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Library | Material Type | Item Barcode | Shelf Number | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... Avon-Washington Township Public Library | Teen Fiction Book Paperback | 120791001855085 | GRAPHIC T CAS | Searching... Unknown |
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Summary
Summary
"This graphic novel for girls feels like a teen movie and teaches young women the joy of being original." -- USA Today on THE PLAIN JANES, Best Graphic Novels of 2007
The art attacks continue in this sequel to the acclaimed graphic novel THE PLAIN JANES. The coolest clique of misfits ever plays Cupid and becomes entangled in affairs of the heart. P.L.A.I.N. - People Loving Art In Neighborhoods - goes global when the art gang procures a spot in the Metro City Museum of Modern Art Contest. And the Janes will discover that in art and love, the normal rules don't always apply.
Reviews (5)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 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 (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
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.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Horn Book Review
(Middle School, High School) Despite their victory in The Plain Janes (rev. 7/07), the community-art champions and odd-girls-out Jane, Theatre Jane, Jayne, and Polly Jane face even greater challenges in their second graphic novel. Though Jane's crush Damon took the fall for the "art attacks" perpetrated by People Loving Art in Neighborhoods, the authorities are closing in on the group's remaining members, who struggle with finances, community relations, and internal conflict. Then, when an anthrax scare hits close to home, Jane's mother develops intense agoraphobia. And if all that wasn't enough, Valentine's Day is approaching, and each of the Janes is beset by romantic woes. As before, text and art complement each other with precision and wit, focusing and amplifying the story's emotional content without overstating it. With Castellucci mining new narrative territory, this sequel more than fulfills the promise of its predecessor, delving deeply into the nuances of the Janes' friendships, the moral gray areas of their art "attacks," and Jane and her parents' ongoing efforts to deal with the terrorist attack that initially sent them to the suburbs. Likewise, the characters continue to reveal new layers of themselves; the identity of Jane's secret admirer is a particularly nice touch. With compassion, insight, and just the right amount of get-up-and-go, Castellucci addresses the anxiety of our times -- and leaves us feeling hopeful. From HORN BOOK, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Jane Beckles and her crew of like-named conspirators return in this sequel to The Plain Janes (2007). This time around, they are plagued by all manner of heartache--and plenty of other woes, too. Their guerilla-art group, People Loving Art in Neighborhoods (PLAIN), is hotly pursued by a glowering police officer. They have no money for art supplies, and they can't seem to stop bickering among themselves. Meanwhile, Jane's already-troubled mother withdraws further after learning of the anthrax-related death of a friend. At times disheartened, Jane struggles to find a solution that will keep the group going. Rugg's detailed, shaded drawings effectively bring Castellucci's realistic, thoughtful characters to life. The novelty of its premise made the first in this series remarkable, and happily, the overarching spirit of art triumphing over fear in this second offering expands on it and still rings true. (Graphic fiction. 12 & up) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
The Plain Janes (2007) launched DC Comics' female-centered imprint Minx, and now that book's creators and characters return for a new tale of guerilla-art warfare, longing, and love. Jane number one is still trying to express in her art the path to a happy ending for herself, her friends, and the conservative community in which they live. She's also suffering guilt over the suspension from school of her friend Damon, whom she also happens to be looking at with more than just friendship in mind. Top it all off with her mother's nervous semi-breakdown and the romantic turmoil in her fellow Janes' lives, and you've got a recipe for classic teen angst. This is somewhat less focused than the first installment which is required reading to fully understand this one but novelist Castellucci still creates a realistic and compelling teenage voice. It's a fun and sometimes powerful read, invested with a strong message about how we can all be held back by our fears. The happy ending, which even teenagers get sometimes, is a very welcome addition.--Karp, Jesse Copyright 2008 Booklist