Jessi's Secret Language: A Graphic Novel (The Baby-Sitters Club #12) (12) (The Baby-Sitters Club Graphix) – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Jessi's Secret Language: A Graphic Novel (The Baby-Sitters Club #12) (12) (The Baby-Sitters Club Graphix)

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2022

92%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

Jessi levels up her babysitting game by learning ASL, turning a communication barrier into a 'secret language' the whole neighborhood wants to learn.

Jessi's Secret Language: A Graphic Novel (The Baby-Sitters Club #12) (12) (The Baby-Sitters Club Graphix)

book

2022

92%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

Jessi levels up her babysitting game by learning ASL, turning a communication barrier into a 'secret language' the whole neighborhood wants to learn.

4.7

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4.7

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a top-tier adaptation. The Baby-Sitters Club Graphix series is a juggernaut for a reason—it takes the heart of the original books and strips away the 80s datedness.

Jessi’s story is particularly strong because it tackles inclusion without being preachy. It’s the kind of book a kid will finish in one sitting and then immediately ask for the next volume. If your kid is into friendship dramas or wants to know more about ASL, this is an easy win. It's smart, clean, and actually worth the shelf space.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 8-12 crowd. It hits the sweet spot of middle-grade independence and social discovery, though 7-year-olds who are strong visual readers will also love it.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The story centers on inclusion, learning new skills to help others, and navigating friendship with maturity. It's the gold standard for emotionally healthy middle-grade content.

Imaginative

While it's realistic fiction, the way it visualizes sign language and internal thoughts through the graphic novel medium shows creative flair.

Safe

100

Zero concerns here. It's a Scholastic publication designed for elementary and middle schoolers with no inappropriate language, violence, or mature themes.

Enriching

Provides a genuine, respectful introduction to Deaf culture and ASL. It teaches empathy and the value of accessibility without feeling like a textbook.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Chan Chau’s art is expressive and keeps the story moving at a clip that holds even the shortest attention spans.
It treats Matt’s deafness as a natural part of his life rather than a 'problem' that needs fixing.
The graphic novel format acts as a perfect entry point for kids who find traditional novels intimidating or boring.
Shows a realistic look at a Black girl moving into a new town and finding her place in a tight-knit group.

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What to Watch For

Standard middle-school social friction—nothing heavy, just the usual 'will I fit in?' anxieties.
The book introduces ASL signs, but since it's a static medium, kids might need a video or app to see the actual movement of the signs.

Conversation Starters

"How would it feel to move to a town where you didn't speak the same language as your neighbors?"
"Jessi is juggling dance, school, and babysitting. How do you know when you've taken on too much at once?"
"Why do you think the other kids were so excited to learn Matt's 'secret language'?"
"What are some ways we can make our own house or school more welcoming for someone who communicates differently?"

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