Welcome to another episode of Fangirls Unleashed!
Halloween has come and gone, and since COVID-19 has eliminated a lot of my creative outlets, I've decided to take matters into my own hands.
What do you do when your girl loves to read YA books and cosplay? You recreate book covers of course!
I've decided to challenge myself on Instagram in October by recreating YA book covers all month long. On this list are my top ten most liked images. To make this blog even more special, I've added a few comments from the actually authors who wrote the books. I love how social media connects us with our idols.
So sit back and relax, because we're going on a YA book cover cosplay journey!
Girls with Sharp Sticks by Suzanne Young
First up on this list is Girls with Sharp Sticks by Suzanne Young. It actually tied with the next YA book on this list with the most likes.
I'm a minimalist at heart, so I was immediately drawn to the stunning neutral cool toned palette and crisp white shirt.
So I threw on my favorite white buttoned-up shirt with a beaded collar and tried to channel Tyra Banks by smiling with my eyes.
Anna K by Jenny Lee
Tied for the top spot is Anna K by Jenny Lee!
I was getting major cool-girl, Gossip Girl vibes with this photo and I was immediately obsessed.
I didn't have a grey coat, so I took out my favorite cream-colored coat and rose gold sunglasses and this was the end result.
Did I also mention that Jenny Lee herself commented on my photo?
Author response: "Wow! Wow! Wow! This is AMAZING!!! ???"
I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo
I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo is MY personal favorite book cover cosplay on this list.
Why? Not only is this book amazing (and that's saying something because I rarely read contemporary), but I loved the cuteness of the cover.
I've paired the same shirt I was wearing from Girls with Sharp Sticks with my favorite skirt.
Want to know a fun easter egg? The person in the flannel is actually me, and that book cover cosplay is later on in this list. Bonus point if you spot it!
Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay
Did you know that October is Filipino American History Month?
To celebrate my heritage, I've recreated one of my all-time favorite books, Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay.
Not only does this book feature Filipino characters, but Randy himself is a Bay Area native Filipino author. Whoo hoo!
Author response: "Ah, I love this!"
I'll be the One by Lyla Lee
I'll be the One by Lyla Lee is personally one of my top favorite books that I've read this year!
This book is all about Skye's journey in becoming a k-pop star and it celebrates body positivity, which you rarely see in the YA world.
I've tried to channel Skye's sunny personality by pretending that I was rocking out at a BTS concert. Did I succeed?
A Match Made in Mehendi by Nadini Bajpai
I highly recommend A Match Made in Mehendi by Nadini Bajpai if you're a fan of matchmakers!
I was immediately drawn to the white stone background and Simi's fabulous hair moment, and I knew that I HAD to recreate this cover.
Now if only I had a wind machine to complete this look...
Author response: "I love this so much!!! You make a fabulous Simi!! ???❤️???? Thank you for reading. All the Simrans I know are wonderful too!! ?❤️"
This Boy by Lauren Myracle
This Boy by Lauren Myracle was SO much fun to recreate.
Why? Because I've had everything to recreate Paul's look.
Flannel shirt? Checked.
White tee? Checked.
Headphones? Checked.
Author's response: "Oh wow, this makes me SOOOOOO happy!"
Busted by Gina Ciocca
Busted by Gina Ciocca was actually the book that has inspired this whole series!
Not only was this book such a fun and entertaining read, but the cover is absolutely stunning.
I've actually seen this book pop up on my fellow YA book blogger Megan's YA Friday blog series, and I immediately put a hold on it.
Author's response: "Y'all know I love a good #bustedbookface but this is a whole BUSTED cover cosplay ??
Honestly, thank you to everyone who is still reading my books while my writing is on pause. Author me feels like a different lifetime, but I am so grateful each time someone goes out of their way to show my little books some love ❤❤❤"
Super Fake Love Song by David Yoon
Super Fake Love Song by David Yoon is another one of my most liked Book Cover Cosplays.
This was one of the most challenging photos that I've had to edit, and I've spent days going back and forth on whether or not I should post it.
In the end, I just went for it, and surprisingly David Yoon himself reposted my photo on his Instagram story!
The Way You Make Me Feel by Maurene Goo
Closing out my Top 10 Most Liked Book Cover Cosplays is The Way You Make Me Feel by Maurene Goo.
This was another tough book cosplay edit for me, since I couldn't nail that rich magenta gradient like the original. So I've decided to opt for a pastel color scheme.
I also realized that all I had to do was make that "we come in peace" hand sign to get the correct hand placement.
That concludes our Book Cover Cosplay journey!
Which one was your favorite? Comment below, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Until next time, happy readings bookworms!
Fun Fact
Did you know that you can use Live Chat to help you research topics or templates for homework? Yes you can! I'm currently a student, and one of my homework assignments was actually to create Human Resources Policies. I couldn't find templates on my own, so I clicked on the Live Chat feature to chat with a Librarian for help. After explaining to them what I'm looking for, they were able to give me at least 5 different templates and guidelines from places such as GALE and SJPL Works. The most exciting part? I've ended up with an A on my assignment! Thanks SJPL for helping me become one step closer to becoming a librarian!
Who am I?
Alyssa is a founding member of Fangirls Unleashed. Our mission is to show our patrons what's trending in the young adult world and local conventions and how to explore those interests through the San Jose Public Library. Her work has included presenting on the Graphic Novel Making Contest at the California Library Association Conference, presenting on SJ Engage at the Young Adult Library Services Association Conference, and as both a Guest and Guest Cosplayer at the Santa Clara City Library Comic Con. When she's not blogging you can find her sipping on an iced coffee, reading the latest YA book, or cosplaying at a local convention. Follow her on her Fangirls Unleashed social media channels down below to see her recommended #What'sNewAtTheLibrary for young adult reads.
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