Our Graphic Novel Preview series invites readers to look inside graphic novels. This month, we’re highlighting a middle grade graphic novel, Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol coming out in May!
Jane is incredibly plain. Everyone says so: her parents, the villagers, and her horrible cousin who kicks her out of her own house. Determined to get some semblance of independence, Jane prepares to propose to the princely Peter, who might just say yes to get away from his father. It’s a good plan!
Or it would’ve been, if he wasn’t kidnapped by a mermaid.
With her last shot at happiness lost in the deep blue sea, Jane must venture to the world underwater to rescue her maybe-fiancé. But the depths of the ocean hold beautiful mysteries and dangerous creatures. What good can a plain Jane do?
From Anya’s Ghost and Be Prepared author Vera Brosgol comes an instant classic that flips every fairy-tale you know, and shows one girl’s crusade for the only thing that matters—her own independence.
Praise for Plain Jane and the Mermaid:
★ “This rollicking tale of an insecure girl finding her strength and breaking from tradition is another triumph for Brosgol.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Few writers can communicate the teenage mind as astutely or with such wit as Vera. This book captures themes of beauty, love, and finding oneself, and exposes the lies we tell ourselves and the truths we won’t admit. Nothing plain about it.” —LeUyen Pham
“A pride-filled treatise and a charming riff on fairy tales.” —Kirkus
