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Star Wars: The Clone Wars Beginner Chapterbooks #1
Star Wars: The Clone Wars - The New Padawan
Traces the story of Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and a young new Padawan as they battle against the evil Sith and the Separatist army. Original.
48 pages, Paperback
First published July 24, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 3, 2025
GoodReads Review by Tia V. DeBrew
Star Wars: The Clone Wars—The New Padawan by Eric Stevens
In general, science-fiction, sci-fi as it is commonly referred to, has not been my preference of books to read. Growing up during the original Star Wars era, I was not interested in the phenomena. However, when I selected this book to read, I decided to give sci-fi another try. From the cover of the book, I was intrigued by the subtitle “The New Padawan” because I had no idea what it meant. As I opened this children’s chapter book, I was immediately greeted by something very unique--a glossary containing eighteen words and definitions. These terms would begin my adventure in the world of sci-fi books. From the first page until the ending, this book was fascinating with twists and turns throughout. The author was deliberate in explaining a life lesson that any child at any age can identify with. By the end of the book, I was left questioning myself about why I had not picked up a sci-fi book previously. The lessons learned in this book were plentiful from the youngest reader to the oldest readers.
The plot of the story follows Ahsoka, who is a Padawan (which is a young Jedi in training) and a Jedi named Anakin through battle. The story takes the reader on the adventure of several characters throughout their fight over the course of what seems like days. My favorite characters was Ahsoka because she is the only female in this male-dominated story proving that she can participate in the war against the opposition. The author ensures that the reader stays engaged throughout the story because of the pace and adventure throughout. This sci-fi book is filled with thriller scenes which will leave the reader eager to turn the page to see what happens. A number of characters from the Star Wars movie series are introduced throughout the book which may be relatable to fans and intriguing to those who have not seen the series. Within the story, Ahsoka and Anakin must work together to strategize in order to survive. In this nine chapter book, the author includes a lesson or proverb in each chapter which I think is very thought-provoking.
Overall, the book is an outstanding science fiction children’s book to read for third graders and beyond. The book has meaningful lessons that teachers can use in curriculum and unit lessons related to patience, courage, gift of learning, feminism, and perseverance. Hopefully, student readers that have not previously read sci-fi are able to discover a new genre. Teachers can use the book to encourage students to read science fiction and relate it to real life situations. I believe that this book deserves 5 stars because of the story’s themes, use of chapters, and the manner in which the story is told to draw young and older readers in.
Two science fiction books that I recommend as great reads are (1) A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warya and (2) Small Flamos: Zori the Golden Dragon by A.M. Luzzader. These two books along with Star Wars: The Clone Wars can be weaved into components in the classroom including reading, writing, speaking, and listening. One example would be to divide the class up into smaller groups based on the number of chapters in the book. For example, creating 9 small groups assigning a chapter of Star Wars: The Clone Wars to each group. The group could focus on reading to each other and writing a summary to share with the class. Another example to build vocabulary is to create flashcards of vocabulary words and definitions for each of the books. This can be used as a daily warm up drill asking students to say the work on the flashcard and explain the definition (without looking at the card). This exercise could be incorporated as a game and a prize being awarded to a winner at the end of each week that can say and define the words displayed on the flashcards. Still another example would involve the students writing two paragraphs after reading the book that focuses what they think will happen if there were an additional chapter. These new endings could be read aloud to the class while the students are listening. A final example would involve the class being divided into three groups with each reading one of the three books. Each group would write a book review and present it to the class along with the moral of the book. With this genre, students have the opportunity to experience the book genre of science fiction while learning valuable life lessons while bringing the characters to life.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars—The New Padawan by Eric Stevens
In general, science-fiction, sci-fi as it is commonly referred to, has not been my preference of books to read. Growing up during the original Star Wars era, I was not interested in the phenomena. However, when I selected this book to read, I decided to give sci-fi another try. From the cover of the book, I was intrigued by the subtitle “The New Padawan” because I had no idea what it meant. As I opened this children’s chapter book, I was immediately greeted by something very unique--a glossary containing eighteen words and definitions. These terms would begin my adventure in the world of sci-fi books. From the first page until the ending, this book was fascinating with twists and turns throughout. The author was deliberate in explaining a life lesson that any child at any age can identify with. By the end of the book, I was left questioning myself about why I had not picked up a sci-fi book previously. The lessons learned in this book were plentiful from the youngest reader to the oldest readers.
The plot of the story follows Ahsoka, who is a Padawan (which is a young Jedi in training) and a Jedi named Anakin through battle. The story takes the reader on the adventure of several characters throughout their fight over the course of what seems like days. My favorite characters was Ahsoka because she is the only female in this male-dominated story proving that she can participate in the war against the opposition. The author ensures that the reader stays engaged throughout the story because of the pace and adventure throughout. This sci-fi book is filled with thriller scenes which will leave the reader eager to turn the page to see what happens. A number of characters from the Star Wars movie series are introduced throughout the book which may be relatable to fans and intriguing to those who have not seen the series. Within the story, Ahsoka and Anakin must work together to strategize in order to survive. In this nine chapter book, the author includes a lesson or proverb in each chapter which I think is very thought-provoking.
Overall, the book is an outstanding science fiction children’s book to read for third graders and beyond. The book has meaningful lessons that teachers can use in curriculum and unit lessons related to patience, courage, gift of learning, feminism, and perseverance. Hopefully, student readers that have not previously read sci-fi are able to discover a new genre. Teachers can use the book to encourage students to read science fiction and relate it to real life situations. I believe that this book deserves 5 stars because of the story’s themes, use of chapters, and the manner in which the story is told to draw young and older readers in.
Two science fiction books that I recommend as great reads are (1) A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warya and (2) Small Flamos: Zori the Golden Dragon by A.M. Luzzader. These two books along with Star Wars: The Clone Wars can be weaved into components in the classroom including reading, writing, speaking, and listening. One example would be to divide the class up into smaller groups based on the number of chapters in the book. For example, creating 9 small groups assigning a chapter of Star Wars: The Clone Wars to each group. The group could focus on reading to each other and writing a summary to share with the class. Another example to build vocabulary is to create flashcards of vocabulary words and definitions for each of the books. This can be used as a daily warm up drill asking students to say the work on the flashcard and explain the definition (without looking at the card). This exercise could be incorporated as a game and a prize being awarded to a winner at the end of each week that can say and define the words displayed on the flashcards. Still another example would involve the students writing two paragraphs after reading the book that focuses what they think will happen if there were an additional chapter. These new endings could be read aloud to the class while the students are listening. A final example would involve the class being divided into three groups with each reading one of the three books. Each group would write a book review and present it to the class along with the moral of the book. With this genre, students have the opportunity to experience the book genre of science fiction while learning valuable life lessons while bringing the characters to life.
April 19, 2019
Adaptation of the Clone Wars movie.
September 29, 2021
Quite an entertaining book. I like how the pictures root you into the clone wars world. I thought the book was actually more engaging, exciting, and fun than the actual movie or the novelization.
January 22, 2023
this is literally just a young reader's chapter book adaptation of scenes from the clone wars film lmao but idc because i'll read anything with ahsoka, anakin, and obi-wan together LOL
August 6, 2025
Not too familiar with the exact story it's based on, but it was a solid read.
October 20, 2011
Star Wars The Clone Wars: The New Padawan, written by Eric Stevens, is a science fiction chapter book for children. It takes place in the Star Wars universe created by George Lucas, about 20 BBY during the Clone wars. The book begins with Anakin and Obi Wan surrounded by enemy droids. Eventually they are able to defeat their enemy for the time being. Knowing that there are more enemies coming their way, the jedis call for reinforcements but instead receive a little girl as Anakin's padawan. Suddenly there is another attack, forcing Anakin to accept his new padawan and use her to help destroy the enemy's force field. After defeating the enemy Anakin is not willing to give up his padawan.
I would recommend this book for children of the intermediate age range due to its slightly complex nature and the jargon used. I was very disappointed with the pictures. Although they looked nice, they did not compliment the story. I was hoping to use the pictures as an extra resource to understand the plot but it was of no use. I did however like the variety of sentences used. Some sentences were short while others were more complex. There were large amounts of exclamation points used which made the story more interesting. I would only recommend this book to children who have read the other books in this series.
I would recommend this book for children of the intermediate age range due to its slightly complex nature and the jargon used. I was very disappointed with the pictures. Although they looked nice, they did not compliment the story. I was hoping to use the pictures as an extra resource to understand the plot but it was of no use. I did however like the variety of sentences used. Some sentences were short while others were more complex. There were large amounts of exclamation points used which made the story more interesting. I would only recommend this book to children who have read the other books in this series.
October 27, 2008
My sons liked this book -- in fact it had my older son doing independent reading, which is a constant struggle to encourage since my kids have to practice reading in two languages. So I'm grateful to the book for that enticement. I had to read it to my younger son, whose level isn't yet up to it. If we hadn't seen the movie I think we would have had a very difficult time following this book though. It served a great purpose for our family, but really isn't something that can be read without a thorough knowledge of the Clone Wars.
November 3, 2015
This is the latest series to come home from the school library. I am amazed at the length of the chapters he picked, but of course like any good bookworm we needed to read it all at once. We take turns reading, and this is how I learned how to say some of the names of course since I don't know much about the Clone Wars!
January 8, 2016
2.5 stars
Suitable for young children and lacks any depth or versayility that would render it of any use for older readers.
It is a bare recounting of the central action of the 2008 film and adds nothing to flesh out the situation, characters, or motivations/thoughts.
Suitable for young children and lacks any depth or versayility that would render it of any use for older readers.
It is a bare recounting of the central action of the 2008 film and adds nothing to flesh out the situation, characters, or motivations/thoughts.
April 8, 2016
This book I read at my daughter's request. It is a retelling of the opening of the Clone Wars cartoon movie for younger readers. Good way to help your child start reading to you. Easy for younger readers to follow and keeps the Star Wars fans entertained.
October 24, 2008
Upon seeing this book in the house, Noah picked it up and had it read 25 minutes later. He really likes Star Wars.
October 25, 2008
I've read this to my 6-year-old many, many times.
Read
May 2, 2023I was a great book. This book was so exciting, fun, and was awesome to read.
September 29, 2014
a retelling of the animated series for children to connect to an read
Read
January 13, 2014.1/12/14MD
May 20, 2015
Good junior novelization.
February 1, 2009
THIS BOOK WAS COOL!
May 23, 2016
Jacob read for his 15min Read-Aloud challenge...May 2016
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews