Noted young adult novelist Cecil Castellucci and artistJim Rugg launch MINX with THE PLAIN JANES, a storyabout four girls named Jane who sit at the reject table at lunch.When transfer student Jane is forced to move from the confines of MetroCity to Suburbia, she thinks her life is over.But there in the lunch roomat the reject table she finds her tribe: three other girls named Jane. MainJane encourages them to form a secret art gang and paint the townP.L.A.I.N. -- People Loving Art In Neighborhoods.But can art attacksreally save the hell that is high school?
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: So good! Comment: Hi all! I just finished reading the graphic novel The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg. I had never really read a graphic novel before. It was a great experience. The story is plain (get it? ) enough: Jane moves from the big city to suburbia after surviving a bomb explosion. She is dealing with despair and feelings of fear and doubt when she meets the other Janes. Together, they unite to make suburbia and the world a friendlier and more beautiful place to live. This, of course, has its consequences. The story was very engrossing and the illustrations moved along the action very well. It was nice, for a change, to actually see the story on the page rather than in my head. I believe that all people, young and old, in the world today can identify with the feelings and views in the story. Even though it's a quick read, it leaves a lasting impression. Customer Rating: Summary: Empowering Comment: A friend of mine gave me this book; he thought I would really enjoy the different personalities of the girls with the same name. I wasn't so sure. I really don't like teen angst or girls who are into cliques and fitting in, but boy was I wrong. I was immediately sucked into the story. The lead character, Jane, has to leave her home in Metro City due to a terrorist attack and finds her self in a small suburb of the city all alone. I loved watching Jane find her niche in the small town. She finally finds where she wanted to be: with the other Janes. It was interesting to see how determined she was to make friends with these girls even though they didn't want anything to do with her or each other for that matter. Each of the girls had something they wanted to do, none of them were a like, which eventually brought them all together. The girls decide to form a group called P.L.A.I.N. (people loving art in neighborhoods) and jazz up their suburb by making objects throughout the town into large pieces of art. This causes many of the adults in town to think that the kids are destroying their simple, small town life and impose strict rules for all teenagers. Now that all that is said, there is a whole side story with the main Jane, which I didn't see coming and it really exposed me to what teens go through when they have been involved in a major disaster and how they deal with other teens and adults. It really is a book about growing older, dealing with boys and real world problems. Some of the dialogue bothered me, it was boring at times and I didn't necessarily have to be told some of things that they said. But I guess that comes with the graphic novel territory. I highly recommend this book for girls around 13-16; these girls deal with things that most teenage girls can relate to. Overall I really enjoyed reading this book, it was a quick and easy read and for a person who doesn't read all that often it's a miracle! This book definitely got me in touch with my inner PLAIN Jane. Customer Rating: Summary: I stumbled upon this little gem quite by accident. Comment: I stumbled upon this little gem quite by accident, while browsing the shelves of a book store. Intrigued by the catchy cover displaying the legs of various teens, I was compelled to pick up and read Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg's graphic novel THE PLAIN JANES.
First and foremost, the art is full and satisfying. Being a fan of black and white, this lovely book is bursting the seams with decidedly skilled illustrations. Moreover, the way in which the coming of age story unfolds is undeniably considerate, quirky and entertaining. Not wanting to give away the plot, I will leave it at that. Lastly, I must say, you do not have to be a young girl in high school to enjoy this thought-provoking graphic-novel.
Customer Rating: Summary: HERO OF THE DAY Comment: MS. Castellucci has proven that comic book heros come in many different shapes and sizes. The art work fits the story and characters very well. The characters themselves are very well thought out from Jane to the gay kid. This book is good for any child that is experiencing the obstacles of a new move or a tragedy. Elements within the overall story may make you chuckle or roll laughing. If you are looking for great read I recommend this book to all audiences even though it's meant for young girls it still worth reading and afterward you can pass it on to someone else. After reading this you will want to "decorate" your neighborhood too! Customer Rating: Summary: The best book I've read all year Comment: After terrorism strikes Metro City, Jane's parents move the family to the suburbs, but Jane can't seem to make friends with the few people who interest her. Eventually she enlists these "losers" in a bold guerilla art project that could bring to life both the conformist suburban town and Jane's own adrift self. This moving graphic novel layers meanings into both the drawings and the text, and, like Jerry Spinelli's Stargirl (Readers Circle), celebrates art, creative nonconformity, and risk-taking.
