The Queens of New York
on Goodreads (958)
What’s inside...
From acclaimed author E. L. Shen comes a sun-drenched, cinematic YA novel about three Asian American girls, their unbreakable bond, and one life-changing summer, perfect for fans of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Best friends Jia Lee, Ariel Kim, and Everett Hoang are inseparable. But this summer, they won’t be together. Everett, aspiring Broadway star, hopes to nab the lead role in an Ohio theater production, but soon realizes that talent and drive can only get her so far. Brainy Ariel is flying to San Francisco for a prestigious STEM scholarship, even though her heart is in South Korea, where her sister died last year. And stable, solid Jia will be home in Flushing, juggling her parents’ Chinatown restaurant, a cute new neighbor, and dreams for an uncertain future. As the girls navigate heartbreaking surprises and shocking self-discoveries, they find that even though they’re physically apart, they are still mighty together.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
13-17
Length
336 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes each queen special in her own way?
How do the queens help each other overcome challenges in the story?
If you could meet one of the queens, who would it be and what would you ask her?
What lessons did you learn from the queens' adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book. Relate the queens' experiences to your child’s daily life, discussing similarities and differences. Highlight the qualities of teamwork and courage demonstrated by the characters. Ask your child to imagine additional adventures or challenges for the queens and how they might handle them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The book depicts characters from diverse backgrounds, showing how they navigate various challenges and interactions in New York. It emphasizes understanding and empathizing with others' experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to be considerate and understanding of their peers who may come from different cultural or social backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: The characters face numerous obstacles throughout their journey in the city. The story highlights their resilience and determination to overcome hardships.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to persist in the face of difficulties, whether in academics, sports, or personal relationships.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: The protagonists work together to solve problems and help each other out, showcasing the power of teamwork and collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to work cooperatively in group settings, such as in school projects or team sports, valuing each member’s contribution.
Example Lesson: Civic Responsibility
Explanation: The book illustrates the characters' involvement in community activities and their efforts to improve their neighborhood, teaching the importance of civic engagement.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to participate in community service or local initiatives, understanding their role in societal improvement.