Middle Grade Novel Book Covers that Sell

I learned from Art Director Brian LaRossa from Scholastic that good narrative illustration shows characters interacting with emotion.

A strong middle grade book cover grabs attention, often with bold colors, expressive characters, and a sense of adventure or emotion. It should instantly appeal to kids aged 8–12.

Below are a few of the middle grade book covers that I have designed. See if you can find find which designs are strongest and what could improve. Do these covers hint at the story? Promise an adventure? Use compelling and clear composition? What emotions do the characters have?

Covers often include key story elements or symbols that spark curiosity without giving too much away. It should hint- HINT, not TELL- the conflict or main themes in the story.

The design must strike the right balance—fun and imaginative, but not too childish or too mature.

Finally, a good cover stands out on shelves and screens. Clear composition, eye-catching visuals, and a memorable central image. One way to check if your composition is coming across clearly is to view it on a small scale, around 2x3 inches or even 1x2.5
A unique help create an instant connection, inviting young readers to open the book and explore.

As I like to say, art invites readers in and the writing invites them to stay.