Book two in the Plain Janes series.

Jane's mother is becoming more and more withdrawn and scared to leave the house. Jane is worried about her family, her friends, and how to find the funds to keep P.L.A.I.N. going. The Valentine's Day dance adds one more layer of stress as Jane tries to manage her love life on top of everything else. ( )

Reviewed by Karin Librarian for TeensReadToo.com

In this second installment of the PLAIN JANES series, the gang is looking for new ways to spread art around the community.

Problems are looming on the horizon, though. Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and everyone is looking for a sweetheart for the big dance and pulling their sneak art attacks are getting harder and harder with Officer Sanchez always on the lookout.

Jane still maintains correspondence with Miroslaw from the first book. From one of the letters Jane gets from him, she gets the idea to find a legal way to spread her art.

She applies for a grant from the National Foundation for the Arts. Her proposal is based on taking an abandoned corner and turning it into a garden paradise the whole community can enjoy.

Despite some ups and downs, the Janes stay focused on their goal. This installment is just as entertaining as the first one. I'm assuming there will be another one, but I have no idea what it will be about since JANES IN LOVE wraps up so nicely. ( )

A fitting sequel. Loved the artwork. ( )

I admit, I was embarrassed to be seen reading this pink girly book, but it packs a surprisingly good little punch. It's always refreshing to see plucky characters with an interesting mission and a willingness to overcome obstacles to get things done, especially when wrapped in a cover that made this seem like a tale of overblown teenage hormones and bad chick lit. Glad to see this was actually a story for girls that's worth reading! ( )