The Broken Bike Boy and the Queen of 33rd Street

Sharon Flake's "The Broken Bike Boy and the Queen of 33rd Street" is a moving chapter book about a ten-year-old African American girl named Queen who is spoiled and conceited, leading to her isolation from peers. Her parents, concerned by her behavior, encourage her to be kind to Leroy, a new boy at school who is an easy target for jokes due to his appearance and unusual stories. Initially determined to expose Leroy as an "impostor," Queen embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning about empathy, humility, and the true meaning of friendship. This book is ideal for early to late elementary readers, offering rich opportunities to discuss social dynamics, prejudice, and personal growth.

Ten-year-old Queen, a spoiled and conceited African American girl who is disliked by most of her classmates, learns a lesson about friendship from an unlikely "knight in shining armor."