Queen Amidala [Library Binding]

Jude Watson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2001

FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. In order to save her planet and the people she holds dear to her heart, Queen Amidala must keep her identity a secret from the invading forces.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Young Queen Amidala had a lot on her mind. If she wasn't negotiating with shifty Neimoidians or dodging blasts from droids, she was trying to remember what her name was (is it Amidala or Padmé now!?) and which outfit she needed to be wearing. And all this at just 14 years old! Well, now we can see how she kept a cool head: the plucky teen queen has written a 16-part journal, in her own words, recounting the events surrounding her in Episode I, The Phantom Menace. (And just so you don't lose track, each entry includes a shot from the movie showing what she had on at the time.) Thanks to Jude Watson (Star Wars Science Adventures, Brides of Wildcat County) for helping Her Highness tell this exciting tale. (Ages 9 to 12) --Paul Hughes --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Library Binding
• Publisher: Bt Bound (March 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0613168089
• ISBN-13: 978-0613168083
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars May be aimed at kids, but satisfies adults too, June 29, 1999

By 

John L. Velonis (Dobbs Ferry, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Queen Amidala (Star Wars Episode 1, Journal #2) (Paperback)

I remember the magic of the original Star Wars (I was 11 at the time), and I've been rather dismayed at the huge marketing campaign around the Phantom Menace. I picked up this book expecting it to be as trashy as a Taco Bell toy. Much to my surprise, it actually conveys significant insights into Queen Amidala/Padme which did not come out in the movie, nor in Terry Brooks' novelization. The author did a good job of imitating the style of a 14-year-old girl, but beneath the prosaic writing you feel that there's a real person, one whom you can admire and sympathize with. Only two complaints -- it's too short, and the pictures are too repetitive. Surely with more than two hours of film, they could have found a few different shots of Amidala/Padme.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book, To Be Treasured By Children and Adults Alike, June 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Queen Amidala (Star Wars Episode 1, Journal #2) (Paperback)

First off, this book is written by the author of the Jedi Apprentice novel 'The Dark Rival', Jude Watson, so that should clue you in to great potential here. He has an amazing ability to portray the full depth of the characters from the movie.

Second, the sheer beauty of the book must be noted. For only $1 more than the Jedi Apprentice novels, we get a book with ornate page designs on slick glossy paper, filled with pictures of Amidala in her various outfits/disguises. Just the *appearance* of the book is pleasing.

I really loved the background that we learn about Amidala. She is the daughter of farmers, who was educated in Theed while living with her paternal grandmother Winama, a weaver, who always told her "Fate is a tangle. Follow one thread."

We learn the signficance of many of the court traditions of Naboo, and of Amidala's best friend, Sabe. We learn, unsurprisingly, that Amidala feels that her and Anakin's fates are entwined. Also, there seems to be a strong bond between Amidala/Padme and Shmi. At one point, Amidala remarks that Shmi looks at her as if she is entrusting her son to Amidala's keeping, which confuses her. Amidala looking at Shmi sitting in the starlight, worrying over her son, and Amidala realizing that in this universe a woman can't even keep her child safe is rather haunting as foreshadowing.

But by far, the best and most interesting passages are about Amidala's thoughts on Qui-Gon Jinn: "He's a man who gives off an aura of deep calm. Yet his is the most alert presence I've ever experienced. I feel safe with him." (32)

Of course, she and Qui-Gon get into disagreements when he dismisses her as merely a spoiled handmaiden. Her annoyance with the Jedi, and her respect for him, come through loud and clear.

There is some great introspection on Amidala's part, analyzing the division of her character into Amidala the political figure and Padme the individual. She finally realizes that she must be both Amidala and Padme to be a successful queen.

The most surprising information (and especially useful for Episode II and III speculation) is all found in the last Journal entry. In a matter of two days Amidala records three separate conversations with Obi-Wan. It was interesting to see such interaction and close friendship develop between Amidala and Obi-Wan. The movie gave us no hint of this at all!

As an adult, I was *amazingly* impressed with this book! It was beautiful, well-written, and gave us valuable information about Amidala and her opinions, and her relationships with others.

A fascinating read for children and adults alike!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good!, December 30, 2001

By 

Huntress Reviews (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Queen Amidala (Star Wars Episode 1, Journal #2) (Paperback)

Relive the movie "Star Wars: Episode I" through the eyes of the newly elected Queen Amidala. This young teen begins this journal before the movie began. Readers see the training Amidala went through in preparation for her future post. In the book we find out WHY Amidala puts lipstick on her upper-lip fully, yet only a slash on her lower-lip. We see the defenses that were made by the guards, such as a decoy, but never dreamed would ever have to be used. (Oh come on, you did not HONESTLY think those handmaidens were there for LOOKS, did you?)

**** Not as magnificent as Princess Leia's journal, but just as enlightening! In the movie, Queen Amidala had to keep her face blank so her adversaries could not read her. In this book, we see all the thoughts, fears, and strategies that went on behind the royal mask. In fact, this book made Amidala's character more impressive than the movie did. It can also be used as a quick refresher before you flock to see "Episode II: Attack of the Clones" in the Summer of 2002! Very good reading! ****