The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg

I just finished this amazing graphic novel and can't wait to get it in the hands of others.

First of all, I feel it's important to say that I am not a huge fan of graphic novels. It takes a certain something for me to truly enjoy one and this one had it!

This is the story of Jane. Jane was in the vicinity of the trade towers on 9-11. The book shares this moment of her life in such a beautiful way. While the madness is going on Jane notices a dandelion that has pushed it's way through the sidewalk. No one, with all the madness going on, has managed to step on this flower and Jane decides that if this flower can survive, so can she.

Her parents did not feel the same as her and they move to a suburb where it is "safer". Jane also knows that nowhere is safe and instead of letting her fear motivate her she becomes inspired by the unknown man in a coma she helped at the devastating scene she survived. She knows nothing about him except that he possessed a sketchbook with a cover that read "art saves". She decides that art can save her and tries to look for all of the beauty in everything. As we all know, this is not an easy job. She quickly comes up with a plan that can save her and the world and teams up with her unique and genuine group of misfits, which happen to all share the name Jane.

I won't give anymore away, but what transpires is the formation of a girl gang called P.L.A.I.N. (people loving art in neighborhoods). They perform guerrilla acts of art inspiring people to think, laugh and live. But of course, as with all thought that is unique and different, it is seen as threatening. The school and the cops and Jane's parents are determined to catch these art terrorists, but the Plain Janes have other ideas....