Queen Of Bright And Shiny Things
on Goodreads (3,866)
What’s inside...
Sage Czinski is trying really hard to be perfect. If she manages it, people won't peer beyond the surface, or ask hard questions about her past. She's learned to substitute causes for relationships, and it's working just fine . . . until Shane Cavendish strolls into her math class. He's a little antisocial, a lot beautiful, and everything she never knew she always wanted. Shane Cavendish just wants to be left alone to play guitar and work on his music. He's got heartbreak and loneliness in his rearview mirror, and this new school represents his last chance. He doesn't expect to be happy; he only wants to graduate and move on. He never counted on a girl like Sage. But love doesn't mend all broken things, and sometimes life has to fall apart before it can be put back together again. The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things is a story about love when you least expect it, from Ann Aguirre, the New York Times-bestselling author of the Razorland trilogy.
Age
12-18
Length
328 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Sage Czinski
Ryan
Shane Cavendish
Aunt Gabby
Dylan
Ryan McKenna
Discussion points
How do you think Sage's habit of leaving positive notes affects her classmates?
What did you learn about forgiveness and second chances from the story?
Why is it important to look beyond someone's past and give them a chance to show who they really are?
How can small acts of kindness change someone's day or even their life?
What would you do if you were in Sage's position?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on their personal experiences related to the themes in the book. Ask them if they've ever received a kind note and how it made them feel.
Discuss the importance of empathy by asking how they would feel in the shoes of various characters in the book.
Create a safe, open space for your child to share their thoughts on mistakes and forgiveness. Highlight that it's okay to make mistakes as long as we learn from them.
Suggest brainstorming ways they can spread kindness in their own community, much like Sage does with her notes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: The protagonist consistently performs acts of kindness, leaving supportive notes for her classmates.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to support and uplift their peers by offering kind words or helpful actions in their daily interactions at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Dealing with past trauma
Explanation: The main character grapples with traumatic experiences but learns to cope through positive actions and relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to seek help and communicate their feelings with trusted adults or friends when dealing with difficult emotions or past experiences.
Example Lesson: The value of forgiveness
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters learn to forgive others for their mistakes and shortcomings, showcasing the healing power of forgiveness.
Real-World Application: Children can apply forgiveness in real life by letting go of grudges and working towards understanding and empathy in conflicts with friends or family members.
Example Lesson: Building self-esteem
Explanation: The protagonist’s journey includes overcoming self-doubt and cultivating a positive self-image.
Real-World Application: By engaging in activities that boost their confidence and recognizing their own strengths, children can develop a healthier self-esteem.