Nameless Queen
What’s inside...
Nameless Queen by Rebecca McLaughlin is a fantasy novel that follows the story of Coin, a girl living in the slums of Seriden known as the Low. In this kingdom, status is determined by one's name, with the Royals at the top, the Legals next, and the Nameless, like Coin, at the bottom with no rights or recognition. When the king dies, a magical tattoo that signifies the next ruler appears on Coin's arm, marking her as the new queen despite her Nameless status. Thrust into a world of politics, power, and danger, Coin must navigate her unexpected rise to power while dealing with threats from those who believe she doesn't belong. With the help of her friend Hat, she learns about the kingdom's deep inequalities and the magic that rules it. Coin's journey is one of self-discovery, as she fights to protect the Nameless and challenge the status quo, redefining what it means to be a leader and a queen.
Age
11-12
Length
342 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Coin
Esther
Hat
Gryphon
Discussion points
What do you think made Coin so brave, and how can you apply that to your own life?
How does the shifting power in the kingdom impact the characters? What does this teach us about leadership and responsibility?
Why do you think it's important for Coin to hide her true identity? Discuss times when you felt you needed to hide something about yourself.
Coin faces many challenges in the story. Which challenge did you find most interesting, and why?
How do relationships in the book change from the beginning to the end? What can we learn about friendships and trust from these changes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about Coin's decisions and relate them to their own life choices.
Discuss the importance of identity and belonging, drawing parallels between Coin's journey and your child's experiences in school or with friends.
Use examples from the book to talk about leadership qualities and ask your child what kind of leader they would want to be.
Highlight the teamwork shown by characters and relate it to your child's interactions with siblings or classmates.
After discussing a challenge Coin faced, ask your child about a recent personal challenge and how they dealt with it.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of self-identity
Explanation: In 'Nameless Queen', the protagonist, Coin, learns to embrace her identity despite the societal labels placed upon her. Her journey of self-discovery highlights the impact of accepting oneself.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and affirm their own identities, regardless of external opinions or labels, enhancing their self-esteem and confidence.
Example Lesson: Equality and social justice
Explanation: The narrative addresses the disparities between the different societal classes in the kingdom. Coin's ascent to the throne serves as a metaphor for breaking societal barriers and advocating for equality.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be aware of social inequalities and inspires them to treat everyone with fairness and respect, regardless of their background.
Example Lesson: Leadership and responsibility
Explanation: Coin's unexpected rise to power comes with the realization that leadership involves making tough decisions for the greater good. Her growth into a responsible leader is pivotal in the story.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the significance of responsible decision-making and the qualities that define true leadership, which can be applied in their interactions at school and within the community.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout the book, Coin faces numerous challenges and threats to her life, yet she remains undeterred. Her courage in overcoming these obstacles is central to the plot.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the value of perseverance and bravery when confronted with difficult situations, encouraging them to face their own challenges with resilience.