People who like Diary of a Wimpy Kid or slight Star Wars (But not where he destroys the spaceships and shoots people) will praise this book.

[Shivani Rajanala · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that this book was good in its own right. It was light, funny and had a decent plot to go with. However, when i compare it with the first three books of the jedi academy series, thats when things take a different turn. The excitement felt in the first three books was missing in this book. The character of the protagonist (Victor Starspeeder) was nice. He was fun, relatable and interesting in a way. It was the character of the antagonist which disappointed me. He was the 'typical' villain and his purpose was really silly. It was quite disheartening to see such an antagonist, with such lack of character. There were a few cliches which ruined a potential plot twist. I knew Zach would end up being the villain while Artemis would become a good friend. Apart from the obvious errors in this book (which i mentioned above), the book is amusing. It would definitely attract the attention of young readers who enjoyed the series until now.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Same old Jedi Academy, different class of kids. Victor is transferring mid year after a less than stellar time at the research based campus of the Jedi Academy. He seems to make a friend right away but has he really? His older sister pretends he doesn't exist at school and it just seems he can't catch a break in school or in love. What's a Padawan to do?

If you loved the previous books you'll love this one too.

[Jake Dunn]

I really liked this book I think it is a good book for star wars fans. Victor Starspeeder is a student who is failing in all his classes and he meets this girl named Maya and he likes her. Grand Master Yoda is disappointed in Victor for starting a food fight at lunch and he doesn't, like going to school with his sister christina

[dylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

victor and zack fight near the end

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review by James, age 9, 6/9/18
This is a story about Victor Starspeeder, who gets to go to Jedi Academy because he graduated his old Jedi school. He encounters problems like bullies and a kid who seems to be nice but really just wants to use him as a pawn to get a girlfriend. There are some pretty weird teachers. One of them is just trying to get Victor out because he decided he didn't like him. There were some teachers that are just plain old weird, like a Wookie is the teacher of soccer class. There's a robot that teaches sports other than soccer, Yoda teaches the Force class, and there's a library class. Victor is getting picked on a lot. At the end of the book he has to have a light sable doodle with the guy who wanted to use him as a pawn, because that guy locked Victor's friends up in a locker. When Victor told him to let them go, the bad kid drew his lightsaber and said "you'll have to fight me. " And so, Victor did. And the bad kid ended up getting expelled.
I loved this book. I have already read the next three in the series. My little sister loves them too.
(Mom: Unfortunately I thought these were chapter books, not comics. Oh well.)

[Neil · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Star Wars universe (I'm looking at you Disney) decided to change authors for the fourth book in the series. That was a huge mistake. The first three books were written by Jeff Brown and had realistic characters and interesting plotting that were relevant for junior readers, all while keeping that A New Hope feeling. Morality, the importance of friendship, dealing with adversity, anxiety, doubt, fidelity...seriously, for a bunch of junior graphic novels the first trilogy was good reading. This book had none of that.

[Troy_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a quick and fun read! I loved this concept of a book, and it was greatly executed. It could have been longer, and I tended to see that I missed a lot of reactions from characters, the story would abruptly skip time. But I had a good time reading this, not a chore at all!

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun for Star Wars fans. Includes a variety of ways to tell the story: journal entries, newspaper clippings and graphic novel format.

[Joana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story and style felt very unique compared to the other volumes, and it brought something new, it speaks to issues that children need to see, like seeing families with step-parents painted on a good light, understanding who to trust, and that people are more like only what they seem to be
Once again, a fun and light book ideal for any children who love Star Wars :)

[Cash · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series but I'm not sure how to feel about the new direction it has went in

[Dannger_of_Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing I can read it over and over again. This is basically a book about a kid who transferred from another school. He fails his grade at first, but he overcomes it. I recommend this book because it can tell your kid how to face bullies. I hope you like this book.

[Michelle Sonnier · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 5 year old son brought this home from school as his school library book of the week. I read this with him over several nights as his bedtime story. It's quite a thrill to see him get captured by longer more complex narratives and develop a deeper love for story and reading. The book also has solid lessons without being preachy, so overall quite nice for a read along. We'll probably be picking up the rest in the series.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

My grandchildren loved this book. Milo loves Star Wars. He loved the droids. They were funny and dramatic. He liked Victor also. Sebastian liked the book also. He liked the new creatures, robots and light sabers.

[Gypsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

really good👍✔

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so sad when Star Wars Jedi Academy ended (then again, I could imagine why, because that character's life at the academy was over), and then I heard that someone else would pick it up again. Of course I was worried, but on the other hand I just needed this in my life.

And I have to say that Jarrett J. Korsoczka did a magnificent job on making a new book in this series. The feeling is the same, the setting is perfectly kept, it just has new students, and a new story, a new year at our favourite school. Wonderful!

One of the two reasons why I haven't rated this one a 5 stars was because of Victor. I just didn't like how he acted at times, towards his sister, but also towards that kid in black robes, Artemis (which sorry, I would almost call bullying). Later on he becomes much much better, you can finally see him find out his place, see him make better friends, find out stuff about life.
At the end of the book he really made a great character, and I wouldn't mind another book about this kid.

Yes, Victor has really grown a lot. From an insecure kid, who picked the wrong friends, he turned to a nice person who is caring, friendly, and who doesn't stress out too much about school (as he did in the beginning, I wish he had just gone to a teacher and talked to it).

He also showed courage near the end, and you could see how much the school has taught him. It gave him a place to call home (the Drama Club).

The other reason were the comics included in the newspapers, they were just blatant rip-offs from Peanuts and Garfield (and maybe another one). At first I liked it, but then after one of them I just shook my head. I much prefer original comics than a bad rip-off. Don't get me wrong, I love a tribute, but this was just a copy-and-paste with Star Wars characters.

I loved all the various other characters (well, with the exception of 2 characters, one the mean guy (I just knew he was mean from the start, how Victor couldn't have seen it, I don't know), and the girl Victor is swooning over, sorry, I just didn't like her attitude, sure Victor is a bit stalkerish, but she was just an ice queen). My 2 favourite characters from the side-cast would be Victor's sister (she might look mean, and act a bit bossy, but you can see she has her heart at the right place, and she just wants to help out Victor), and the kid in the black robes, Artemis.

The art is pretty good, though the quality varied per page (and also per what kind of thing was it, was it comics, or an illustration, or a photograph). But I still liked it, the style fits perfectly with this series.

The book is just like all the others, it combines diary parts with comics and add some newspapers and other fun titbits in the mix.

I would highly recommend this book to everyone, and I do hope we will be getting more books in this series.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Lucas Sosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star Wars Jedi Academy A New Class by Jarrett J Krosoczka, was a fantastic book. I like how victor (The main character) goes to a new school which his sister (christina) attends. Christina is a bright student at jedi academy. Meanwhile victor makes new friends, but has trouble keeping them. As the school year progress Victor must pass final exams in order to come back next year. I recommend book to all comic book lovers and people that like star wars, because, it is a comic, and it is just so fun and interesting to read. I can’t wait to read the next book!!!!!! If you are reading this Jarrett J Krosoczka, please tell me what you think, and thank you for making reading fun.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few disclaimers:

1. I'm not a Star Wars fan. At all. I'm a huge geek about nearly every other geeky thing imaginable, but not Star Wars. I even gave it another try last year. I tried watching the movies, made it through the first one and then wanted to stab myself through the eye trying to watch the second movie. I think that second movie is one of my circles of hell. I remember watching the original Star Wars movies growing up, but I never really liked them that much. I even tried reading a Star Wars book, in case it appealed to me more in a literary fashion, but it was the most meh of all meh books. So, the point is, I really did try.

2. I have not read the first three books. It was random that I read this one and did so not realizing that the comics and characters were different than the first three books. (Which my fifth graders really like.)

3. I didn't really want to read this book.

Keeping that in mind, it's amazing that I liked it as much as a I did. I thought the story was typical, but cute. I could see how Star Wars fans would really eat it up. I know some people have hated this one since the style is so different, but I personally like this one better. After reading and finding out it was different authors, I compared it to the first three books, and I like the style of this one better. It's crisper and cleaner.

My students were super excited to see I had this book, and then super disappointed when I didn't put it directly into the class library. They really enjoy this series.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw the series was being continued with a different author was skeptical and a little worried, but Mr. Krosoczka has definitely done a good job of carrying on. Like the previous books, the characters are interesting and the art is refreshingly simple and fun.

[Austin Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have not read the other Jedi Academy books stop here it is about this new kid named victor and his older sister Christina and they both have to try to stay off the dark side while victor has a crush on this girl named Maya Will they join the dark side or get out safety.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I now see why my 4th graders have loved this series. Great graphic novel!

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the series written by Brown, but still enjoyable. Art is solid, story seemed...stilted? Not sure. Still, looking forward to #5.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What fun! I want prints or t-shirts of several frames ... "Persistence wins the pod race." Reshelving books with the force. Keep it up, JJK!

[Lukas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am rereading the whole series because I might be getting the newest book and want to be caught up again!

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Jedi Academy series.

The first three tales featuring Roan were created originally by Jeffrey Brown, but now, with 'A New Class,' of Jedi students, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, of Lunch Lady fame, has adopted the series.

I first discovered this series after reading Darth Vader and Son and Vader's Little Princess.

As in the first three books, I liked the different characters and the candid expression of emotions in Victor's journal.

I've never been a fan of Ewoks or Gungan characters and both are included in this book. I hate to admit it, but I was quite irritated by the amount of narrative (both dialogue and newspaper advice columns) that Ms. Catara has. It's quite irritating.

The story has a Diary of a Wimpy Kid-meets-Star Wars-kind of feel, with fun graphic-novel illustrations interspersed throughout the narrative.

Overall, it was an interesting read and a new beginning of stories featuring a different group of kids. I'm getting a bit weary of the series, but it still seems to be quite popular with the kids.

[Meleka Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books never cease to amaze me. I have fell in love with these Jedi Academy stories. This is the story of Victor Starspeeder's first year at the Jedi Academy. He has had many adventures and lessons (his first crush, learning not to judge people by the way they look, sibling love and caring for each other, not pretending to be someone you are not to make friends, and learning who you friends really are).

Yoda is still as wise as ever (he is my favorite). He knows exactly what the students need and puts them in the environment where they can excel, even when the children just don't get it.

I love the comics section of the academy's newsletter. It brings me back to the time I would anticipate reading the comics every Sunday. There are great comparisons, such as Huttfield (Garfield), Younglings (Peanuts), and Wookiee Circus (The Family Circus). They even have a spot the difference section. This always had me laughing. This story had funny parts. I just died over the throwback pic of Yoda. Awesome!!!!

I wonder why I cry each and every time I read one of these stories. This one was no different. I bawled like a baby. I would recommend these books each and every time and to anyone. I know I am too old to be reading this, but I don't care. I am a big kid inside and I want to nourish that part of me. You should also.

P.S. Maya is a smart young lady. I love how she put forth an example of not wanting to date boys and to stay focused on her studies and on developing who she is. A great example for young ladies to see.

[zapkode · Rating 5 out of 5]

{My thoughts} – Victor is a part of the New Class at the Jedi Academy. I must say it made me kind of sad to see the old class replaced. I’m assuming since it’s a new writer and illustrator that they kind of wanted to start the series out fresh. I’m not sure. It seemed strange to be reading about new characters in a series when I was use to the older ones. It was also odd with the illustrations being different. You can also tell the differences in writing in comparison to the author that wrote the previous three books. I’m not sure why they chose to go with a different author and illustrator but for all intents and purposes it seemed to have worked out alright.

Victor goes through all the normal issues you’d think would happen at a new school. He struggles to find his place, to fit in and to keep his grades up. He makes friends with the wrong sorts and then with the right sorts. In the end things seem to work out alright for him and his classmates. He learns to use the force in a better manner and he learns that just because somebody is able to pretend to be your friend, it doesn’t make them your friend. That is usually the hardest lesson for any child to learn. Sometimes, it has a good turn out and sometimes it doesn’t.

I think that any child that loves Star Wars will enjoy reading this book. I love the illustrations within the pages. They give you a lot to look at and explore. I enjoy reading books like this because they are fun reads. I think that any child would be lucky to have this book added to their home or school library.