Alexandra Bracken to Pen STAR WARS EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE Illustrated Novel

Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) announced today that New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Bracken (The Darkest Minds, Never Fade, In the Afterlight) will pen STAR WARS EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE: Being the Story of Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and the Rise of the Rebellion.

The upcoming global release, scheduled for sale on June 23, 2015, will be the first in a series of new illustrated novels based on the original Star Wars film trilogy. The classic Saga will come to life through adaptations by Bracken and other bestselling children's authors previously announced including Tom Angleberger and Adam Gidwitz. Each of these celebrated writers will bring their contemporary, unique voice to the project, bridging the multi-arc storyline in anticipation of the release of Star Wars Episode VII in December 2015.

Titles in the program include Bracken's retelling of STAR WARS EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE, STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK by Adam Gidwitz (A Tale Dark and Grimm) and STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI by Tom Angleberger (Origami Yoda series.) Each book in the series will be illustrated by award-winning Star Wars concept artist Iain McCaig and will be published in the United States under Disney-Lucasfilm Press, an imprint of the Disney Book Group. The adaptation of A NEW HOPE had previously been announced with R.J. Palacio, who has to withdraw from the project due to scheduling conflicts.

"I was lucky enough to have a Star Wars collector for a dad, and my life has been that much richer for being introduced very early on to Luke and his galaxy far, far away. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to retell the story that sparked my imagination and inspired me to be a writer," said Bracken. "It's a true honor to help introduce new young readers to this amazing universe for the first time."

"Disney Publishing is delighted to have Alexandra Bracken come on board joining this terrific group of children's book authors," noted Jeanne Mosure, Senior Vice President and Group Publisher of Disney Publishing Worldwide. "We are proud to have worked with her since the beginning of her career as a writer. She will be an excellent addition to this amazing team and we look forward to her fresh take on this beloved classic material."

The deal for world rights was brokered by Bracken's editor, Hyperion Editorial Director Emily Meehan, and her agent, Merrilee Heifetz of Writer's House. Disney Publishing Executive Editor Michael Siglain will co-edit.

For over a 35-year period, Star Wars is still one of the most powerful and successful film franchises in the world. During that time, the Star Wars publishing program has spawned an incredible 125 New York Times best-sellers with more than 125 million books in print, in over 30 languages.

About Disney Publishing Worldwide

Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is the world's largest publisher of children's books and magazines with over 700 million products sold each year. DPW consists of an extensive worldwide licensing structure as well as vertically integrated publishing imprints, including Disney Book Group in the U.S. and Disney Libri in Italy. DPW publishes a range of children's magazines globally, as well as Disney kids magazines in the U.S. Disney English is DPW's English language learning business, which includes Disney English learning centers in China and a worldwide retail-licensing program. DPW's digital products include bestselling eBook titles as well as original apps. Headquartered in Glendale, California, DPW publishes books, magazines, and digital products in 85 countries in 75 languages. For more information visit www.disneypublishing.com.

About Lucasfilm Ltd.

Lucasfilm Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production. In addition to its motion-picture and television production, the company's activities include visual effects and audio post-production, cutting-edge digital animation, interactive entertainment software, and the management of the global merchandising activities for its entertainment properties including the legendary STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES franchises. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in northern California.

STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks in the United States and/or in other countries of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.

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