Teaching Guide: Desert Queen

by Jyoti Rajan Gopal

Illustrated by Svabhu Kohli 

Guide by Nawal Qarooni


This picture book biography in verse follows the life of beloved Rajasthani drag performer Queen Harish, known as the Whirling Desert Queen of Rajasthan. Lit by an inner fire and propelled by a family tragedy, Harish defied the gender conventions of middle class Indian life, battled discrimination and intimidation, and eventually grew up to dance with Bollywood movie stars and on stages across the world.

Jyoti Gopal’s rhythmic phrases evoke the particular sounds and beats of the music Harish danced to, and capture the passions and conflicts of his life. The poignant and inspiring tale is interpreted by internationally acclaimed Indian artist Svabhu Kohli in kohl-black lines and shapes and brilliant jewel-like colors.


Before teaching

No matter what age you’re reading this beautiful book with, you’ll want to ensure you feel comfortable with the language, geography, and themes in the text. 

  1. Familiarize yourself with gender expression and pronoun usage here: Guide to Being an Ally 

  2. Where is Thar Desert located? Find it on a map. Learn about it here: Thar Desert

  3. Read the Author’s Note. Who was Harish Kumar? Educators who would appreciate further reading, please refer to the articles below (not necessarily for sharing with young students): 

  4. Learn about the author, Jyoti Rajan Gopal, and her hopes for this book’s message: Interview with Pride and Less Prejudice 



Text-based questions

  1. How does the boy feel when he hears music?  “Clarion clear” is an example of alliteration. Alliteration is the repetition of a sound at the start of a series of words for intended effect. 

  2. How is the boy transformed when he becomes Queen Harish?

  3. How does he feel when he dances? 

  4. What is the boy experiencing in life that feels challenging and difficult? 

  5. Why does the boy feel alone? 

  6. The author uses a lot of beautiful language to describe the transformation and experience of dancing as Krishna. What are some of the descriptive phrases that stand out to you? 

  7. The illustrations in the text elevate the experience of reading the story’s words. If you were to read the images alone, which pages stand out to you and why?

  8. What else happens to the boy when he is dancing? How do his hardships feel, when he is spinning and twirling? 

  9. Pay careful attention to pronouns in the story. When the boy is not dancing, he is called He and is a boy. When the boy is dancing, “he” is shed. Why? 

  10. How do people treat the boy when he isn’t dancing? Why is he bullied and mistreated? Why do you think people treat him this way? 

  11. What provides comfort? 

  12. Over time, the dancer grows famous and draws big audiences. How does this make Queen Harish feel? What does the dancer ultimately gain? 

  13. What is the difference between night and day for Queen Harish?


Beyond the text questions

All of us have relationships and places where we feel most comfortable and most ourselves. Many of us hide parts of ourselves in front of various audiences - or for different people, whether that’s at school, with our families, or with our friends. In this story, the boy feels parts of himself are hidden when he is not dancing. As a dancing woman, he lets himself go completely - and really shines. He feels powerful, energized and special. 

  • What activities do you do that make you feel least compartmentalized and siloed? 

  • When do you feel most seen? 

  • When do you feel most stifled? 

    Choose a page with art that specifically speaks to you. What emotions are evoked? 

Think about when you feel most free. Draw yourself in that environment, using colors and symbols that represent your freedom.


Language: 

Depending on the age of your students, you might use these words from the text for further study.

  • Thumris

  • Ragas

  • Khamaicha 

  • Ghagra 

  • Choli

  • Beguiling 

  • Kajol

  • Ghunghroo-clad

  • Revelry

  • Jeer

  • Khalbeliya, Bhavai, Ghoomar

  • Vanquished

  • Grace

  • Grit


Bios 

Jyoti Rajan Gopal is a writer, mom and Kindergarten teacher. Growing up, she lived in Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, India and China. She now lives in New York, in a quirky old Victorian in Yonkers, with her husband, where they raised their two daughters. Her favorite place in the house is the wrap around porch where she loves to gather with family or friends, read, write and drink coffee. Jyoti writes stories that speak to her heart,  that reflect her multiple identities, that she wishes her daughters had growing up, that she wishes her students had now.

Svabhu Kohli is a visual storyteller. His practice focuses on the intersection of magical realism, conservation and art as a medium to understand our relationship with the universe and its complex life forms. He has illustrated for Google Doodle, The Guardian and GQ. Desert Queen is his first book for children.

Nawal Qarooni is a Jersey-City based educator and writer who supports a holistic approach to literacy instruction education spaces across the country. Drawing on her work as an inquiry-based leader and as a mother, Nawal’s pedagogy is centered in the rich and authentic learning all families gift their children every day. She is the author of Nourishing Caregiver Collaborations: Exalting Home Experiences and Classroom Practices for Collective Care (Routledge 2024). She also serves on the Library of Congress Literacy Awards Advisory Board and Reese Witherspoon’s LitUp Selection Committee. You can learn more about her work at NQCLiteracy.org.