The P.L.A.I.N. Janes: Cecil Castellucci

Title: The P.L.A.I.N. Janes

Author: Cecil Castellucci

Publisher: Minx (2007)

Media Format: Graphic Novel

Genre: Female Protagonist, Friendship

Selection Source: MDPLS Staff YA picks

Reading Recommendation: 3***

Audience Recommendation: JR High +

Curriculum Connection: Art

Summary

The Plain Janes is a graphic novel about dislocation, friendship, and art. Jane moves from the city after a terorrist attack frightens her parents into taking refuge in the suburbs. She is dismayed by how tragically unhip the kids in her new school are, especially the cool kids. Then, she comes across the nerd table, where three outcasts named Jane are sharing their lunch. The three plain Janes don't seem to interested in Jane until she comes up with an idea to become an art terorrist. They begin a friendship by creating public art in unlikely places, and they begin to gain quite a following, including from local law enforcement. When the heat gets turned up, they get an oportunity to see what friendship is really about.

Evaluation

This is a graphic novel aimed at a primarily female audience (although it's quite readable for males). It's a fun, light hearted book, that can easily be read in one sitting. The female lead, Jane is likable and believable, and plenty of people can sympathize with the desire to establish connections with others in a seemingly superficial world. It's primary a leisure reading book, but could be read in connection with an art class. Although, the teacher probably wouldn't want to be seen as encouraging acts of vandalistic art.