Black Queen
on Goodreads (111)
What’s inside...
The 'Black Queen' is what Billy calls his shadowy next-door neighbor. She always wears a black cloak and a wide-brimmed hat, and lurks about her garden, alone except for her black cat. Scarily for Billy, the Black Queen befriends him and asks him to look after her car while she is away.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-9
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the story of the Black Queen make you feel?
What do you think the Black Queen symbolizes in this story?
Can you think of a time when you had to be brave like the characters in the book?
Why do you think the author chose a queen as the main character?
What would you do if you were in the place of the main character?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, give a brief overview of what a queen represents in general and how it links to leadership and responsibility.
Ask your child to guess what might happen next at pivotal moments in the story to keep them engaged and thinking critically.
After reading, encourage your child to draw or write about their favorite part or character, explaining why they chose it.
Connect the theme of bravery in the book to real-life situations your child might face, discussing possible solutions and outcomes.
Revisit the book after a few days to see what your child remembers and understands, reinforcing the themes and lessons of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: In 'Black Queen', the protagonist faces numerous challenges but learns to overcome them through perseverance and inner strength.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by staying determined and persistent in difficult situations, be it in school or in personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: The story emphasizes the value of true friends who stand by each other in difficult times, illustrating how friendship can provide comfort and support.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to appreciate and nurture friendships, understanding the support system friends can offer through their own experiences.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Characters in the book show empathy towards each other's circumstances, which helps in resolving conflicts and strengthening bonds.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be considerate of others' feelings and situations, helping them build healthier relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage to make tough decisions
Explanation: The protagonist faces scenarios where difficult decisions are necessary, teaching the importance of bravery in making choices, even when they are hard.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face tough decisions with courage, understanding that sometimes the right choice isn't always the easiest one.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Characters in 'Black Queen' make mistakes but use these as learning opportunities, which contributes to their growth and wisdom.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children the importance of seeing mistakes as opportunities for growth and learning rather than as failures.