Same Book, New Look: The Updated Covers of 2019

I like it when familiar books get new covers. It’s an instant mystery: why did this book get a new cover? Sometimes it’s to appeal to a different audience. Other times to mark an anniversary. And occasionally a book might just use some sprucing up. I have six books that are being recovered in 2019, but I’m sure there’s more out there – let me know in the comments and I’ll add them.

Wishtree by Katherine Applegate

The reason is simple – this cover is to appeal to an adult audience. The edition for kids will continue on with the cover you’re familiar with. Remember when I accidentally bought the adult edition of Roald Dahl’s Boy for my library? Flashback time.

Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg 

They’re calling this one a deluxe keepsake edition. I think this one is just for kicks (/$). The simplicity reminds me a little of that cool 30th anniversary Hatchet cover Simon & Schuster also put out a little while ago.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

The new cover and bonus content are for the 20th anniversary of this seminal YA novel. The original cover is iconic at this point, but they really did the book justice with this new one as well.

Our Only May Amelia by Jennifer L. Holm

Every so often, Newbery Medal/Honor winners will get a fresh repackage – that’s what the publisher is calling this update.

To Dance by Siena Cherson Siegel, illustrated by Mark Siegel

This one is pretty subtle. Not a new cover, but just new colors for this Seibert Honor winner. This is a great book that I think is still under the radar, so I’m happy to see it get some attention. For reference, here’s the original cover.

Time Twisters (series) by Steve Sheinkin

Another case of sprucing, I believe. These new editions are a it less wacky than the originals.

Filed under: Covers