Jane Airhead

by Kay Woodward

A laugh-out-loud tale of a teenage girl obsessed with Jane Eyre What's not to love about Jane Eyre? Gothic and passionate, it features the ultimate male hero—Mr. Rochester. Her favorite book gives Charlotte a great idea—she'll look for a new Mr. Rochester for her mom. When Charlotte finds the ideal man, she cannot believe her luck—he's dark, brooding. and mysterious, but the real-life romantic hero turns out to be not nearly as charming as his sideburns had promised. She wonders if she really wants her mom marrying him. Perhaps it would have been better if Mr. Rochester had stayed between the covers of Charlotte's favorite novel.

Genres: Young Adult

214 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Editor-turned-author Kay Woodward has written many successful books for children including her novel Jane Airhead, the Flower Fairies series and Magical World series. She's also written film and TV tie-ins including The Golden Compass, Happy Feet, Robin Hood and Shoebox Zoo, plus non-fiction titles and joke books. Kay lives in Hampshire with her husband and her little girl, and writes from her office overlooking a massive eucalyptus tree.

Reviews

[Vicki_cosy.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlotte is THE most adorable character; it’s hard to not fall in love with her. Full of the best intentions this romantic dreamer lets her imagination run riot, usually putting two and two together and coming up with five. I loved how she came to wild conclusions from almost nothing when it came to her Mum’s relationships, it reminds me of some of my own wild wonderings about my parents when I was (a lot!) younger.

I also really appreciated how Kay Woodward made Charlotte an unconventional heroine. A love of books probably isn’t something a young teen would automatically see as cool, but Charlotte manages to make it so. Her passion for Jane Eyre is contagious, and I can imagine many a girl being tempted to go and have a peek herself after reading Jane Airhead.

Jane Airhead is probably suited to the younger teen reader. I know I would have loved reading this when I was aged between 10-14. It’s sweet, funny and with just the right amount of romance to leave you with a big sigh. I’m sure if I’d read this book as a pre teen myself I’d have been inspired by Charlotte, she’s exactly the type of character I’d have aspired to be. It would also have had me dusting off my Mum’s ancient copy of Jane Eyre as soon as I’d finished the last page! I'm passing this on to a friends 12-year-old daughter who I just know will really enjoy it too!

[Beth Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is brilliant - i love it! The whole "Jane Eyre" theme inspired me for my goodreads.com saying Keep calm and find yourself a Mr Darcy. I know Mr Darcy isn't from Jane Eyre, he is from Pride and Prejudice but she was looking for the perfect man. Charlotte is so unusal, but she is like me; loves to read 24/7. I love it how Manda helps Charlotte find her mum a perfect Mr Rochester but they get it all wrong. I can not believe though, that Charlotte didn't realise that Jack Burley luuuuuurves her!

[Sammie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charlotte is a cute character! it was one of those cute and enjoyable reads. the one quality i didn't approve of Charlotte was that she brought Jane Eyre to the next level! how could she not differentiate between reality and and a fairytale?? maybe thats what brought the whole book together and made it ore enjoyable?

3 stars

[Paula Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Romantic Heroes Should be Kept Between the Covers"

That is the first sentence in the new teenage book "Jane Airhead by Kay Woodward" . Imagine the story of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte but only in the 21st Century and not set in the 18-19th Century.

What's there not to love about the book Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte ? Its an amazing gothic and passionate novel about poor orphan Jane going onto become a governess and falling in romantic love with the handsome Mr Rochester "The Bronte Equivalent to Austen;s Mr Darcy" - Though Im more of a Darcy Fan".

The story is set with Charlotte named after her Idol Charlotte Bronte and her Mum , Mrs Penham. All Charlotte wants is her mum to be happy , and decides that the only way her mum can be really happy is to set her up with her own Mr Rochester , the new French Teacher who is perfect in every way . But Mr Grant the french teacher may look perfect on the outside but he is everything but when it comes to Personality.

Can Charlotte fix her mistakes before it's too late ? A mixture between the original tale of Jane Eyre and the movie starring Hillary Duff , Heather Locklear and Chris Noth -The Perfect Man.

[Ahlam Tariq · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading Jane Airhead! Although it’s geared towards younger audiences, it’s funny, cute, and completely lovable—especially if you’re a fan of Jane Eyre. Charlotte’s obsession with Mr. Rochester and her hilarious attempts to find a real-life version for her mum are both endearing and comically misguided. The book blends classic literature with modern teenage charm, making it a light but delightful read. It’s full of heart, quirky moments, and just the right amount of chaos to keep you smiling all the way through. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a playful twist on a literary classic!

[Chloe27 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique

[Staciel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book several weeks ago when googling 'Jane Eyre fan fiction' and it looked so cute for a young-ish girl, so I ordered it from the UK.

It arrived two days ago, and I enjoyed every minute of reading it-- and I think that you will too, if you keep in mind that it is meant for a younger audience who are looking at high school with awe..

I really liked the main character, Charlotte, and enjoyed her incredible love for what she referred to as The Book-- Jane Eyre.

Purchased with my 11 yeat old daughter in mind, I think that I will hold off on this one for a bit..... while nothing actually happens in this book, Charlotte spends quite a bit of time thinking about adultery, and my kiddo who is on the younger side of 11 can't even think of a kiss without contorting her face into a massive look of pain.

In a year or two, though-- I think that she will become very good friends with this book!

[nidah05 (SleepDreamWrite) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlotte obsessed with the book Jane Eyre decides to find a Mr. Rochester for her mom. But when she finds that supposed guy, turns out he's the opposite of what Charlotte thought. This was a fun read where you wonder how it'll end as Charlotte wonders if this guy is right for her mom or not. A light read that you'll like especially if you're a fan of Jane Eyre.

[Robazizo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm too old for this kind of book. It's clearly geared toward young teens and doesn't hold the interest of an adult, like Harry Potter or the Hunger Games. Moreover, the Jane Eyre references are scarce. I did like a particular scene towards the end, during the school dance.

[Julianne Alcott]

If you know Jane Eyre you will appreciate this very funny book even more.

[Sonia Gensler]

Listened to audio. Light and cute MG tale of a Jane Eyre-obsessed English schoolgirl.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, got a bit confusing at times.