Star Wars Writing Contest Winners

Thank you to those who entered our first ever Star Wars Writing contest during Star Wars Week!

Congratulations to Owen F. for winning the teen category!

Prompt: You were chosen to write an episode of The Mandalorian. Write a little about what the plot would be.

Episode: A World of Beskar Part 1

In the seemingly still quietness of space, there was a star system of what looks roughly like 6 or 7 planets. There was an asteroid belt around the outer edge. Suddenly, a star ship appeared out of nowhere along with two smaller ships, these ships seem to be fighting.

“I can’t shake them off,” said the Madalorian.

The bigger ship tried to knock the smaller ones in the asteroid field. Even though the asteroids got close to the ships, they still managed to evade the asteroids.

“The space is too crowded, I have to go up,” he said.

The pilots saw this coming and shot at the left thruster, thankfully the shot missed and they resumed to target the back of the ship. The bigger ship dodged and ducked, but when he tried to fire back, they moved accordingly. Out of nowhere, the Slave 1 appeared and shot the two smaller ships to an oblivion.

“You’re lucky that I arrived just in time, those pilots would have blown you to ashes,” said Boba Fett. ” There aren’t many pilots that are capable of that much skill.”

“I know, that’s what scares me.”

The two ships flew to the planet Gondoria. As they looked around the place that they landed, they noticed one thing, the blue liquid that they thought was water wasn’t water, but pure, hot molten metal. This surprised them as the appearance of lava was normally red or orange, but not blue.

“How in the world is this place hot enough for lava to turn blue?” asked Boba Fett.

“I don’t know, but I feel that we should get to what we came for” said the Mandalorian.

Far away, planets away, there was a squad of troops negotiating with a dealer on selling beskar, an almost indestructible metal.

“What do you mean there isn’t enough beskar to satisfy my bargain, it is perfectly reasonable to ask for that amount!”

He slammed his fist on the table that made a large dent in the polished surface, this fist belonged to the smallest of the bunch, yet he had the voice and anger of a dark leader, a tyrant.

“I’m sorry to tell you but beskar doesn’t appear out of thin air, it takes months, if not years to make, and a bunch of buyers have been coming in and out and have been draining our supply.” This seller’s voice was calm, and cool, without the slightest trace of anger behind it. The calm, soothing attitude only made the leader more furious with this matter.

“Is there at least a way to make it,” he said in a stern, cold voice, the effort of fighting his anger showed through him like synthetic glass, the anger and rage was astounding for how hard he tried to control himself.

“No, there’s not, I’m afraid-,” but this sentence was interrupted due to the fact that he was pulled right from the seat of his desk, as if the gravity from the masked leaders hand had intensified one million times more than normal, the room around him stared at him, with terror plastered on all of their faces, except for the squad, even if they had no masks covering their faces.

“There is a planet that is almost right next to us, there is some beskar there and you can satisfy your deal and far beyond that, more than you will ever need.”  The person’s voice was filled with fear but it gave the leader what he wanted.

“Now, unhand me, you got what you wanted did you not?” His voice was filled with the slightest bit of hope, but his hope vanished immediately after he said this.

“Release you?” The voice of tyranny became a voice of mockery, he laughed.

“You’re going to go walking back, after what you said to me, no, you’re no use, and I don’t want you to be giving this information to anyone else.” The seller’s face became fearful once again.

“That is a two in one for me, good bye, glad that we could come up with an agreement that satisfies both our needs.” With this, he snapped the seller’s neck in half and threw his body across the room, his body landed with a crash and broke about one hundred desks in a row.

To be continued…

Congratulations to Rachael Steinbron for winning the adult category!

Prompt: If you had to live on one of the Star Wars locations, what one would you choose? Why?

Alderaan: A Rebel’s Top Pick

Given all the worlds and scenes of the Star Wars saga, any true supporter of the rebels with a love for history would choose to live on Alderaan. Before The Disaster, the planet was a beautiful, earth-like place with a population of caring, intelligent people who valued education, democracy, and pacifism. It would have been a much more comfortable place than any sand or ice world. The architecture was also breathtaking, designed to showcase the beauty of the natural environment. Some may argue that a forest home like Endor would be equally as pleasant, but on Alderaan you would not only find fewer furry creatures with lice, but also more sophisticated technology and comforts, along with access to some of the Resistances most famous history and heroes.

The historic and cultural impact Alderaan had on the Rebellion is unmatched. General Leia Organa’s own mother once ruled as Queen but was also accessible as the minister of education, who taught about the culture and history of the world. Sitting in on one of her classes would be any Rebel’s dream! One of the founding members of the Galactic Republic, Alderaan was not only home to the Organa family, it also played a huge part in starting the Clone Wars, providing mutations to the Rebellion, and ultimately defeating the Empire.

Sure, the breathtaking planet was ultimately destroyed, but the knowledge the surviving Alderaanians possess is priceless. Not only would you be able to share the cultural and historic facts from your world to ensure the planet’s legacy, but bringing any date to the resulting asteroid field and sharing your story would ensure you would never have to drink your Juma Juice alone, if you know what I mean.

2021-08-03T10:26:54-05:00April 16th, 2021|

FDL Reads: One by One

One by One by Ruth Ware

Reviewed by: Katie Grant, Circulation Assistant

Genre: Suspense / Thriller

Age Group: Adult

What is This Book About?  When the colleagues and investors of a highly successful social media app called Snoop decide to take a week long skiing retreat in the French Alps they are expecting rest, relaxation, and fun. However, quickly upon arrival things begin to deteriorate when an avalanche traps them inside the chalet with no electricity or phone reception. Stranded in the mountains with scarce resources and no signs of rescue, the group’s luck worsens when one of them is killed without warning or provocation. As the days go on it is clear there is a murderer among them as they are being killed one by one. Everyone is a suspect, and everyone has motive and opportunity.

My Review: I really enjoyed this thriller, it definitely was suspenseful the entire way through! Once everything fell into place I was surprised I didn’t put it all together sooner but throughout the story I was kept guessing the whole time. It is formatted in first person from two points of view. You follow Erin, one of the two employees at the ski chalet, and Liz, one of snoop’s investors. After finishing the novel I was very satisfied with the story. Sometimes when reading thrillers you are left with unanswered questions or conflicts with no resolution that leaves you feeling like the story was incomplete, but that was not the case with this novel. I would definitely recommend this book to any fan of suspense/thrillers or those who love a new take on an old classic!

Three Words That Describe This Book: Clever, Anticipation, Staggering

Give This a Try if You Like:  The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware, The Guest List by Lucy Foley, The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearce

Rating: 4/5 

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

FDL Reads

 

2021-04-15T14:38:57-05:00April 15th, 2021|

Explore More Illinois is Back!

Explore More Illinois is back! Explore More Illinois provides FDL card holders with access to free and discounted admission, parking, and gift store purchases from cultural attractions in Illinois, including museums, cultural centers, zoos, aquariums, gardens, historical societies, park districts, and more! This program is sponsored by RAILS (Reaching Across Illinois Library System) and includes attractions throughout the state.

Access Explore More Illinois by clicking on the logo above and log in with your library card barcode and password. Patrons can also go directly to exploremore.quipugroup.net and choose their home library from the drop down menu. Once logged in, view currently available offers or search by date, attraction name, or location. Adults can make short-term reservations for tickets for a specific date and can have two active reservations at a time. A photo ID must be shown at the attraction on the day of the reservation, as well as either the printed passes or a smartphone showing the digital passes.

Users should cancel the reservation(s) if they’re unable to attend; otherwise, the reservation will count as being used. Please note that once a pass is printed or downloaded, the reservation cannot be cancelled.

Current attractions include:

More attractions will be added as places reopen from COVID-19, and offers are subject to change, so check the Explore More Illinois site before planning your visits!

2021-04-15T14:27:38-05:00April 15th, 2021|

Books for the Dark Side

“If you only knew the power of the Dark Side.” – Darth Vader

How much do you really know about the Dark Side of the Force? Have you explored what motivates these agents of evil? Is it lust for power? Is it pain and hate? Is it all of these and more? Explore the Dark side with these books.

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction by Drew Karpyshyn

Era: Old Republic (25,000 – 1,032 years BBY*)

This title is part of Star Wars Legends, not a canon title.

*BBY = Before the Battle of Yavin that occurs at the end of Star Wars: A New Hope.

Start down the dark path with the Darth Bane trilogy by Drew Karpyshyn. The first book in this trilogy, Darth Bane: Path of Destruction, is set 1,000 years before the Battle of Yavin and explores the origins and motivations of Darth Bane, a pivotal Sith persona. Based on a character from the online game, Star Wars: The Old Republic, book one follows Dessel, an abused boy from the planet Apatros, who joins the Sith army to elude Republic forces who are hunting him.  As an acolyte of the Sith, Dessel reshapes himself into Bane and vies for acceptance into the Brotherhood of Darkness, but will infighting and treachery destroy all that he hopes to gain?

Darth Plagueis by James Luceno

Also available as audiobook and eBook.

Era: Rise of the Empire (1,032 – 19 BBY)

This title is part of Star Wars Legends, not a canon title.

“Did you ever hear the Tragedy of Darth Plagueis, the Wise?” These ominous words spoken by Chancellor Palpatine to a vulnerable Anakin Skywalker lead to fateful consequences…but that’s another story.  To actually learn the story of Darth Sidious’ mentor, you’ll find it in the novel Darth Plagueis by James Luceno. For nearly a thousand years, the Sith have abided by the “rule of two” meaning only one master and one apprentice. Inevitably, this means the apprentice will rise by destroying the master.  But what if the master has learned to control life and death through the Force? Can his desire to live forever and his command of the Force save him from his apprentice’s unyielding ambition for galactic domination?

Thrawn by Timothy Zahn

Available in all formats.

Era: Republic Era (1,032 – 19 BBY)

This title is Star Wars canon.

Mitth’raw’nuruodo, better known as Thrawn, is a villain Star Wars fans love to hate. First introduced in 1991 with the book Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn, Thrawn’s entrance into the Star Wars universe was rebooted in 2017 with the first book of a new trilogy titled Thrawn, also written by Zahn.  The updated Thrawn is as cunning and ruthless as we remember.  Calculating and ingenious, his meteoric rise through the Imperial ranks is no surprise. But can he quell the insurgency that threatens the Empire? And does he have an ulterior motive for leaving the Chiss Empire?

Phasma by Delilah S. Dawson

Also available as audiobook and eBook.

Era: New Republic (5 – 34 ABY*)

*ABY = After the Battle of Yavin

This title is Star Wars canon.

What do we really know about the merciless Captain Phasma? One of Phasma’s adversaries wants to know more. Discover the mysterious origins of this feared and commanding warrior as her foe digs deep into her past and may even reveal Phasma’s most highly-guarded secret.

More Dark Side adventures can be found at the library in book, audiobook, eBook, or eAudiobook formats. Follow the links to see what’s currently on the shelf or place a hold.

Phasma by Delilah S. Dawson

Dark Disciple by Christie Golden

Revan by Drew Karpyshyn

Deceived by Paul S. Kemp

Lords of the Sith by Paul S. Kemp

Darth Plagueis by James Luceno

Labyrinth of Evil by James Luceno

Tarkin by James Luceno

Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter by Michael Reaves

Maul Lockdown by Joe Schreiber

Red Harvest by Joe Schreiber

Star Wars: Rise of the Empire

The Force Unleashed by Sean Williams

The Force Unleashed II by Sean Williams

Thrawn by Timothy Zahn

Thrawn: Alliances by Timothy Zahn

Thrawn: Treason by Timothy Zahn

Thrawn Ascendancy: Chaos Rising by Timothy Zahn

The Empire Strikes Back by Donald F. Glut

Darth Bane Trilogy by Drew Karpyshyn

                Darth Bane: Path of Destruction

                Darth Bane: Rule of Two

                Darth Bane: Dynasty of Evil

Crosscurrent by Paul S. Kemp

Riptide by Paul S. Kemp

Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader by James Luceno

Death Star by Michael Reaves

Revenge of the Sith by Matthew W. Stover

Bloodlines by Karen Traviss

Lost Tribe of the Sith by John Miller

Star Wars: Captain Phasma by Marco Checchetto

Star Wars: Darth Maul: Son of Dathomir by Jeremy Barlow

Star Wars: Rise of the Sith by Mike Kennedy

Star Wars: Darth Vader (Vol 1-4) by Kieron Gillen

Star Wars: Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith (Vol 1-4) by Charles Soule

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion: Villains by Greg Pak

Star Wars: Age of Republic: Villains by Jody Houser

Star Wars: Age of Resistance: Villains by Tom Taylor

Star Wars: The Rise of Kylo Ren by Charles Soule

Be More Vader by Christian Blauvelt

The Complete Vader by Ryder Windham

– Melissa, Reference Assistant

2021-04-08T12:11:57-05:00April 8th, 2021|

Books for the Light Side

“Luminous beings are we…” – Yoda

What does it take to face the challenges the Jedi must overcome to protect the innocent? Can the Light vanquish the Dark? Explore the lives of the Force users on the Light Side of the Force with these books.

Light of the Jedi by Charles Soule

Available in all formats.

Era: Republic Era (1,032 – 19 years BBY*)

This title is Star Wars canon.

*BBY = Before the Battle of Yavin that occurs at the end of Star Wars: A New Hope.

In a time before the rule of Emperor Palpatine, the Jedi are at the height of their power, a force for good.  When a hyperspace disaster threatens billions, the Jedi must trust in themselves and the Force to protect their precious Republic from a catastrophe. Can they save the system that is in harm’s way? Was this truly just a terrible accident, or is something more nefarious hidden beyond the boundary of the Republic?

Ahsoka by E.K. Johnston

Also available as an eBook from Axis 360.

Era: Imperial Era (19 BBY – 5 ABY)

*ABY = After the Battle of Yavin

This title is Star Wars canon.

The Clone Wars are over. Ahsoka has left the Jedi Order.  What’s next for her? How will she find a way to recover from the devastation of Order 66? She still has the drive to protect the vulnerable and resist the Empire. The Rebel Alliance is just beginning to grow. Can working with them help her rediscover her purpose?

Kenobi by John Miller

Also available as an audiobook.

Era: Imperial Era (19 BBY – 5 ABY)

This title is part of Star Wars Legends, not a canon title.

Isolated on Tatooine, Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi is not only in hiding as “Ben,” but he is also a secret sentry. Trying to keep a low profile, he doesn’t want to draw attention that might bring the Empire down on him or the undiscovered orphan who could change the fate of the galaxy.  When neighboring farmers are threatened by a tribe of Sand People, Ben eventually has no choice but to intervene. Unable to act against his Jedi training, he risks exposure in the name of justice.

I, Jedi by Michael Stackpole

Era: New Republic (5 – 34 ABY)

This title is part of Star Wars Legends, not a canon title.

X-wing pilot, Corran Horn is one of the best members of Rogue Squadron. When his wife disappears during a secret mission, he is determined to find her. To do so, he attempts to cultivate his underlying Force powers by joining the Jedi Academy. Disenchanted with Luke Skywalker’s teaching, he strikes out on his own to infiltrate the organization that has his wife.  Will he be able to rescue her on his own? Or will he succumb to the pull of the Dark Side to save her?

More Light Side adventures can be found at the library in book, audiobook, eBook, or eAudiobook formats. Follow the links to see what’s currently on the shelf or place a hold.

The Rise of Skywalker by Rae Carson

The Force Awakens by Alan Dean Foster

The Last Jedi by Jason Fry

Master & Apprentice by Claudia Gray

Heir to the Jedi by Kevin Hearne

Into the Void by Tim Lebbon

Kenobi by John Miller

Star Wars: Resistance Reborn by Rebecca Roanhorse

Light of the Jedi by Charles Soule

I, Jedi by Michael Stackpole

Razor’s Edge by Martha Wells

Return of the Jedi by James Kahn

Star Wars: A New Hope by George Lucas

MedStar I: Battle Surgeons by Michael Reaves

MedStar II: Jedi Healer by Michael Reaves

Attack of the Clones by R.A. Salvatore

Yoda: Dark Rendezvous by Sean Stewart

Young Jedi Knights series by Kevin J. Anderson

                Crisis at Crystal Reef

                Darkest Knight

                Delusions of Grandeur

                Diversity Alliance

                Jedi Bounty

                Jedi Under Siege

                Lightsabers

                The Lost Ones

                Return to Ord Mantell

                Shadow Academy

                Shards of Alderaan

                Trouble on Cloud City

Leia, Princess of Alderaan by Claudia Gray

Ahsoka by E.K. Johnston

Force Collector by Kevin Shinick

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion: Heroes by Greg Pak

Star Wars: Age of Republic: Heroes by Jody Houser

Star Wars: Age of Resistance: Heroes by Tom Taylor

Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order by Matthew Rosenberg

Be More Yoda by Christian Blauvelt

Be More Leia by Christian Blauvelt

Star Wars: The Jedi Mind by Amy Ratcliffe

Star Wars: Women of the Galaxy by Amy Ratcliffe

– Melissa, Reference Assistant

2021-04-06T14:33:50-05:00April 6th, 2021|

Star Wars Origami Tutorial

Susie and Alice show you how to make a cute little origami Baby Yoda (easy) or an impressive X-Wing (intermediate)! Origami paper is available in the Star Wars activity pack for younger children or as a separate Take & Make at the library during Star Wars Week while supplies last.

2021-04-02T10:43:14-05:00April 5th, 2021|

Star Wars Writing Contest

Welcome to our first-ever Star Wars Writing Contest!

Get creative and show us how much you love Star Wars with your writing skills. Choose one Star Wars prompt (below) and craft a response of 250 words. Send your completed response as a Word document or PDF file to susie@fondulaclibrary.org by 5 p.m. on April 10th. Please include your name, phone number, and age in the message of the email. We will choose winners from two age groups: teens (13+) and adults (18+). The selected winners will each receive a prize and their writing response will be shared on our website and social media. All participants will receive an additional entry in the prize drawing for an extra chance to win the Star Wars Week prize drawing! May the Force be with you!

Writing Prompts:

  1. If you had to live on one of the Star Wars locations, what one would you choose? Why?
  2. You were chosen to write an episode of The Mandalorian. Write a little about what the plot would be.
  3. Which Star Wars movie trilogy is the best? Why?
  4. Choose a character that will go undercover as a storm trooper on the Death Star as a spy. What does this character experience as a storm trooper? What secrets do they learn about the Empire?

– Susie, Reference Specialist

2021-04-15T14:10:14-05:00April 5th, 2021|

Kylo STILL in Quarantine…

Happy Star Wars Week!

Poor Kylo is STILL in quarantine, but we have lots of fun, COVID-safe activities planned for you this week! Register for our virtual programs here, stop by the library for activities, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok for more fun surprises! May the Force be with you!

2021-04-01T11:45:39-05:00April 4th, 2021|

FDL Reads: Mob Psycho 100

Mob Psycho 100 by One

Reviewed by: Atlas Agunod, Circulation Assistant

Genre: Comedy, Action, Graphic Novel

Suggested age: Teens and Adults

What is this book about? Kageyama Shigeo, also known as Mob, is an average middle school boy who tends to fall into the background. He’s quiet, plain, and polite. There isn’t anything interesting about him, except for the fact that he’s an intensely powerful esper. His psychic powers flare up with his emotions, so he does his best to keep them in check, or in his words, to keep himself from going 100. Mob learns that taming your emotions can be hard, especially in your adolescence, and especially when other espers are trying to fight you!

My Review: I love this series so much! I’m patiently awaiting the next volume, so I thought I would reread what’s been published so far. At first, the story sounds like your typical “learning to control your powers” trope, but it’s more than that. The funny cast of characters makes this an entertaining story. The reader can really feel for Mob and his struggles as he wants to express himself and release all of his bottled up feelings, but he also has a responsibility to uphold. The fight scenes are also really fun because of all the psychic powers everybody has! I’d recommend this manga to anybody who likes superhero stories.

Rating: 5/5

Three words that describe this book: funny, coming-of-age, exciting

Give this a try if you like: One Punch Man, My Hero Academia, Soul Eater

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

FDL Reads
2021-04-02T15:33:27-05:00April 2nd, 2021|
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