Queenie Jean Is in Trouble Again

by Christine Read

When ten-year-old Queenie and her family move from small-town Ontario to a glitzy suburb of Vancouver, she is desperate to fit in and make a best friend for the first time in her life. With her creativity and bubbly personality, Queenie arrives at Western Canada Preparatory School ready to win over her classmates and conquer the world. But even before the first bell rings, she finds herself in trouble. From always being late to talking out of turn to never being able to focus, Queenie stands out like a sore thumb, especially among the cool girls she wants to impress. Hardest of all, she has a secret. She’s been diagnosed with ADHD, and she hates how different it makes her feel. After she struggling to navigate her new world, dreaming up ill-advised schemes to make the other kids like her, she must face her greatest fear of making a speech in front of the whole school that will show everyone her true self.

224 pages, Paperback

Published April 2, 2024

Reviews

[Beth]

While good info about ADHD, still a very stereotypical, potentially harmful, hyperactive ADHD portrayal. At least the main character is a girl.

[MaryLou Driedger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Queenie Jean is a perfect protagonist to introduce adults and children alike to what life is like for a 10-year-old with ADHD and those who support and care for her. Having had many students with ADHD when I was a teacher I can vouch for the fact that debut author Christine Read has given us a realistic main character. Queenie Jean charms the reader but we also clearly see how her behaviour can exhaust her loving parents, cool big brother, supportive teachers, and those classmates who try to befriend her.
Queenie Jean's exploits keep readers engaged and dancing ahead to see what adventure she will have next. You can't help but cheer for Queenie Jean as she confronts a bank manager over the lack of interest her account is earning, comes up with creative ways to make money, chooses 'inappropriate' books for her grade two reading buddy or challenges the girls who beat her in a race by cheating.
Throughout the book, Queenie Jean is dreading conquering a special challenge and when she does so successfully I suspect your tears will well, just like mine did.

[Kay S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

The entire time I was reading this... I wondered why the female MC had the male ADHD symptoms. The whole time. And it didn't get better. ADHD in boys is well documented and well known. I had high hopes for a novel featuring the female symptoms only to be met with stereotypes.

Queenie is as obnoxious as the adults (who, Queenie says, are helping her but they sure aren't doing it on the page) who do nothing but punish and talk over her.

In the end, Queenie doesn't seem to accept that she's different. She still won't tell anyone about her problems, won't ask for help when she needs it... her accepting herself and her ADHD would have been a much better ending I think.

In terms of titles with neurodiversity representation... this is another one where the author is trying but it's not working too well when faced with someone with experience with the neurosis in question. Queenie acts like my brother. Not like the AFAB folks I know.

[Mrs.MakesReadingFun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always great to find & read a book set where you live- in our case, Vancouver Canada!

I think what makes this book shine is the voice of our MC- Queenie.
Hearing her thoughts and her worries, really brings her personality to life. I know that not every person with ADHD will resonate with Queenie and her experiences, but I think it is still valid to see this point of view and build empathy for all people. I think to expect one character in a book to speak for a whole group is unrealistic, so Queenie is just Queenie- she represents herself, her experiences, her challenges, and all that makes her special!

Well done!

[Gabriele Goldstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was like being swept up in a vortex of mis-adventure. It's told through the eyes of Queenie, a self-conscious grade fiver who knows she's different because of her ADHD. Impulsive, inattentive, and full of energy, Queenie attracts trouble in a private school set on routine and structure. The author does a great job of showing, not telling. Queenie's energy, energized me. Strong verbs move the story along and kept me turning the pages. A sensitive, empathetic and empowering exploration of neurodiversity.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly written book written from a Grade 5 girl with ADHD. I am a Grade 4/5 teacher at a school for students with learning differences, and it really resonated with my students. The author's portrayal of Queenie is authentic and empowering, making it a powerful read for neurodiverse kids. It sparked meaningful discussions about acceptance and self-worth, making it a truly impactful read aloud for our classroom.

[Nikki Bergstresser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fabulous read for middle grade students! It’s filled with humor and heart. Readers will love Queenie’s character and will be cheering her on as she makes her own path in a new school. This book reminds readers everyone is on their own journey and to celebrate each step. A great book for friendship discussions in the classroom! Appreciated the back matter of resources the author included.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest look into the mind of a kid with ADHD. It’s was a great story with a feel good ending.

Perfect for ages 9 to 12.

[Sarah]

A heartwarming Middle Grade book with a spunky and funny protagonist. Great ADHD rep.