Do! Judge A Book By Its Cover – Issue Four: Middle Grade

“Do! Judge A Book By Its Cover” is a semi-regular feature on Pop! Goes The Reader inspired by Katie’s feature Cover Love on her blog One Page At A Time. The idea is being used with her gracious permission.

I think we’re all familiar with the age-old adage “Don’t judge a book by its cover”. And you know what I have to say about that? Rubbish! Covers are an invaluable part of a book’s package. A truly great cover can tell you a lot about the novel contained within its pages. Book covers can also catch your attention and attract you to a novel you might otherwise ignore. So go ahead, judge a book by its cover – We all do it!

For the fourth instalment of Do! Judge A Book By Its Cover, I’ve decided to take a look at the covers of the Middle Grade genre, which I’ve always found particularly creative, colourful, and delightful, just like the stories held within! Of those listed, I particularly recommend Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead and The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy by Nikki Loftin 😀

Now it’s your turn! What are some of your favourite middle grade covers? Did I list one of your favourites here or is there one I forgot that just has to be included? Let me know in the comments!

22 Responses

  1. I don’t know if they are middle grade but I really like the covers of Ann Brashares “Sisterhood of the traveling pants” series.
    They are so simple but yet nice, because you can see how the jeans changes over the course of the books.

    1. Thanks, Wendy!

      I’ll be the first to admit that I’m definitely swayed by a book’s cover. While it isn’t the deciding factor as to what I’ll read, I would be lying if I said it didn’t play a small part. Covers are often what will first attract me to a novel, and sometimes my anticipation and excitement for a novel will be increased by a particularly attractive cover. I can’t help but reason that if that much attention was spent on the packaging of the novel, then the story can’t be too far behind in terms of quality 🙂
      Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader recently posted…Waiting On…Alienated by Melissa LandersMy Profile

  2. AHH MIDDLE GRADE COVERS. They are literally the epitome of gorgeous artwork! They’re seriously all so imaginative and just fun to examine. I love the cover for Cavendish Home the most, I think. Wonderful post, dear!
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    1. I couldn’t agree more, Jen! Illustrated covers have always been my favourite, and I think Middle Grade often gets some of the most creative and detailed artwork around! The cover for The Cavendish Home For Boys and Girls is one of my favourites as well, and was actually the primary reason I purchased that book myself, although I’ve yet to have the opportunity to read it!
      Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader recently posted…Waiting On…Alienated by Melissa LandersMy Profile

  3. I love these posts, Jen! I’m such a sucker for middle grade covers and all things middle grade, really. I’ve read a good chunk of these (May B. is AMAZING and so are so many others like Cavendish and Splendid and gah), but there are some I haven’t heard of. I need to add them to my list!
    Tara @ Hobbitsies recently posted…A Trick of the Light by Lois MetzgerMy Profile

    1. Thank you so much, Tara! I’ve always adored Hobbitsies so I can’t express how much your kind comment means to me 😀

      May B. was actually one of the first verse novels I ever read, and while I wasn’t absolutely in love with it, I did enjoy the story, and was absolutely in love with the cover. I thought Liar & Spy’s cover perfectly encapsulated the story within, as did The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy. I own The Cavendish Home For Boys and Girls and have yet to read it, but after a number of recommendations in this post I’ll definitely be pushing it to the top of my TBR list!
      Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader recently posted…Waiting On…Alienated by Melissa LandersMy Profile

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Hi! I’m Jen! I’m a thirty-something introvert who loves nothing more than the cozy comfort of home and snuggling my two rescue cats, Pepper and Pancakes. I also enjoy running, jigsaw puzzles, baking and everything Disney. Few things bring me more joy than helping a reader find the right book for them!

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