1986
WISE Score
Amazon
Sibling rivalry meets a real-world family crisis in a story that's actually got a soul.
4.7
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This is one of the best entries in the Baby-Sitters Club universe because it stops being about 'jobs' and starts being about real life.
Whether you grab the 1986 original or the modern graphic novel, the heart of the story holds up. It’s rare to find a book that treats 'the smart sister' and 'the artsy sister' with equal respect while acknowledging they’d probably want to kill each other half the time. It's a solid, smart read that won't rot their brain.
Perfect for the 8-12 crowd. Younger kids can handle the graphic novel easily, while the themes of identity and 'not fitting in' keep it relevant for middle schoolers.
It's a masterclass in realistic family dynamics. It moves past the 'perfect family' trope to show real friction between sisters, but anchors everything in genuine love and care for their grandmother.
While it's grounded realistic fiction, Claudia’s identity as an artist and her 'out-of-the-box' thinking provides a great template for kids who don't fit the standard academic mold.
Extremely safe. The biggest 'shocker' is a health crisis (a stroke), which is handled with maturity and empathy rather than for cheap drama.
Teaches high-level emotional intelligence. It forces readers to see the 'villain' (Janine) as a complex person with her own insecurities, which is a massive win for middle-grade empathy.
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