The Corpse Queen
on Goodreads (3,586)
What’s inside...
In this dark and twisty feminist historical mystery set in the 1850s, seventeen-year-old orphan Molly Green starts a new life as a grave robber under the guidance of her estranged and wealthy aunt Ava, who has built her empire selling corpses to medical students. As Molly becomes entangled in a murderer's sinister plans, she delves deeper into the macabre world of anatomy lessons and power. Her journey reveals not only her aunt's dark secrets but also her own inner strength and intelligence in a dangerous dance for survival and acceptance.
Age
12-17
Length
407 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Molly Green
Aunt Ava
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Molly to pursue her interests despite the obstacles she faced?
How do you feel about the way Molly handles the challenges and mysteries she encounters?
In what ways do the characters in the book show the importance of perseverance?
How do the relationships in the book change Molly’s perspective on family and loyalty?
What did you learn about the historical setting of the book and how does it influence the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their views on the book’s characters and plot by asking them which character they relate to the most and why.
Discuss the ethical dilemmas presented in the book and ask your child how they would react in similar situations.
Explore the historical context of the book together, perhaps looking up more information about the era to enhance understanding and engagement with the story’s setting.
Highlight the themes of determination and courage, and relate them to real-life situations your child might face.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next if the book had a sequel, fostering their imagination and creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist of 'The Corpse Queen' demonstrates significant resilience while navigating a dark and mysterious environment, facing challenges that test her limits both physically and mentally.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persevere through difficult situations in their own lives, understanding that overcoming obstacles is part of growth and self-discovery.
Example Lesson: The importance of critical thinking
Explanation: Throughout the novel, the protagonist must analyze complex situations and make decisions that have far-reaching consequences, showcasing the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to assess situations critically in their everyday lives, enhancing their decision-making processes and encouraging thoughtful consideration of outcomes.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision-making
Explanation: The ethical dilemmas faced by characters in 'The Corpse Queen' highlight the complexities of moral choices, urging readers to consider the ramifications of their actions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by evaluating their own choices and actions in the real world, considering both personal and wider ethical implications.
Example Lesson: Building trust and forming alliances
Explanation: As the protagonist navigates through a web of secrets and lies, the importance of building trust and alliances is emphasized, revealing how relationships can significantly influence one’s journey.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child’s life through the development of strong, positive relationships with peers and adults, understanding that collaboration and trust are foundational to achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity and continuous learning
Explanation: The lead character's quest for knowledge and the truth drives much of the plot, underscoring the value of curiosity and the continual pursuit of learning.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to remain curious about the world around them, pursue their interests, and value lifelong learning as a path to personal fulfillment and societal contribution.