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Robert Mossi Alexander Tag

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

Process video:

March 4, 2026
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Independent Black Creatives-VIDEO

 

I had the great opportunity to speak on a panel of Black authors in the Bay Area moderated by Robert Mossi Alexander and featuring Khalid White, Tamara Shiloh, Ralonda Cunningham, Kadija Phillips,  and myself. We talk about our books, how we got into book making, and our plans for the future! Please watch and share with up and comers!

October 12, 2020
in General
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Author Panel- Bay Area BLK authors!

Hey, I’m excited to be joining these authors for a panel. The Independent Black Creative (IBC) crew will be hosting a virtual panel October 4th, 2pm, live on Facebook. Our discussion will focus on the love for literacy, illustrations and building community through the arts. We look forward to sharing with you and thank you for your continued support.

Tune into Rob Alexander’s facebook: LINK

September 27, 2020
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She Hit Me First! By Robert Mossi Alexander (Cover Art)

Yo, this is a new middle grade book written by author Robert Mossi Alexander (Can’t Let Nobody Ride My Bike) that I illustrated and designed the cover for. Rob is a great writer who has written s a short and introspective piece about growing up, the cycle of violence, healing, and being a positive change. He also collaborated on the book with his daughter Lauryn Taylor Alexander who created the majority of the art for the book via chapter illustrations.
Here’s the synopsis of the book from Rob:
Jamillah is an upbeat preteen who desires a better life. She longs for real friendship but seems to keep spoiling her chances by hitting anyone who comes close. She also wants a good life for her mum and sister, but every time she tries, it doesn’t end well. Fortunately, she meets a classmate-who wants to be friends with her-and has a teacher, who both help her to deal with her habit of hitting people. Still, it doesn’t end there-a lot more trouble, and adventure awaits Jamillah as she makes attempts to show kindness to others and to change her world for the better.An intriguing tale of self-discovery, support, and determination, She Hit Me First is a book that uses great story-telling to inspire readers to believe that no matter the circumstances, one can still create positive change in the world.

Get the book here: LINK
Here’s a bit of the process of making the artwork.

thumbnail
rough
sketch
color sketch
final!

Follow Robert Mossi Alexander here at Hood 2 Higher Education

Wanna see more? Here’s the last Middle Grade cover I illustrated.


August 19, 2020
in General
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