Janes in Love by Cecil Castellucci, Jim Rugg (Illustrator)

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.)

School Library Journal

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

Kirkus Reviews

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)

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