In Wednesday's feature Me & My Mailbox, I wrote about Hershey Herself by Cecilia Gallant. It's a serious books about a serious issue: domestic violence. The main character Hershey, escapes her mom's abuser by moving to a shelter for battered women. What a great issue to cover in this way. Not only does Hershey discuss her feelings of fear, she describes the concerns a kid has living in a transient state: her pet, plans to participate in the school talent show, and a new bus route. I worked for many years as the children's coordinator at a shelter for battered women in Maine. I can tell you, it's not fun for the kids who end up there. So why, and more to the point of this post, is the cover of this book so darn cheerful?

One reader commented: "We often get review copies of books sent to New Moon Girl Media's office as well, and I was struck by your comment about Hershey, Herself, having such a cheery cover. I've noticed this as well -- that regardless of the subject matter of YA books, many of the covers either look fluffy or "sexy" -- with beautiful models on the cover who probably don't resemble the protagonist inside (unless she says, "Well, I'm a gorgeous, thin, long-legged brunette with striking, sparkling green eyes). This trend is a little upsetting to me, almost as though publishers don't expect girls to pick up any book that looks like it has substance." (Thanks Lacey.)

I hate to blame the young readers but maybe they won't pick up a book that doesn't look fluffy or sexy. Ugh. It really brings into question the psychology behind packaging books for young adults and tweens. It also makes me wonder if tricking them into reading a book with substance is a good idea either. I don't know the answer.

Whether we like to admit it or not, covers are a huge part of how teens experience a book and what will or won't sell a title. My question would be to the authors: How much control do you have over your book's cover? Publishers, tell us more about the process and how you make jacket and layout decisions.

On a much more fun note, I have been following GalleyCat's "Back of the Head Thing" with great interest. It seems they have found a real trend in covers that show only the back of the protagonist's head. It's one of those things where once it's been called to your attention, you notice them everywhere. Funny.

Posted by alli