Marlene, Marlene, Queen of Mean

By Jane Lynch, Lara Embry PH.D., A. E. Mikesell, Tricia Tusa (Illustrator)

A bully's reign ends when someone finally stands up to her.

4.5/7 Bookroo experts·3.5/5 Goodreads · 264 ratings

32 pages· 396 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

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Bookroo's summary

Marlene rules the playground with intimidation, leaving kids in fear. But when Freddy bravely confronts her, the dynamics shift. Can Marlene change her ways, or will her reign of terror continue? This rhyming tale explores the power of standing up to bullies and the possibility of redemption, all brought to life with whimsical illustrations.

From the publisher

Glee actress Jane Lynch takes a look at bullying head-on in her first picture book.

Marlene is the self-appointed queen of the playground, the sidewalk, and the school. She is small but mighty . . . intimidating! Known for her cruel ways, the little Queen of Mean has kids cowering in fear—until big Freddy stands up to her and says what everyone has been too fearful to say. In Seussian rhyme, actress Jane Lynch, clinical psychologist Lara Embry, and former children’s book editor A. E. Mikesell gently and comically depict the undoing of a bully and her efforts to reform. Tricia Tusa’s charming illustrations make the story an even more accessible conversation starter for all ages.

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 32
Words: 396
Reading age: 3–7
Audience: Picture
Lexile: AD850L

Themes & topics

Books about change Books about bullying Books about social themes Books about feelings and emotions Books about kindness

After the last page

Talk about it together

Why do you think Marlene acts the way she does?

How would you define bullying?

What do you think gives Freddy the courage to stand up to Marlene? Why isn't he afraid?

What readers & critics say

Reviews

4.5

out of 7

4.5

“Marlene is a bully, simultaneously creative and cruel in her mischievous torture of her schoolmates. When Big Freddy stands up to her (hooray!) her reactions are incredibly raw and emotional and she seems to see the error of her ways, but while the remainder of the story shows up that standing up to bully's can remove their power, a heroic action in real-life, as in this book, does not change people overnight resulting in a happily ever after. Reading this in picture book mode, I initially felt a little off-put by the realism of the lack of an immediate happily ever after, but the message that change takes effort, but there will be relapses is an important one, though perhaps best understood by slightly older children.”

Marmee

Trusted reviewer

4.5

“I like that this book dissects Marlene the Queen of Mean until the others realize that she's really not that scary, and then that Marlene tries to be better. I also love the message that standing up to the bully and not being scared of them takes away their power. The other children are really forgiving of her and seem to be understanding of her trying to be better, but I wish that Marlene would have said sorry more in the story.”

B is for Bookworm

Trusted reviewer

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