Jane, the fox & me

YA READS:

Anansi. (n.d.). Jane, the fox and me
[digital image]. Retrieved November 11,
2016 from http://houseofanansi.com/
products/jane-the-fox-and-me

Britt, F. & Arsenault, I. (2012). Jane, the fox & me. Berkeley: Groundwood Books. ISBN: 978-1-55498-360-5; $19.95 (hardcover).

For any girl who has ever felt insecure or shunned, or who prefers to escape into the world of fictional characters than face people in real life, then let me present Jane, the fox & me.  This achingly beautiful graphic novel focuses on Hélène, a young girl who is constantly teased at school, feels she has no friends, and is becoming irrationally concerned about her weight.  These are the real-life issues many teen girls face today – and this story addresses them head on.  By juxtaposing the story of Jane Eyre with her own life, Hélène seeks to understand why she feels as miserable as she does, and if anyone could ever love her.  Gray and black pencil and charcoal drawings bring Hélène’s world and emotions to life, while pages of vibrant colors and hues intersperse to illustrate the life of Jane and a mysterious fox.  With an ending you might not expect, Jane, the fox & me is an important book for any young female reader to experience.

AWARDS according to the House of Anansi Press:

* Winner of the Governor General's Literary Award for French Language Children's Illustration 2013

* Winner of the Libris Award for Young Readers Book of the Year 2014

* New York Times Best Illustrated Books 2013

* Globe and Mail Best Books 2013

* New York Public Library Books for Reading and Sharing 2013

* YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens 2014

* Best American Comics 2014

* Ontario Library Association Best Bets 2014

* Short-listed for the Amelia Frances Howard‐Gibbon Award 2014

* Short-listed for the Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids 2014

* Short-listed for the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Young Adult / Middle Reader Award 2014

* Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year 2014

^ Check out the video above to see 

a sneak peek of the artwork and characters within this book!

HOMEMADE TEES:

While he doesn't appear until page 78, the fox's arrival in Hélène's life marks a turning point.  Invite a little fox into your own life with this fun t-shirt, available from Coloradical Shirts:

Coloradical. (n.d.). Fox t-shirt [digital
image]. Retrieved November 11, 2016
from http://www.coloradicalshirts.com/
products/fox-t-shirt-womens

You can also channel your inner strong woman with this Jane Eyre inspired shirt available from Etsy:

Valencia, P. (n.d.). Jane Eyre I am no bird
[digital image]. Retrieved November 11, 2016
from https://www.etsy.com/listing/126923946/
jane-eyre-i-am-no-bird-small-unisex-deep

"I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will."