Review – Facing Your Fears With Charles and Rosemary Soule’s ‘The High Republic: Jedi Brave in Every Way’
Never underestimate a Charles Soule story, and that notion continues with his co-written The High Republic: Jedi Brave in Every Way. Sharing the pen with his daughter, Rosemary, the Soule duo provides a hearty children’s tale that shares a valuable lesson on bravery and facing your fears. It’s everything you’d expect in a children’s book, providing bright, vibrant colors and fun moments Star Wars fans of all ages can enjoy together as a family.
Topping it off, Papa Soule, the madman he is, couldn’t leave well enough alone and made this book relevant in the grand scheme of High Republic storytelling. Because, of course he did. This is a lovely new entry into this era of stories and might be the perfect first Star Wars book for your little one.
The premise is simple. Set during phase 1 of High Republic publishing, we enter Starlight Beacon and meet younglings Toko, Bree, and Jon. They fear their future as Padawans and eventual Jedi Knights, which is holding them back. Yoda and our favorite Wookie Jedi, Burryaga, approach them, and they are suddenly off to travel the galaxy to confront those fears.
One of the penchants of the High Republic is showing exactly what it means to be a Jedi, and I can imagine that is a lot of stress for mere children. The galaxy is already scary enough, but now you’re being held to the standards of legends of the time, such as Avar Kriss, Stellan Gios, Elzar Mann (who all make a fun cameo), and even Yoda himself. Fear is a natural emotion, but to be the best version of yourself, you can’t let it control you, which is a key mantra of this book. Facing your fears head-on is often the only way.
Every page in Jedi Brave in Every Way is a visual treat. Valerie Valdivia steals the show with her illustrations, capturing each location with a dazzling energy that feels like you’re traveling there for the first time, even as a veteran Star Wars fan. The colors are eye-popping, sure to keep your reader’s eye trained on the action.
Whether it’s Kashyyyk, Geonosis, Mon Cala, or Elphrona, there’s something for this youngling trio to take back to Starlight Beacon with them. It’s easy to see any kid who picks up this book taking these lessons to heart, too. One moment, in particular, sticks out to me when Yoda is helping Jon overcome his fear of swimming in the ocean. We all know the “do or do not” line, but Yoda twists it and says that all Jon has to do is “try.” It’s powerful and straightforward and is the perfect message for a child exploring this crazy world around them. Trying new things is part of growing up; it doesn’t have to be scary.
But because this is the High Republic, all goodwill generated comes at a price. In this instance, that price is how the Soules turned this lovable, family-friendly story into something possibly horrific. Rosemary, you were supposed to stop your father.
This is not Toko, Bree, and Jon’s first appearance. If you were paying attention during last week’s Shadows of Starlight #1, you might have seen this trio in the Senate chambers when the guardian protocols were being implemented. Protocols that would force these three into a station they may not be ready for based on their second appearance. Here’s hoping they can be “Jedi brave” during the incoming battle with the Nihil.
Now that Charles Soule has me panicking about the state of my Young Jedi Adventures buds over on Tenoo after the fall of Starlight Beacon, maybe it’s a good time for me to take Yoda’s lessons on bravery to heart. The High Republic: Jedi Brave in Every Way is a great addition to the lexicon of Star Wars children’s books. It has an important message, art, and lore implications from left field. It is available now wherever books are sold.
A special thank you to Disney-Lucasfilm Press for the copy used in this review.
Nate uses his love for Star Wars and movies in general as a way to cope with the pain of being a Minnesota sports fan. When he's not at the theater, you can usually find Nate reading a comic, listening to an audiobook, or playing a Mario video game for the 1,000th time.
