If you’re anything like me, I can’t wait for the new Star Wars movie to come out on December 18. My 8-year old son and I have been geeking out over the trailer since its unveiling and we’ve been watching Star Wars Rebels as a way to curb our appetites.

Recently, I came across an article in the new issue of Entertainment Weekly that states 20 new books and comics are being released that will provide back story to Star Wars: The Force Awakens. They will be stories about our favorite characters from the original Star Wars Trilogy (A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi) and I wouldn’t be surprised to meet a host of new characters as well.

Riding on the success of Star Wars Rebels, many of these books seemed to be aimed at the younger crowd and I don’t blame them. Star Wars fandom spans so many age ranges but the way to really continue loyalty for a brand is to keep the kids excited.

Heck, I’m excited.

I can’t wait to get my hands on anything that will give me a clue to what Leah, Han and Luke have been up to since Return of the Jedi.

Many of the books are currently out for pre-order online on Amazon.com and I am looking forward to buying a couple and reading them with my son. Or rather, waiting until he finishes reading them and giving me the low-down. It’s exciting hearing him get excited about our shared interest!

Here are a couple that are coming out soon: