The Empire Strikes Back: So You Want to Be a Jedi?

The Empire Strikes Back: So You Want to Be a Jedi? is a title from Disney–Lucasfilm Press and the second volume in a children's series that retells the Star Wars original trilogy in advance of the December 2015 film Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens. The book was first announced on April 17, 2014 and is written by Adam Gidwitz. Originally scheduled for publication on July 21, 2015, it was instead delayed until September 22, 2015.

Publisher's summary
"Acclaimed, New York Times best-selling author Adam Gidwitz delivers a captivating retelling of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back like you've never experienced before, infusing the iconic, classic tale of good versus evil with a unique perspective and narrative style that will speak directly to today's young readers while enhancing the Star Wars experience for core fans of the saga.

This illustrated novel is the first in the highly-anticipated series and features richly detailed art by celebrated Star Wars'' concept artist Iain McCaig-the creative mind behind the prequels characters Darth Maul and Padmé Amidala. Fans old and new will be delighted by this beautifully crafted book and the unexpected twists in this retelling of a beloved story.''"

Development
On May 4, 2015, Disney provided a preview of this and the other two titles in the series, available here.

On June 5, 2015, Disney revealed the cover artwork for the titles in the series.

Continuity
The story is a retelling of Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back, but with additional scenes, added comments and humor. Placed between chapters are lessons to the reader on how to be a Jedi, such as "how to meditate, how to meditate while standing on one foot; how to meditate while standing on one foot while people are throwing dirty socks at you." The book's style is similar to Gidwitz's popular Grimm books. The narration is written partially out-of-universe, with references such as the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz and "British butlers." The second-person perspective of Luke Skywalker is also used at times.