The Surprise Attack of Jabba the Puppett

February 1, 2014

Gr 3-7-At McQuarrie Middle School, severe measures are put in place to get test scores up. All extracurricular activities (sports, drama, music, field trips) are cancelled so that students can spend the year learning from the "Fun Time Education System," a silly animated video with worksheets. Using advice from a finger puppet, the kids organize a rebellion using persuasion, math, and origami Star Wars finger puppets, as the plot moves to a satisfying conclusion. Like the "Wimpy Kid" series, the text of the print version (Abrams, 2013) is enhanced with illustrations, doodles, and origami instructions. The audio version deprives listeners of those additions. Seven actors excellently narrate-their voices are perfect for their roles-but the pauses between chapters or journal entries are too long and sound like dead air. This audiobook will keep avid fans interested, but someone unfamiliar with the series will be confused about the many characters and the origami finger-puppet aspect. Grab the print version first.-Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.