by Jane Lynch
First published 2014
Marlene has made herself the boss of everything. The playground belongs to her. The sidewalk belongs to her. The whole school knows to stay out of her way. She may be small, but her mean streak makes every kid scatter when she approaches. Marlene enjoys watching others cower and tremble. She has built her kingdom on cruel words and intimidating glares. Then Freddy arrives. He's bigger than the other kids, but more importantly, he refuses to bow down to Marlene's reign of terror. When Freddy stands his ground and speaks the truth that everyone else has been too scared to voice, Marlene's world shifts. Her power crumbles. The other children see that the Queen of Mean can be challenged. Now Marlene must face a choice. She can double down on her bullying ways, or she can find a new path forward. The story follows her journey from terrorizing others to discovering what it means to change, to make amends, and to build real connections instead of ruling through fear.
Genres: fiction, family, contemporary, social-issues
Vibes: emotional, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-friends, found-family
32 pages · Hardcover · Random House Books for Young Readers