#FDL: Books for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.  Read one of these books and learn about the many cultures and histories that make up the AAPI community.

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White Chrysanthemum by Mary Lynn Bracht
For fans of Min Jin Lee’s Pachinko and Lilac Girls, the heartbreaking history of Korea is brought to life in this deeply moving and redemptive debut that follows two sisters separated by World War II.
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The dramatic real life stories of four young people caught up in the mass exodus of Shanghai in the wake of China’s 1949 Communist revolution—a precursor to the struggles faced by emigrants today.
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If I Had Your Face by Frances Cha
A  debut novel set in contemporary Seoul, Korea, about four young women making their way in a world defined by impossible standards of beauty, after-hours room salons catering to wealthy men, ruthless social hierarchies, and K-pop mania.
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How Much of These Hills Is Gold is a haunting adventure story, a sibling story, and the announcement of a new voice in literature. On a broad level, it explores race in an expanding country and the question of where immigrants are allowed to belong. But page by page, it’s about the memories that bind and divide families, and the yearning for home.
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What We Carry by Maya Shanbhag Lang
Maya Shanbhag Lang grew up idolizing her brilliant mother, an accomplished physician who immigrated to the United States from India and completed her residency all while raising her children and keeping a traditional Indian home. What We Carry is a memoir about mothers and daughters, lies and truths, receiving and giving care, and how we cannot grow up until we fully understand the people who raised us. It is an examination of the weight we shoulder as women and an exploration of how to finally set our burdens down.
-Annotations from the publishers

#FDL is an update on all things Fondulac District Library and books.

2021-05-06T14:10:02-05:00May 5th, 2021|

FDL Reads: The Paris Library

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles

Reviewed by: Melissa Friedlund, Reference Assistant

Genre: Historical Fiction

Suggested Age: Adult

What is this book about? In 1939, a young woman in Paris, Odile Souchet, applies for her dream job at the English-speaking, American Library in Paris while political tensions mount across Europe. In 1983, a young girl, Lily, lives in Montana next door to the widowed “war bride,” Odile Gustafson. Alternating between these two settings, we follow Odile’s journey through the German occupation of Paris during WWII while also seeing who she has become as a result of her life choices. Forty years after WWII, Odile keeps to herself in the small town of Froid, Montana until 12-year-old Lily makes an unexpected overture of friendship.  Lily wants to know everything about her elusive foreign neighbor, but Odile is good and keeping secrets, especially her own. What happened to Odile during the war? Is she scarred by trauma, or racked with guilt? Can Odile overcome her past to save Lily from repeating the same mistakes?

My Review:  I enjoyed listening to this book, not only for the historical insight, but also because much of it was written from the point of view of a librarian during a worldwide hardship. I realize that war is not the same thing as a pandemic, but the desire to keep patrons engaged and informed even while is still something that is very strong in the “library world” even today. The reader is able to see the lengths librarians went through to keep patrons reading, to send books to soldiers, to keep culture alive despite overwhelming pressure to suppress it. The life lessons that were learned during hard times by Odile are passed on to Lily in ways that are subtle and charming. Over the course of their friendship, Odile seems to find a way to redeem and forgive herself by guiding Lily into adulthood.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Insightful, Validating, Redeeming

Give This a Try if You LikeThe Rose Code by Kate Quinn, The Library Book by Susan Orlean, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

 

About FDL Reads

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

FDL Reads
2021-05-05T14:20:52-05:00May 5th, 2021|

Trending Fantasy Books

Check out a few of the most popular fantasy books right now. Place a hold through the links to our catalog.

A Court of Silver Flames (A Court of Thorns and Roses Series, Book 4) by Sarah J. Maas

Fantasy Romance

Nesta Archeron has always been prickly-proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she’s struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can’t seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it. The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre’s Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta’s orbit. But her temper isn’t the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable, and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other. Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key to halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts.

Lore by Alexandra Bracken

YA, Mythological Fantasy

Every seven years, the Agon begins. As punishment for a past rebellion, nine Greek gods are forced to walk the earth as mortals. They are hunted by the descendants of ancient bloodlines, all eager to kill a god and seize their divine power and immortality.Long ago, Lore Perseous fled that brutal world, turning her back on the hunt’s promises of eternal glory after her family was murdered by a rival line. For years she’s pushed away any thought of revenge against the man—now a god—responsible for their deaths. Yet as the next hunt dawns over New York City, two participants seek her out: Castor, a childhood friend Lore believed to be dead, and Athena, one of the last of the original gods, now gravely wounded. The goddess offers an alliance against their mutual enemy and a way to leave the Agon behind forever. But Lore’s decision to rejoin the hunt, binding her fate to Athena’s, will come at a deadly cost—and it may not be enough to stop the rise of a new god with the power to bring humanity to its knees.

From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash Series, Book 1) by Jennifer Armentrout

Paranormal Fantasy, Fantasy Romance

A Maiden…Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers. A Duty…The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel.

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner

Historical Fantasy

Hidden in the depths of eighteenth-century London, a secret apothecary shop caters to an unusual kind of clientèle. Women across the city whisper of a mysterious figure named Nella who sells well-disguised poisons to use against the oppressive men in their lives. But the apothecary’s fate is jeopardized when her newest patron, a precocious twelve-year-old, makes a fatal mistake, sparking a string of consequences that echo through the centuries. Meanwhile in present-day London, aspiring historian Caroline Parcewell spends her tenth wedding anniversary alone, running from her own demons. When she stumbles upon a clue to the unsolved apothecary murders that haunted London two hundred years ago, her life collides with the apothecary’s in a stunning twist of fate, and not everyone will survive.

-Annotations from the publishers

#FDL is an update on all things Fondulac District Library and books.

2021-04-28T16:04:38-05:00April 28th, 2021|

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|

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|
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