rgz

readergirlz is a literacy and social media project for teens, awarded the National Book Foundation's Innovations in Reading Prize. The rgz blog serves as a depot for news and YA reviews from industry professionals and teens. As volunteers return full force to their own YA writing, the organization continues to hold one initiative a year to impact teen literacy. All are welcome to "like" us on Facebook!

Friday, July 31, 2009

The LIAR Cover Controversy

liar-us.jpg
Author Justine Larbalestier is in the middle of a cover crisis, and I just wanted to point anyone who hasn't read about the drama with her new LIAR cover, to her blog post about it.

Basically, Justine's US publisher chose a very white-girl image for the cover, although the main character in LIAR is black. (The Australian version is a more abstract cover--see behind the controversial US cover).

The party line is that it has to do with sales and marketing, but whatever the case, it's a whitewash, and I'm so glad Justine is talking about it. That takes a brave author.

The discussion is fast and furious--page through the comments for lots of insight, and add your own thoughts. If we keep talking about this, and blogging, and spreading the word, there may be hope for a more honest paperback cover.

PS-While you're on Justine's blog, check out guest blogging Ari Miss Attitude, of Reading in Color. She rules.

7 comments:

MissA said...

I'm so glad readergirlz posted something about the Liar controversy. Thanks for the shoutout! I really hope that the paperback cover has a black girl on it, as it should have been originally :)

Lorie Ann Grover said...

Me, too, MissAttitude!

What a tight spot for Justine. We give her our full support!

Little Willow said...

I really wish that the publisher would correct this injustice.

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