The Queen Bee and Me

Written by Gillian McDunn

Meg must choose between loyalty to her best friend and finding her own voice.

4.3/5 Goodreads · 466 ratings

288 pages· 54,658 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

$16.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

Meg has always followed Beatrix, her confident best friend, but middle school changes everything. When Meg befriends Hazel, a quirky new girl, Beatrix's jealousy threatens their friendship. As Meg partners with Hazel on a science project, she learns about bees and the complexities of loyalty. Will Meg risk her oldest friendship to discover her own path, or will she remain in Beatrix's shadow? This heartfelt tale explores the bittersweet dynamics of tween friendships, challenging Meg to decide if being Beatrix's sidekick is worth sacrificing her own happiness.

From the publisher

From the author of Caterpillar Summer comes the story of a young girl navigating her friendship with the middle school Queen Bee.

Meg has been best friends with Beatrix forever. Everyone at school wants to be like confident, decisive Beatrix, and Meg has always felt the same. But this year, Meg wants to take a science course instead of dance class. She’d rather do what makes her happy—not what Beatrix wants.

When a quirky girl named Hazel moves to town, Meg is partnered with her on a science project about bees. Meg learns a lot about being Queen Bee—in a hive and in middle school. As Beatrix is less than welcoming to Hazel, Meg feels her loyalty fraying. Choosing Hazel could mean ending her oldest friendship; a choice more difficult than Meg ever expected.

By turns heartbreaking and empowering, The Queen Bee and Me explores the challenging dynamics of middle-school friendship in a way readers of any age will appreciate.

At a glance