Janes in Love (Plain Janes) [Paperback]

Cecil Castellucci (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 23, 2008 | Series: Plain Janes

The second volume of the critically acclaimed series finds a group of high school girls each named Jane, who are anything but ordinary, playing cupid. Plus P.L.A.I.N. (People Loving Art In Neighborhoods) goes global once the girl gang procures a spot in Metro City Museum of Modern Art contest.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The second book of the PLAIN Janes series returns to the four Janes of suburban town Kent Waters and their public art attacks as People Loving Art in Neighborhoods (PLAIN). This time the story line is sprinkled with bits of romance as the various Janes struggle to approach their love interests for dates to the school dance and the main Jane applies for an art grant. Castellucci writes with ambition, including threads that pull in issues of terrorism, fear, free art and adolescent anxiety. Unfortunately, the resulting tangle of political overtones sometimes clutters what could have been a clearer story of one girl's artistic aspirations and the underlying theme of friendship. Rugg, whose art and unfettered concepts of femininity soared with Street Angel, is more constrained with the two-dimensional characters he's illustrating. As the second book of the series, a character breakdown or introduction would be helpful to new readers. Otherwise, it's a suitable read for those who enjoyed the first Janes book, but not a good entry point for anyone unfamiliar with the series. (Sept.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From School Library Journal

Grade 8–10—In this sequel to The Plain Janes (Minx, 2007), the Janes bravely continue to pursue their love of boys and their love of art, facing challenges from the police, their parents, and the community. Castellucci deftly deals with a number of serious issues, including anxiety and depression, mortality, body image, gay relationships, and community activism. Fortunately, they never weigh down the narrative: this is a sweet, quirky story with some uplifting (though never pedantic) messages. Rugg's clean, crisp illustrations are the perfect accompaniment, giving the comic a hip, indie look that resembles Adrian Tomine's work.—Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
  
• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Minx; Uncorrected Page Proof edition (September 23, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401213871
• ISBN-13: 978-1401213879
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.4 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #791,782 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Small Girl. Big Party. Author of the novels Boy Proof, The Queen of Cool, Beige and The Plain Janes. Former indie rocker known as Nerdy Girl and Cecil Seaskull. DIY filmmaker. enfant terrible. modern 21st century flapper.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The same Janes!, October 31, 2008

By 

Amy Ward (Lawrence County, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Janes in Love (Plain Janes) (Paperback)

Janes in Love picks up where the last book left off. Our Janes are still creating wonderful pieces of art to enliven the community. This time around, the Janes are all in love and not sure what to do about it. In the midst of all the hormones, the Janes are deterred in their artistic efforts and P.L.A.I.N. looks to be doomed. But they still have some tricks up their sleeves.

I loved the first book and was equally thrilled with the latest installment. The book has a lot of heart and really touches on our modern-day fears. I truly wish every community had a group like the PLAIN Janes. The world would be a better place. I hope there are more installments of this series to come.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Follow Up Story, June 30, 2010

By 

Steven R. McEvoy "MCWPP" (Canada) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Janes in Love (Plain Janes) (Paperback)

This graphic novel continues nearly a year after The P.L.A.I.N. Janes. Where the first in this series dealt with the Janes learning to have confidence in themselves, and doing something they believed in, this one takes place a year later and as Valentine's Day is approaching the Janes realize they want to find love and happiness.

The Janes are:
Jane - DramaticJane
Jayne - BrainJayne
Polly Jane - SportyJane
Jane - MainJane

MainJane is still dealing with the aftermath of being near ground zero of a terrorist attack. She is getting better but her mother is getting worse. All of Janes' art is an attempt to bring her mother back out of her shell. I liked this story but enjoyed the first one more. This one does go into greater depth about relationships and overcoming adversity. It is a good story by a gifted writer. It really is a pity that DC Comic discontinued this MINX line; they were supposed to be heralding in a new era of graphic novels, novels written with girls as the main audience, with strong female characters that could be role models. The line was announced in 2006, with much fanfare, but was cancelled part way into 2008, thus leaving that target audience again under-represented in North America. But the 13 books in the line that were released all look interesting, and like the type of book I will want to share with my daughter as she grows up. This is a shining example of that sentiment.

5.0 out of 5 stars Valentine's Day for the Janes, November 9, 2011

By 

Brittany Moore "Reading Nook" (New Hampshire) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Janes in Love (Plain Janes) (Paperback)

The Janes are back at it. A bust at New Year's won't hold them back. They know that art saves, and their town needs saving. Of course, their hearts need saving too. They are all pining away for someone. Officer Sanchez is none to pleased about having more art "vandals"on the loose. When the Janes get shaken up though they know they have to change their approach. Maybe if they can get a grant the town will see them as "real" artists and start to appreciate the beauty all around them.

This was another fun adventure with Jane and Jayne and Polly Jane and Jane. :D Even more art projects to try to help a world that is bowing under the pressure of terrorism. It can be hard to see the world as a beautiful place if all you can feel is fear. Emotions ran high in this one. Love was in the air, but there was also a lot of heated exchanges. This was a really excellent sequel and oh how I wish that there would be another Jane book. I would love to start a huge art program like this. Oh, to be in high school again. Anyways, loved this book too and definitely, definitely check out this series soon.

First Line:
"I can't believe that it's been nearly a year since it happened."

Favorite Lines:
"Hello. How wonderful to be able to say these words to you. Hello, dear Jane. Light of my life."