The Cardboard Kingdom

“‘You heard Mom, Vijay.’

‘GRR’

‘You WILL go to bed at nine, and no cookies until after dinner.’”

Vijay is an energetic and mischievous boy, and Shikha’s attempts to be super strict with him don’t work and lead to frustration. While this passage reflects their conflict and sibling rivalry, Shikha soon adapts by creating a game that channels his energy into play rather than causing trouble, which ends up being more effective and enjoyable for both of them.

“‘Wait, are you a boy?’

‘I’m the Sorceress!’

‘Cool. Well, I’m, uh…The Huntress!’”

Upon being asked, Jack neither confirms nor denies that he is a boy. His reiteration that he is the Sorceress suggests that, at this point, his role-playing is less about a specific gender identity and more about exploring an identity that he feels most comfortable embodying. Shikha’s unquestioning acceptance of Jack’s response highlights how inclusive this group of friends is.

“‘Honestly, Sophie. You should know better than this. Nice little girls don’t talk so loud, you know.’

‘I’m…I’m sorry Meemaw.’

‘In my day, girls knew to behave and be quiet. Not act like a hellion or yell like a banshee.’”

Meemaw’s adherence to outdated and heavily patriarchal gender expectations weighs heavily on Sophie, dampening her mood and robbing her of the excitement she feels about creating a bombastic costume. Because she is a naturally boisterous and energetic person, her grandmother’s scolding begins to make her feel ashamed of who she is.