Books Like Plain Jane and the Mermaid
Families who loved Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child starts comparing their appearance to others or expresses feeling plain, invisible, or not enough. It is a perfect antidote for a child struggling with the pressure to be pretty or perfect. The story follows Jane, a girl who has been told her whole life that she is unremarkable. When she attempts to secure her future by proposing to a handsome boy, he is snatched away by a terrifying mermaid, forcing Jane into a daring underwater rescue. This graphic novel masterfully deconstructs fairy tale tropes to show that resourcefulness and self-worth are far more valuable than a storybook face. It is ideal for middle-grade readers (ages 8-12) who are beginning to navigate social hierarchies and self-image. Parents will appreciate how it replaces the damsel-in-distress narrative with one of fierce independence and cleverness.
