The Queen On Our Corner
What’s inside...
Nobody notices the queen on the corner, except for one young girl who views her as a warrior queen with a history of battles. When danger approaches their street, the queen alerts everyone, prompting the girl to find a way to show gratitude. She attempts to rally the community to transform the queen's corner into a welcoming home, highlighting the importance of recognizing and valuing the unnoticed members of society.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the queen on the corner special?
How do you think the queen feels when the community starts to notice her?
What can we do to help people in our community who might feel invisible?
Why do you think the story is called 'The Queen On Our Corner'?
How did the actions of the community change by the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child what they think a queen typically does and compare that to the queen in the story.
Encourage your child to think about the feelings and perspectives of the queen by asking them how they would feel in her situation.
Discuss the importance of community with your child, highlighting how every individual, no matter their situation, has value and contributions.
Ask your child to think of specific ways they can help or connect with others who might feel left out or overlooked, reinforcing the theme of action and kindness from the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story portrays a young girl who notices a homeless woman in her neighborhood, dubbed 'The Queen,' and strives to understand her circumstances rather than ignore her.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to notice and empathize with people around them who may be facing difficulties, fostering a more compassionate community.
Example Lesson: The Power of Community
Explanation: As the girl rallies her community to help 'The Queen,' it demonstrates how collective effort can lead to positive change and support for individuals in need.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to participate in community activities and understand that their actions can contribute to helping others.
Example Lesson: Courage to Make a Difference
Explanation: The protagonist's decision to help 'The Queen' despite her being overlooked by others shows courage and leadership.
Real-World Application: It inspires children to take initiative and act bravely to aid others, even when it might be easier to look away.
Example Lesson: Value of Storytelling
Explanation: The girl listens to 'The Queen’s' stories, which convey her experiences and wisdom, highlighting the importance of storytelling in preserving history and learning from others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and seek stories from older generations, gaining insights and lessons from their experiences.