My Plain Jane
#2 in The Lady Janies Series
on Goodreads (23,380)
What’s inside...
You may think you know the story. After a miserable childhood, penniless orphan Jane Eyre embarks on a new life as a governess at Thornfield Hall. There, she meets one dark, brooding Mr. Rochester. Despite their significant age gap and his uneven temper, they fall in love—and, Reader, she marries him. Or does she? Prepare for an adventure of Gothic proportions, in which all is not as it seems, a certain gentleman is hiding more than skeletons in his closets, and one orphan Jane Eyre, aspiring author Charlotte Brontë, and supernatural investigator Alexander Blackwood are about to be drawn together on the most epic ghost hunt this side of Wuthering Heights.
Character compass
Jane Eyre
Alexander Blackwood
Charlotte Bronte
Mr. Rochester
Charlotte Brontë
Discussion points
What do you think motivates Jane to become a ghost hunter, and how do you think this affects her relationships with other characters?
How do the authors blend real historical events with fictional elements in the story? Can you identify which parts are factual?
How does the friendship between Jane and Charlotte evolve throughout the book? What key moments define their relationship?
What role does humor play in the story? Can you point out a few instances where you found humor used effectively?
If you could change one decision any character made in the book, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the book's themes to their own experiences, helping them draw personal connections with the characters and the plot.
Discuss the historical context of the book, perhaps with a quick lookup of the real Jane Eyre and the Brontë sisters, to deepen understanding and appreciation.
Use humor from the book as a starting point for discussion, which can make the conversation more enjoyable and relatable for both of you.
Highlight the development of friendships in the book, prompting your child to share their thoughts on what makes a friendship strong and trustworthy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: In 'My Plain Jane,' the characters demonstrate strong bonds of friendship that help them navigate various challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of supporting their friends and working together to overcome obstacles.
Example Lesson: Courage to stand up for oneself
Explanation: The protagonist, Jane, often finds herself in situations where she must stand up for her beliefs and make tough decisions, showing resilience and bravery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be confident in their values and to speak out when they believe something is important.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The narrative intertwines real historical settings with fantastical elements, showcasing the power of creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to use their imagination to solve problems and think outside the box in their daily activities and learning.
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: Characters in the book face consequences when they are not truthful, highlighting the importance of honesty.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of being honest in their interactions and the positive outcomes it can lead to.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters make mistakes and learn from them, which aids in their personal growth and development.
Real-World Application: Children can understand that making mistakes is a natural part of learning and growth and that important lessons often come from these experiences.