Papercutz Announces
JANE AMERICAN
A Young Girl Forever Changed by War Must Decide Whether to Hide Who She Is or Become the Hero the World Needs
Papercutz, the kids’ imprint of Mad Cave Studios, proudly brings readers JANE AMERICAN, a heartfelt middle-grade graphic novel blending coming-of-age storytelling, wartime history, and superhero-inspired emotion.
Written by 26-year public school teacher Jason Douglas (Parallel), with art by Annie Wright and letters by Dave Lentz, Jane American is the Ringo Award-winning graphic novel exploring grief, identity, resilience, and discovering your own strength in a world determined to define you. Deeply researched and emotionally resonant, the book features historical endnotes and extensive educational back matter for readers and educators in grades 4 through 12, with Wright also recognized with the Ringo Award for Best New Talent.
During the 1940’s, Jane was living a life of family, stability, and hope…until she wasn’t! Until the war brought tragedy to her doorstep and changed her in unbelievable ways that are better left hidden. Yet the realities of the end of the war, dad is not coming home, and society has determined that mom can no longer be a Rosie The Riveter, have left Jane with a choice: stay safe, stay hidden, or… embrace who she truly is and what she can really do, for the sake of everyone that she loves!
Jane American balances emotional storytelling, historical authenticity, and adventure while exploring universal themes of identity, self-worth, gender, grief, and belonging through the lens of wartime America.
“At its core, Jane American is about the universal and relatable themes of identity, self-worth, you being you in a world that tells you something different, and the super-heroics of everyday people…and yet it is a deeply personal story to me. It is named after and inspired by my grandmother, who went through all of that more than 80 years ago. It is dedicated to all of the students who have passed through my classroom, still struggling with identity today. It is much more freshly dedicated to my late grandfather, who, at the age of 99, when he realized he would not see 100, made me promise that the book that contains the name and likeness of his high school sweetheart, my grandmother, would see print.” —Jason Douglas
“Jane American is my very first graphic novel, and I’m very deeply connected to Jane’s story of bravery, reinvention, and vulnerability. It’s a touching journey that offers a valuable perspective on a young girl growing up during a time of struggle and war. I feel that her relationship with such harsh realities can transcend time, allowing the readers of today to connect with her in a personal way.” —Annie Wright
Blending educational value, classic comic-book appeal, and deeply human storytelling, Jane American delivers action-packed heroism alongside an emotionally rich story about family, loss, resilience, and embracing who you are against impossible odds. Jane American will make you cheer, teach while it entertains, and leave you with hope for the future.
Jane American goes on sale September 1, 2026, in paperback (ISBN: 9781545836224 | $14.99) and hardcover (ISBN: 9781545836217 | $19.99) formats. The direct market Final Order Cutoff date is August 10, 2026. Preorder today at your favorite bookstore, comic shop, or from papercutz.com.