The Emperor's Plague (Star Wars Young Jedi Knights) by Anderson, Kevin J., Moesta, Rebecca (1998) Paperback
#11 of 14 in Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights Series
on Goodreads (1,801)
What’s inside...
In 'The Emperor's Plague,' the eleventh book in the Star Wars Young Jedi Knights series, authors Kevin J. Anderson and Rebecca Moesta follow the journey of young Jedi trainees Jacen and Jaina Solo, and their friends Tenel Ka, Lowbacca, and Zekk. They discover that remnants of the Empire plan to release a deadly plague, created by Emperor Palpatine, targeting non-human species. The plague threatens massive genocide across the galaxy. As a massive battle ensues between New Republic soldiers and the Diversity Alliance forces, the young Jedi Knights must locate and destroy the source of the plague, hidden on an Imperial stronghold, to prevent its release and save countless lives.
Discussion points
How do you think Anakin's choices impacted his relationships with his friends and family?
What do you think the authors wanted to convey through the concept of the Emperor's plague?
How can learning from others’ mistakes help us in our own lives?
What role do you think teamwork played in the characters overcoming their challenges?
Do you see any parallels between the struggles in the book and real-life situations?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the consequences of the characters' actions and relate them to their own experiences.
Discuss the importance of facing challenges bravely and the value of learning from mistakes, as illustrated in the book.
Use examples from the book to talk about the significance of teamwork and cooperation.
Ask your child to imagine alternative scenarios in the book and how different choices could lead to different outcomes.
Highlight the moral lessons in the story and relate them to everyday instances to reinforce these values.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'The Emperor's Plague', characters are tasked with significant responsibilities, from safeguarding a deadly virus to protecting entire populations. Through their actions, readers see the importance of responsible behavior.
Real-World Application: Children learn that their actions have consequences. They can apply this by taking responsibility for their chores, homework, and how they treat others.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book often must work together to overcome obstacles. This teamwork is crucial to their success, portraying how collaboration can solve complex problems.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of cooperating with others, whether in school projects, sports, or family activities.
Example Lesson: Ethical Decision Making
Explanation: Characters in the story face choices between easy options and morally right ones. Their decisions emphasize the importance of ethics.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think critically about right and wrong and make ethical choices in their interactions with friends and family members.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The young Jedi Knights face fears and take brave actions despite risks, showing readers that courage is not the absence of fear, but the determination to face it.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears, such as trying out for a new sport or standing up against bullying.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters encounter setbacks and challenges but continue to persevere. This resilience teaches readers about the importance of persistence.
Real-World Application: Children learn to keep trying despite difficulties, whether in learning a new skill or dealing with personal setbacks.