Authors: Alexis O’Neill and Laura Huliska-Beith

Grades: Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st

Synopsis: Mean Jean was Recess Queen and nobody said any different. Nobody swung until Mean Jean swung. Nobody kicked until Mean Jean kicked. Nobody bounced until Mean Jean bounced. If kids ever crossed her, she’d push ’em and smoosh ’em lollapaloosh ’em, hammer ’em, slammer ’em, kitz and kajammer ’em. Until a new kid came to school! With her irrepressible spirit, the new girl dethrones the reigning recess bully by becoming her friend in this infectious playground romp.

Debrief Questions: 

• Was Jean a good recess queen? Why or why not?
• Why do you think Jean became friends with Mary Sue?
• Why is important to stand up to bullies?