New Cover for the US Edition of Liar by Justine Larbalestier

Remember this?


That was the original cover for the US edition of Liar by Justine Larbalestier, a young adult novel with a biracial (Black and White) main character. Yeah, I know. That cover model doesn't look biracial. In fact, in my opinion, that cover is downright RACIST. I won't rehash my opinions about it here - you can just read my letter to the book's publisher, Bloomsbury Children's USA.

Now, the good news is that Bloomsbury Children's USA has changed the cover! Check out the new cover below.


I know it's not perfect. I know they could have chosen a new cover model with darker skin. I know that she is very pretty while the main character of Liar is supposed to be someone who is sometimes mistaken for a man. And the publisher is still clinging to its lame excuses for the original cover. But I believe this new cover is much better than the original! I am very relieved and so happy about this change. :o)

Click here to read a Publisher's Weekly article about the cover change, and here to read Justine Larbalestier's take on it.

Comments

MissA said…
I agree the cover isn't perfect, I wish the model was darker too, but if she's bi-racial than I guess it works. I'm irritated that Bloomsbury is still sticking to its lame reasoning, but whatever.
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Ana S. said…
I'm very glad the cover was changed, but yeah, their justification really annoyed me. It's all our fault because we didn't get it...right.
Tarie Sabido said…
I firmly believe this cover change is cause for celebration. It is a step in the right direction. There are still many more steps to take. But at least one step has been taken. Woohoo!

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