Cover Trend Spotting: Montage Covers

Hey YA fans!

I always enjoy spotting cover trends in YA books, and once thing I’ve noticed lately is what I’m calling “montage covers” because they feature illustrations of the character(s) going about their business, doing various things that relate to the plot. I feel like this might be a new trend that has sprung from the popularity of graphic novels and comics, because it reminds me a lot of panels! Whatever the reason, I enjoy it and there are a few from previous years that might have gotten the trend going, but a ton more coming out this year. Let’s take a look!

Note: Whenever possible, I try and give credit to cover artists and designers, but that info isn’t always readily available. I would love to normalize making that info available on author sites, cover reveals, etc.

Yes, No, Maybe So by Aisha Saeed and Becky Albertalli

Designed by Chris Kwon and Aluson Donalty, art by Soumbal Qureshi

I love how this book cover follows the progression of the characters’ relationship and it speaks to what the book is about!

Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds

Cover design by Erin Fitzsimmons, cover art by Stephanie Singleton

This YA novel is about a teen caught in a time loop and his relationship with another girl that seems doomed, so I love that they start off together and get farther apart–it makes me want to know how this story will unfold! Such a great image!

Today, Tonight, Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Cover design by Laura Eckes and cover art by Laura Breiling

I really enjoy the simplicity of this cover design–the electric blue, the simple line illustrations, and the story they all tell!

When You Were Everything by Ashley Woodfolk

Cover design by Angela Carlino and art by Bex Glendining.

This is like a heartbreak in three images–so powerful!

Four Days of You and Me by Miranda Kenneally

Cover design and illustration by Jenna Stempel-Lobell.

This book follows two teens on the same day over four years, so this is such a clever depiction of that concept!

Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel by Jason Reynolds and Danica Novgorodoff

Art by Danica Novgorodoff

This graphic novel adaptation of Jason Reynolds’ novel by the same name is about all of the people a boy encounters in an elevator on his way down, so this is a natural and powerful image.

Love is a Revolution by Renée Watson

Design by Jeanette Levy and art-directed by Donna Mark, with illustrations by Alex Cabal.

I love so much about this cover—the bright colors and the gorgeous depiction of Nala—that honestly? I almost missed the montage elements! But I think they add just the right amount of depth!

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

Design by Heather Palisi, art by Liz Casal

I adore this depiction of the protagonists in famous rom-com movie poses! So clever!

Meet Cute Diary by Emery Lee

Design by Erin Fitzsimmons, illustrated by Mariana Ramírez.

This cover’s design makes my heart do all kinds of flutters–it’s so cute and wholesome!

Don’t Hate the Player by Alexis Nedd

Cover art by Liz Casal, designer info not found.

I love that this cover teases you and leaves you wondering what’s going on between these two characters! And the small details, such as the heart formed by the video game controller cords, are really sweet!

Where It All Lands by Jennie Wexler

Design and illustration by Jonathan Bush.

Hellooooooooo love triangles! I love the progression of this one!

Radha and Jai’s Recipe for Romance by Nisha Sharma

Cover design and illustration info not found.

I love this mash up of baking and dancing imagery, and the bright colors immediately make me lean in closer!

What are some of your favorite cover trends? Hit me up on Twitter or Instagram!

Happy reading!
Tirzah