Janes in Love by Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg

This book follows The Plain Janes and continues the celebration of unique teens and the power of art.  Each person is falling in love, though Jane is having problems deciding which boy is right for her.  Each character approaches courtship and romance differently and entirely true to themselves.  And every one of us has a Jane that they can relate to most.  I am definitely the rounded drama kid.

Rugg’s art captures the the story using interesting perspectives.  I particularly enjoyed the art with the dresses in the parking lot.  This second novel builds on the themes of the first, including the power of teens and their right to expression. 

No one can come away from this graphic novel without feeling jazzed up about art, teens and life.  Because we can each see ourselves in one of these teens, we know ourselves a little better too.  Recommended for tweens and teens.  I’d like to see a copy in every school library and public library.