Earlier this year, students at Kealing Middle School received a lesson in bookselling from our Kid’s Book Buyer, Meghan G. As an added challenge, we asked them to select a book and write about what drew them to that one in particular, what kind of reader they think it would appeal to, and what the book’s marketing copy and cover express to them right off the bat as potential readers. What we got back is a truly thoughtful collection of essays from a group of passionate young readers. This is the second essay in a month-long series. Perhaps these great essays will give you some insight into the bookselling process and maybe even some summer reading ideas!
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Why I Think it Will Succeed: Darkwater by Catherine Fisher
By Jack & Brandon
Darkwater takes place in two different time periods. It has two different protagonists who lived 100 years apart. One sells her soul to an evil dark lord named Azrael, and is trying to stop the second from making the same mistake.
On the cover of the book, the art shows an old stone type of cat, but with a more monstrous looking face, and in an eerie dark environment, as if it were in actual dark water. This may represent the main antagonist of the book. In the summary, it tells of Azrael, the lord of Darkwater Hall. Azrael grants people whatever they want, but in 100 years he returns for their souls.
Below the title on the cover is the question, “What Would You Sell Your Soul For?” The title refers to Darkwater Hall, and Darkwater school. This is where Azrael lives, and where the first protagonist, Sarah Trevelyan, meets him in order to get her fortune back. 100 years later Tom, the second protagonist, encounters Azrael. The Lord offers the same bargain, promising that Tom will get into Darkwater School. The caption alludes to how Sarah sold her soul away for her family’s power and wealth, and how she is trying to stop Tom from making the same mistake.
Certain cover art just attracts people to look at the book on the shelf, even if they don’t really know what it is yet. Once they see the cover, and are at the book, they will look at the title and caption. This particular title and caption will make them curious because the ominous tone will make them want to find out more. The summary will add to this feeling, because people will identify unique aspects, like the two protagonists in the book. This intrigue is how a book gets sold.
BookPeople 
A really informative article, thanks.