November 2025 | LISLE, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP) is pleased to announce that two cover designs were chosen for the 2025 Top Shelf Book Cover Awards by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA). The winning IVP covers in the nonfiction category were Disarming Leviathan, designed by David Fassett, and Front Porch Wisdom, designed by Jeff Miller.
“IVP has always valued participation in ECPA events, and the Top Shelf Awards has been particularly important to us over the years. This year we are so pleased to be recognized for two of our covers,” said Amy Cerra, senior art director at IVP. “Former art director and designer, David Fassett, has rightfully been recognized over the years for his incredible book cover designs, and his cover design for Disarming Leviathan once again hit the mark by engaging with drama and danger. Likewise, we are so pleased with the reception of the beautiful and poignant cover design for Front Porch Wisdom, designed by Jeff Miller and Faceout Studio.”
Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor by Caleb E. Campbell provides a deeper understanding of the modern American Christian Nationalist movements and their relationship to American Evangelicalism. Campbell also explores why so many people are drawn to it. Fassett’s cover design captures the image of the serpent, representing the subtle spiritual forces at work in the American political landscape.
Miller, former associate creative director at Faceout Studio, designed the cover for Front Porch Wisdom: Navigating Leadership Pressures and Barriers as a Woman of Color by Froswa’ Booker-Drew. This title celebrates the achievements and struggles of women of color in leadership, which is portrayed through the overall design elements. The Top Shelf Awards judges said, “One of our favorite covers—everything works seamlessly. The typography is beautifully balanced, and the color palette is both strong and unexpectedly fresh.”
Cerra, who joined IVP in April 2025, said she is excited by the impactful work of these designers and is looking forward to building on the rich history of design at IVP. “Our mission is to create and publish resources that deepen lives in Christ to engage the university, the church, and the world. Design is one of the important tools we use to connect with our readers, and we look forward to many more years of creating engaging and beautiful books that share the truth of the gospel with the world.”
See the complete list of award-winning cover designs and judges’ comments at TopShelfAward.org.
Contact: Krista Clayton, kclayton@ivpress.com
