Module 13: The Plain Janes

Module 13: (November 15-21)

Castellucci, C. (2007). The Plain Janes. New York, NY: DC Comics.

Summary: The story starts with a bang—literally—as the large city where Jane lives has a section of it blown up by a terrorist. After the attack, Jane’s parents move her to the “safe” suburbs, but formerly shallow Jane is utterly changed by the event, and finds herself an outcast. She eventually befriends three other girls with various versions and spellings of the name “Jane,” and the foursome create a secret group that goes around the town creating “art” in the forgotten places of the city to make the town pay attention to often humanitarian, environmental, or philosophical issues.

My Impressions: I was really shocked by how much I enjoyed this graphic novel! I didn’t know what the plot was when I started it, but I was almost immediately sucked into the story and the main character’s life as I began to read. I loved the messages of identity and beauty, as well as the questions raised about what could be called “art,” and the idea that we can’t let our fear of what “might happen” keep us from living. I just discovered there is a sequel to this graphic novel, and I will definitely be reading it to find out what happens to the Plain Janes!

Reviews: “Castellucci gives each girl a distinct personality, and spirited, compassionate Main Jane is especially captivating. Rugg's drawings aren't in superhero or manga style, but resemble the more spare, clean style of alternative comics creators such as Dan Clowes and Craig Thompson. A thoughtful look at the pressures to conform and the importance of self-expression, this is also a highly accessible read. Regular comics readers will enjoy it, but fans of soul-searching, realistic young adult fiction should know about it as well.—Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY. School Library Journal. http://www.amazon.com/Plain-Janes-Minx-Cecil-Castellucci/dp/1401211151/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290929817&sr=1-1

“The premise is intriguing, relevant, and disturbing, even as the resolution leaves more questions. When is an art attack sabotage, graffiti, or vandalism? How can people reinvent their lives despite fear? DC's new Minx line promises eclectic, real-world stories that honor girls' intelligence and assertiveness, and this title delivers.”—Library Journal. http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2548/merge_shared/details/RecordDetails.asp?item_uid=65157782&viewItemIndex=0&navPage=1&FullText=&BipAlertQueryString=&BipAlertDisplayQText=

Library Use: I think this graphic novel would be great for a book talk on socially aware graphic novels. The talk might also include the graphic novels Maus, Persepolis, and Pyongyang, all to show that despite the misconceptions by the masses, graphic novels are at times both highly sophisticated in content and illustrations, and are certainly more than just “comic books.” This type of book talk might be ideal for not only skeptical teens, but also parents, teachers, and perhaps even some librarians who are unfamiliar with the genre.

Image retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/Plain-Janes-Minx-Cecil-Castellucci/dp/1401211151/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290838224&sr=1-1