#diversity edition

A collection of classic books with new culturally diverse covers will make their debut at New York City’s largest bookstore.

To kick off Black History Month, Penguin Random House and Barnes & Noble Fifth Avenue is partnering up to give twelve classic young adult novels new covers, known as “Diverse Editions.” The books will hit the shelves on Feb. 5, and Barnes & Noble Fifth Avenue will have the books on display in their massive storefront throughout the month of February.

The following books will be on display with their Diverse Edition covers:

Alice in Wonderland

Romeo and Juliet

Three Musketeers

Moby Dick

The Secret Garden

The Count of Monte Cristo

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Emma

The Wizard of Oz

Peter Pan

Treasure Island

Frankenstein

Each title had five culturally diverse custom covers designed to ensure the recognition, representation, and inclusion of various multiethnic backgrounds reflected across the country. The new covers are a part of a new initiative to champion diversity in literature.

Customers who can’t make it in-store to purchase a book can download the new cover online for free.

To celebrate the release of the new covers, Barnes & Noble Fifth Avenue is hosting a Diverse Editions Launch & Panel Discussion from 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 5. The panel, which will be moderated by TBWA North America’s Chief Diversity Officer Doug Melville, will feature key opinion leaders within the industry including bestselling author MK Asante, literary agent Nena Madonia Oshman (Dupree Miller), Cal Hunter of Barnes & Noble Fifth Avenue, and more.

Additionally, Diverse Editions of the books will be donated to libraries and schools throughout the Tri-state area at the end of the month

Attendance is free to the public, but all must RSVP beforehand. Every attendee will receive a copy of one of the books while supplies last.