By Dara L. Cain

Rowan Public Library

The saga continues this December as the whole galaxy anticipates the release of the new Star Wars movie, “Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens,” Dec. 18.

While waiting for the movie’s arrival, visit Rowan Public Library, where you will discover several engaging and exciting books for acquainting the younger generation with the ever-expanding Star Wars universe.

Get ready to go on an exciting adventure through space as you and your child explore the DK “Star Wars Readers.” Learn all about Luke Skywalker’s amazing story as he becomes a Jedi Knight in the book “Luke Skywalker’s Amazing Story,” by Simon Beecroft.

Here’s your chance to meet some brave individuals and find out who really saved the galaxy in the book “Who Saved the Galaxy?” by Catherine Saunders. Join R2-D2 and his friends on their adventures through space in “R2-D2 and Friends” by Simon Beecroft.

In “Journey Through Space” by Ryder Windham, explore many different planets and moons, from the ice planet Hoth to the swampy land of Dagobah. DK Readers provide engaging stories and fun, interactive pages to build reading skills. You choose the level to match your child’s ability.

Author Tony DiTerlizzi introduces the original Star Wars trilogy to a new generation with a picture book titled “Star Wars: The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight.” This retelling focuses on Luke’s journey from farm boy to Jedi Knight and is illustrated with spectacular sketches and gouache paintings.

DiTerlizzi researched the Lucasfilm archives to select artwork that captures the most memorable locations, from the dreadful hive of Mos Eisley spaceport to the simple interiors of the Death Star. Illustrator Ralph McQuarrie does an exceptional job with the layout by alternating between small panels and large full page illustrations that are quite exceptional.

DiTerlizzi’s lively text creatively condenses the saga into an efficient 64 pages without losing the exemplary moments that have delighted generations of fans. Blasters, explosions and light sabers abound, making this book the ideal initiation for young Padawans 5 to 8 years of age.

Wish you could predict the future? A lot of people do, but for the kids at McQuarrie Middle it’s a reality with a little bit of help from an origami finger puppet in “The Strange Case of Origami Yoda,” by Tom Angleberger. A sixth-grader named Dwight folds an origami finger puppet of Yoda who turns out to be mysteriously wise and intuitive.

While Dwight wears origami Yoda on his hand, Yoda can communicate through Dwight’s voice to predict the date of a pop quiz, surmise who stole the classroom Shakespeare bust, and with some well-timed advice, save a classmate from popularity-crushing embarrassment. Dwightí’s classmate Tommy ponders how Yoda can be so smart when Dwight himself is always so confused and misguided. With support from his puzzled classmates, Tommy assembles this first case file in the blockbuster bestselling Origami Yoda series.

Middle school kids will become entranced with the series and will have the opportunity to follow the instructions at the end of each book in the series to make their own origami Star War characters, including, of course, the famous Yoda.
These great titles are available at Rowan Public Library. May the reading force be with you.

Book Bites Book Club: South (China Grove), Tuesday, Dec. 15, 6:30-8 p.m. Free, open to the public. We discuss a different book each month and serve refreshments loosely related to the theme. “Blue” by Joyce Hostetter. Need a copy? Call 704-216-7841.

Reading with Ringling: Through Jan. 31, 2016. Children ages 2-12 may register at any library location to read and report on five books to receive a voucher for a ticket to the Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus Jan. 27-21, 2016, at Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte. For information and program rules, call 704-216-8234 or visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org.

‘Home Alone” movie: East, Dec. 22, 5-6:30 p.m. The classic comedy features an 8-year-old trying to protect his home from burglars when he is accidentally left home alone. Festive refreshments provided. Children must be accomapnied by an adult.

Tail Waggin’ Tutors: Children 7 to 9 years old (first to third grade) can reserve a 15-minute session to read aloud to a therapy dog. Headquarters, Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m., Dec. 15 and Jan. 5, Oliver; Dec. 22, Dupree;  East, Mondays, 3:30 p.m., Dec. 21 and Jan. 4, Oliver.

TREEmendous Christmas Party: Headquarters, Dec. 16, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Special Christmas storytime with holiday fun, crafts, refreshments and Santa and Mrs. Claus. Bring your camera.

Holiday Hangtime Teen program: Dec. 15, 5:30-7 p.m., headquarters. Enjoy a holiday movie and free popcorn.

Displays: Headquarters, kid art and lunch boxes; South, miniature doll houses; East, “It’s a Wonderful Life” Christmas village.

Literacy: Call the Rowan County Literacy Council at 704-216-8266 for more information on teaching or receiving literacy tutoring for English speakers or for those for whom English is a second  language.