Does your kid love stories where the underdog wins? The Recess Queen (2002), written by Alexis O’Neill and illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith, flips the bully narrative upside down. Mean Jean—with her stomping boots and thunderous roar—rules the slide and swings. Enter Katie Sue, a new kid who skips instead of cowers. When Jean tries to bulldoze her, Katie tosses her a jump rope and says, “Let’s play!” Huliska-Beith’s graffiti-style art adds playful chaos, like Jean’s frizzy hair resembling storm clouds that clear as she joins the fun.

Parents and teachers adore this book’s stealthy lessons. There’s no lecturing, just Jean’s grumpy “Hmph!” turning into laughter after mastering double Dutch. A 2003 Parents’ Magazine recommended pick, it’s perfect for ages 4-8. Librarians often pair it with Enemy Pie or O’Neill’s Loud Emily for friendship-themed storytimes. Pro tip: Avoid the 2010 paperback batch—some copies blur the illustrations on pages 6-7. Teachers use it for role-playing games, having kids act out Jean’s “Keeper of the Ball” phase versus her “Jump Rope Champ” glow-up.