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Judging a book by it's cover

Our library has been hosting a book fair this week. During my prep period, I went down to check out the books... see if anything jumped out at me. I'm going to buy books anyways, why not support our school library.

I found a book I'd read this summer - Life As We Knew It. I almost didn't recognize it. The publishers changed the cover for some reason and made it seem like one those teen chick lit books. No longer a large moon photo; instead the cover is dominated by a cartoon drawing of a pink dresser covered with various girly accessories. Above the dresser is a small window with a moon photo dominating. It's barely noticeable.


A quick check with several students, not one was even close to the supposed content of the book. I think that any student picking up the book would be greatly disappointed. The story is about the end of the world for cripes sake! There is a significant portion of the story devoted to food - not good vs. bad food, but rather, "do we have enough?" and "will we starve?". People are dying and the protagonist has to deal with the body of one. Does this sound girly? If a student picks up a book expecting to be similar to 'Full Frontal Snogging'... mighten they be a be a bit disappointed? And those who would like the story? Probably never even pick it up.


Who ever signed off on the cover change is desperately in need of a career change.
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