Janes in Love (Minx) (Paperback)

~ (Author)

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.)
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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.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Minx; Uncorrected Page Proof edition (September 23, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401213871
• ISBN-13: 978-1401213879
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #532,426 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 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

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars Courtesy of Teens Read Too, August 12, 2009

By	TeensReadToo.com "Eat. Drink. Read. Be Merrier." (All Over the US & Canada) - See all my reviews

In this second installment of the PLAIN JANES series, the gang is looking for new ways to spread art around the community.

Problems are looming on the horizon, though. Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and everyone is looking for a sweetheart for the big dance and pulling their sneak art attacks are getting harder and harder with Officer Sanchez always on the lookout.

Jane still maintains correspondence with Miroslaw from the first book. From one of the letters Jane gets from him, she gets the idea to find a legal way to spread her art.

She applies for a grant from the National Foundation for the Arts. Her proposal is based on taking an abandoned corner and turning it into a garden paradise the whole community can enjoy.

Despite some ups and downs, the Janes stay focused on their goal. This installment is just as entertaining as the first one. I'm assuming there will be another one, but I have no idea what it will be about since JANES IN LOVE wraps up so nicely.

Reviewed by: Karin Librarian

3.0 out of 5 stars A Bit of a Let Down, July 18, 2009

By	Clementine Bojangles (Minneapolis, MN USA) - See all my reviews

The second graphic novel in Cecil Castellucci's series aimed at teenage girls, Janes in Love felt different than its predecessor. Whereas the first book in the series seemed full of life and hit its mark wonderfully, this one falls short.

The Janes are still working hard on P.L.A.I.N. (People Loving Art In Neighborhoods), and they're still battling the forces attempting to put an end to their public art. But as the girls struggle to continue creating art, they also begin to struggle with budding romances and crushes. Castellucci attempts to explore different kinds of love in the story, but much of it gets lost in her attempt to include other hot-button issues, including terrorism, fear, and teen angst.

Some of the story seemed muddled and confusing, and if the reader has not just finished the first novel, they are likely to find themselves somewhat lost in the story. The story is still interesting overall, and as there is a definite lack of graphic novels aimed at girls, this one will fill a niche.

Here's to hoping that the next installment finds its footing.