Kween
illustrations by
What’s inside...
A searing, joyful YA debut about a queer Cambodian American teen’s journey to find her voice and step into her legacy. Soma Kear's viral slam poetry video pushes her to confront her fears and uncertainties following her Ba's deportation. With her family scattered and her future uncertain, Soma faces a spoken word contest that challenges her to publicly express her inner turmoil and embrace her identity. Through her verses, she seeks to make sense of her world and find her place in it. This debut novel by Vichet Chum celebrates Khmer identity, queerness, and the complex histories that shape us.
Discussion points
How do you think Kween felt when she faced challenges? Can you relate to any of her feelings?
What do you think are some of the important qualities Kween demonstrated in the story?
Why do you think friendship was important in the book? How do friends help us in real life?
How did Kween change from the beginning to the end of the story? What do you think caused those changes?
If you were in Kween's place, what would you have done differently? Why?
Tip: Role play these questions
When discussing the book, use open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer to encourage your child to think deeply about the story and characters.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s own experiences to make the conversation more personal and impactful.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or different choices the characters could have made, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Praise your child for their thoughts and insights as they share them, reinforcing their confidence in expressing their opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Kween', the protagonist goes on a journey where she learns to understand and empathize with the diverse characters she meets.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to appreciate and respect the differences in others, fostering a nurturing environment of inclusivity in their daily interactions at school or in the playground.
Example Lesson: Courage and Self-Belief
Explanation: The central character faces various challenges and, through her adventures, learns the importance of believing in herself and being brave.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears and challenges with confidence, whether it’s trying out for a team, standing up for themselves, or tackling a difficult task.
Example Lesson: The Power of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist relies on the help and companionship of her friends, which highlights the value of friendships in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Kids are motivated to build strong, supportive friendships and learn the importance of teamwork and cooperation in achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The lead character in 'Kween' learns to take responsibility for her actions and their consequences as she navigates her quest.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being accountable for their actions in their everyday life, such as completing homework, performing chores, or caring for a pet.