Thursday, January 9, 2025

Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol - ADVISABLE

Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol, 368 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. First Second, 2024. $15.

Language: G (2 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (several off page deaths, references to eating people, some bullying) ; Violence: PG (there are two instances where characters are hit on page, and several off page gruesome deaths).

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Jane doesn’t have much going for her. She is depressingly average and is about to be forced out of her home because as a girl, she can’t inherit. Her solution is to propose to Peter, a beautiful village boy she has a crush on. Before they can come to an agreement, he is stolen away by a mermaid! Jane must go to the sea to save her maybe-fiancé and perhaps discover something new about herself in the process.

Loved this addition to any graphic novel shelf! It’s a great story of self-discovery told through compelling storytelling and eye-catching illustrations. I loved seeing Jane’s journey, both literally and metaphorically. I also loved the message that self-worth isn’t dependent on outward appearance. 

Reviewer: Kiera Beddes, #bookswithbeddes


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