Plain Jane and the Mermaid

Already love Vera's work? Don't miss her first novel Return to Sender!

A New York Times Best Children's Books of the Year

An NPR Best Book of the Year

On ALA's 2024 Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List

A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year

From Anya's Ghost and Be Prepared author Vera Brosgol comes an instant classic graphic novel that flips every fairy-tale you know on its head, and shows one girl's crusade for the only thing that matters--her own independence.

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?

Author: Vera Brosgol
Publisher: First Second
Published: 05/07/2024
Pages: 368
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.61lbs
Size: 8.29h x 5.85w x 0.98d
ISBN: 9781250314864

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 2.3
Point Value: 1
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 551847 / Plain Jane and the Mermaid


Review Citation(s):
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 04/01/2024
Horn Book Magazine 05/01/2024 pg. 133
School Library Journal 05/01/2024 pg. 73
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2024 - Outstanding, Noteworthy In Style

About the Author
Vera Brosgol was born in Moscow, Russia, in 1984 and moved to the United States when she was five. Her first two graphic novels, Anya's Ghost and Be Prepared, were published by First Second, and her debut picture book Leave Me Alone! was a 2017 Caldecott Honor Book. She's also worked on storyboards for several animated films, including Coraline and Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio. She lives in Portland, Oregon, with her dog Omar, a mere two hours from the sea.