The Recess Queen

Summary:

A schoolyard bully named Mean Jean is the Recess Queen of the schoolyard and kicks, swings, and bounces before any of her other classmates. None of her classmates dare to cross her path, but when Katie Sue, a new and quiet student, arrives, everything changes. Unaware of the playground hierarchy, Katie Sue enthusiastically kicks, swings and bounces before the Recess Queen gets the chance. Mean Jean soon gets very frustrated, until Katie Sue asks Mean Jean a question that no one has ever asked Mean Jean before, which is an invitation to play together.

Lesson to Take Away:

Don’t judge a book by its cover.

This lively story about a bully on the playground and a new student in school shows the power of kindness and friendship. Children reading this book can relate to the issue of bullying and talk about what they can do when they see bullying happening. Teachers can also dive into Mean Jean’s feelings and why she acts the way she does.

Targeted Age Group:

This book is intended for children ages 4-9.

Related Common Core Literacy Standard:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.7

Use the illustrations and details in a text to describe its key ideas.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.7

Use information gained from the illustrations and words in a print or digital text to demonstrate understanding of its characters, setting, or plot.

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Famous Quotes:

“Hey Jeanie Beanie,” sang Katie Sue. “Let’s try this jump rope out!”

“Here’s one thing true-- until that day no one DARED ask Mean Jean to play”