Best Star Wars Book for Kids 8-12 (2026): 5 Picks Compared

A reader who has finished the films and wants more time in that galaxy is ready for the best star wars book for kids 8-12. The right pick turns on age, grade and series position.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Boba Fett: Pursuit by Hand	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Jedi Academy by Brown	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	5-Minute Stories by Lucasfilm	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Darth Vader Story by Saunders	9.4/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Golden Library by Various	9.4/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Boba Fett: Pursuit by Hand

Elizabeth Hand·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For readers aged 8 to 12 years, this Boba Fett book is Book 6 of 6.

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Pros

• Age 8 to 12 years matches the reader
• Grade 3 to 7 for middle graders
• Closes the series as Book 6 of 6

Cons

• No page count stated in the listing
• Published October 28, 2014, an older edition
• Revenge plot; a parent may want to check it first

2

Jedi Academy by Brown

Jeffrey Brown·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For a reader starting a series, this book follows a boy's first year at school in a galaxy far, far away.

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Pros

• Book 1 of the Jedi Academy series
• Grade 3 to 7, reading age 7 to 10 years
• Comics, journal entries and doodles

Cons

• Reading age marked as from customers
• Published August 27, 2013, an older edition
• Book 1; later books follow

3

5-Minute Stories by Lucasfilm

Lucasfilm Press·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For a younger reader who wants short stories, this collection lists age 3 to 7 years and grade 1 to 3.

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Pros

• 192 pages of short stories
• Grade 1 to 3 for beginning readers
• Media tie-in edition, December 15, 2017

Cons

• Age 3 to 7 years, below the 8 to 12 reader
• Grade 1 to 3, below middle grade readers
• Almost no description beyond the title

4

Darth Vader Story by Saunders

Catherine Saunders·9.4/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For a child reading alone, this Level 3 reader follows Anakin Skywalker becoming Darth Vader.

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Pros

• Level 3 reader for new independent readers
• 64 pages, movie pictures and a quiz
• Follows Anakin Skywalker becoming Darth Vader

Cons

• Age 5 to 7 years, grade Kindergarten to 2, below the reader
• Fighting and betrayal; a parent may want to check it first
• Published September 1, 2015, an older edition

5

Golden Library by Various

Various·9.4/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For a young Star Wars fan, this set retells six episodes in six Little Golden Books with retro illustrations.

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Pros

• Six Little Golden Books retelling six episodes
• 144 pages with retro illustrations
• Boxed set of six books

Cons

• Age 2 to 5 years, below the 8 to 12 reader
• Description says all ages; listing gives 2 to 5 years
• Published September 1, 2015, an older edition

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More picks to compare

• Starfighter Encyclopedia by WainerdiFor readers aged 9 years and up, grades 4 to 7, who love starfighters.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 25 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level. Every pick gives a reading age and a grade level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best star wars book for kids 8-12

Match the reading age and grade level together

Read the two numbers together: Boba Fett gives 8 to 12 years and grade 3 to 7, while Jedi Academy gives 7 to 10 years, marked as from customers. A new reader may also like the best Star Wars books for beginners list.

Start or end a series with care

Series position changes the pick. Jedi Academy is Book 1, while Boba Fett: Pursuit is Book 6 of 6. The best Star Wars books for 9 year olds list suits a younger reader.

Before you buy

• Check series numbers: Jedi Academy is Book 1; Boba Fett is Book 6 of 6.
• Check age and grade against the reader.
• Check page counts: Darth Vader lists 64 pages; Boba Fett states no page count.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should a reader start with these Star Wars books?

Start with Jedi Academy, Book 1 of its series; Boba Fett: Pursuit is Book 6 of 6.

What reading age do these books list?

Only the Boba Fett listing gives 8 to 12 years.

Is the Boba Fett book first in its series?

No. The listing places it as Book 6 of 6.

Still deciding? Our top pickBoba Fett: Pursuit by Hand

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Related lists

See every middle grade list and all kids and teens lists.

More lists: Star Wars books for 9 year olds, books for 12 year olds, Star Wars books for beginners and fantasy books for kids age 8.