Book Cover – He Hit Me First
This is the cover for author, educator, and filmmaker Robert M. Alexander‘s book “He Hit Me First”.
I did the cover for the first book in this series entitled “She Hit Me First” and I was super excited to get the call to do this one. I illustrate and write picture books but I also love middle grade, especially doing covers! Here’s a bit of process art behind this one. You can purchase the book here.
Written by Dr. Robert Mossi Alexander, educator, counselor, and author of She Hit Me First, this heartfelt story teaches young readers—especially boys—about emotional intelligence, accountability, and the strength found in respecting elders and listening to ancestral wisdom. Perfect for classrooms, mentorship programs, and parents looking to spark important conversations around conflict resolution, masculinity, and healing.
At this stage I usually send my client a bunch of ideas for where people, places, or things could be. Robert chose one, I refined, through some grayscale on it to give an idea of who it would look, then I refined the sketch w/ the typography until he was good with it.
Next were some color directions. I’ve been a freelance illustrator for nearly 20 years and I enjoy adding different ideas for color; not the typical. Lately I’ve really been feeling the combination of purple, orange, and green so I was excited that he picked that one.
And here’s the final artwork for the cover! Wanna know about the story? Here’s the synopsis:
He Hit Me First is a powerful coming-of-age story for readers ages 8–13 that explores cycles of violence, emotional healing, and the power of mentorship. Set in East Oakland, the book follows Elijah, a young boy navigating school, family struggles, and peer pressure. After a schoolyard fight, Elijah is forced to confront the deeper pain behind his anger. With the help of his uncle, a former boxer, and guidance from community mentors, Elijah learns how to channel his energy into personal growth and self-control.
You can purchase the book here.
Dig this? Check out my artwork for
- Freelance–Open Space Authority Coloring Book
- Personal–Trading Comics Short Story
- Freelance–The Public Eye Magazine Cover
- Personal–Stand Up 4 Your Neighbors Character
