The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Jul.26, 2009, under Battle of the Books 2009-2010, Graphic Novels, Mental Health, Real life, Sam's Reviews, YRCA
Who would like this book? Both fans of graphic novels and students interested in the lives of quirky, artistic, intelligent kids on the “outside” of the in-crowd.
Why? This graphic novel starts out with a bang, literally. Jane is walking past a café in Metro City when a bomb goes off, sending her to the hospital along with a mysterious young man who does not regain consciousness. Jane’s parents decide to move to the safe suburb of Kent Waters, and Jane is bored and depressed over her new not-life at Buz Aldrin High School. She is drawn to three girls, all social misfits and each with a “Jane” name. At first they are withdrawn, but Jane hits on a creative, edgy plan to bring them to life. The result is PLAIN – People Loving Art in Neighborhoods – and a spurt of unique “art attacks.” Jane’s spunky efforts to work through the trauma of the bombing and to ignite creative thought in the complacent suburb are inspiring. The story gains focus through her letters to John Doe, the mysterious young man back at the hospital in Metro City. The graphic novel format is an excellent match for the plot and characters, and Rugg’s drawings are superb. It’s great to have a graphic novel as a YRCA nominee (2010) and as a selection for the 2009-2010 Battle of the Books.
The details: 176 p. 2007 Review by Samrarian
A Battle of the Books selection for 2009-2010 and a 2010 YRCA nominee
