Plain Jane and the Mermaid

By Vera Brosgol. Published by First Second. 

Softcover, 368 pages, Colour, 2024. 

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?

"A cabaret of tropes and figures from many tales we know and love, spun anew. Flecks from Alice in Wonderland, Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Beauty and the Beast sparkle across the pages of this graphic novel like antique glitter." New York Times

"This rollicking tale of an insecure girl finding her strength and breaking from tradition is another triumph for Brosgol." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"In a story bolstered by a wonderful cast, an otherworldly setting, and poignantly accessible feelings, Brosgol once again captures magic, menace, and humanity." –Booklist, starred review

"Complex characters, twists and turns, and beautiful artwork blend harmoniously for a perfect read that will jump-start the ­imagination." –School Library Journal, starred review

"A funny and fast-paced feminist adventure masterfully told through the comics medium." –Horn Book Magazine, 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

"Jane’s open, expressive face easily carries the story through wordless sections, and her sharp honesty is immediately endearing." –BCCB