The Recess Queen

The Recess Queen, Alexis, O'Niel, 2002, 20 pages, Poetry and Free Verse

Theme- Bullying, Problem Resolution

Summary- Mean Jean bullies other kids on the playground during recess.  Everyone knows not to play with the equipment until Jean has gone first.  One day, a new student arrives, Katie Sue.  She is not aware of the rules, and gets in a confrontation with Jean.  

Awards 

Honors 

• Junior Library Guild Selection 2002
• Los Angeles Times Children’s Bestsellers List, Spring 2002
• Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books, Recommended Book, March 2002
• Oppenheim Toy Portfolio 2002
• Bank Street College, Best Books of 2002
• Dr. Peggy Sharp’s List of the Top 25 Books of 2002

Children’s Choice Awards:

• Maryland Children’s Book Award, Winner 2004
• Virginia Young Readers, Winner 2003-2004

Personal Response- This is one of my favorite books.  I love the part when Katie Sue stands up for herself even though she is the new girl in school.  

Classroom Use- This book could be used in the beginning of the year to go over playground procedures, and how students should be teaching each other.

Teacher Notes- This book would be a good book to read to teach students that student conflict could be solved without the help of teachers or adults.