Book Covers and nonwhite characters
Great question from an Anon someone, regarding the Queen's Thief book covers and how they differ from the actual description of the characters:
I just closed the last page of ACoK after (another) full retread of the series- so that's what I've been reading! And I've found myself here because I haven't been able to find a discussion on how the covers for the books have been whitewashed, and it's something that's been nagging at me! Is there links anyone could point me too, or fan art of Gen that is closer the MWT's description?
In all the books, Gen is described as having "dark skin." How do you picture the characters in the books? Do you think the book covers do the characters justice? Were they made "whiter" in order to appeal to the broadest audience? What's your take on these links that talk about the lack of diverse characters in YA lit/fantasy/sci fi?
Post your comments here, and take a minute to read this great article by Deirdre Baker: Horn Book Article: Musings on Diverse Worlds
And this article on "whitewashed" covers of YA books
Also, from sounis :
Discussion of Eugenides as a Nonwhite Hero
Concept Art for ACoK
Artist Vince Natale's drawings for the book covers
On a lighter note, there was a great deal of discussion about the cover of ACoK, just before it was published. The ARC had a mustached Sophos on the cover, which was changed more than once. Check out these discussions as the changes to our buffed-up Sophos were made:
Facial Hair!Sophos
A Conspiracy of Artists
Life At Greenwillow