R.J. Palacio

R.J. Palacio, who was born on July 13, 1963, in the city of New York City, is a seasoned professional, having worked as both an art director and book-jacket designer. She later became an author of books aimed at children. Her initial novel, entitled Wonder, was released to the public in 2012 and subsequently achieved the top spot on The New York Times Best Seller list. Although her given name is Raquel Jaramillo, she chose to publish her work using the pseudonym R.J. Palacio.

Palacio had been tasked with writing Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope: Being the Story of Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and the Rise of the Rebellion, which was intended to be a version of the original Star Wars film adapted for younger readers. However, due to conflicts in her schedule, she had to step away from the project. Alexandra Bracken took her place as the writer. After Palacio's departure, the project was quickly renamed A New Hope Illustrated Novel in less than a fortnight. Eventually, the project's title was changed to A New Hope: The Princess, the Scoundrel, and the Farm Boy.

The central character featured in Palacio's novel Wonder has a strong interest in Star Wars.