Castellucci,
C. & Rugg, J. (2007). The plain janes.
New York: DC Comics. 1401211151. 176 p.
Summary:
A
comic-style novel, The Plain Janes, is
the journey of a high school girl whose family leaves Metro City after a
bombing in which she witnesses. Unable
to find the right niche in her new school, Jane finds friendship with other
misfits who ironically share the same name.
She continues to struggle to find a place to belong when she has an idea
in which the four Jane’s anonymously set up art within the city which sparks
interest and concern around town.
Analysis:
According
to the American Library Association (2011), graphic novels are exploding in
popularity. Librarian Esther Keller
(2009) has noticed that graphic novels have pulled in students that she hasn’t
seen before, including many boys. This
means that young adults will be looking to read The Plain Janes and the book’s teenage relatability, use of
emotions, and easy read will resonate with readers.
The
protagonist of the story is a high school student who becomes the new girl in
school. Readers will relate with her
desire to find a place to belong, whether it’s the soccer team, science club,
or in this case the P.L.A.I.N (People Loving Art in Neighborhoods) Janes. Jane’s confident rejection to be friends with
the cool girl in school and her lack of confidence to talk to Damon, the guy
she likes, are conflicting behaviors all teens can understand. Jane also has caring, yet protective parents
and goes outside their rules and sneaks out to conduct her art scenes with the
other Janes. Throughout it all, Jane
searches to find out who she is, and in the end she finds unexpected hope and
is happy to be herself.
The
emotions in this story could relate to a roller coaster ride. Jane feels hopeless, scared, untrusting, and
alone after the bombing and her role in saving an unidentified man who remains
comatose. She is upset that she is
moving and desperately wants control over her life – exhibited in her radical
haircut, defiance of the cool crowd (and almost everything else), and her
anonymous art club. She also shows
happiness, joy, and excitement with the P.L.A.I.N. Janes and their friendship
as well as their plots for art.
The
final highlight of this book is the fact that it is a graphic novel. As stated earlier, the popularity is
rising. For many readers, being able to
read in one or two sittings is a positive aspect and reinforces success. The vocabulary is simple and the flow of
pictures and text is natural and easy.
In saving the best for last, the illustrations by Rugg are clear,
professional, and have that specific comic book style. Young adult readers will love it.
Reference List
American Library Association (2011). Children's graphic novel core collection. Retrieved
August 5, 2012 from http://www.ala.org/tools/libfactsheets/alalibraryfactsheet23
Keller, E. (2009). How
graphic novels and manga are doing in middle schools. Retrieved August 4,
2012 from http://graphicnovelreporter.com/content/how-graphic-novels-and-manga-are-doing-middle-schools-roundtable
