Claudia and the Genius of Elm Street
#49 of 131 in The Baby-Sitters Club Series
on Goodreads (1,583)
What’s inside...
In this adventure, Claudia finds a young boy who seems to be a genius and is determined to help him explore his abilities while also protecting him from those who would take advantage of his intellect. The hit series is back, to charm and inspire another generation of baby-sitters! Little Rosie Wilder is perfect at everything. She can sing and dance, she plays several musical instruments, and her I.Q. is so high, it's off the scale. So how did Claudia 'C-' Kishi get stuck baby-sitting for Rosie the genius? Because Rosie is so obnoxious, no one gets along with her - not even Claudia's sister, who's a genius, too. The Baby-sitters think that Rosie needs to be taught a good lesson. But what Rosie really needs is a good friend....like Claudia.
Character compass
Claudia Kishi
Rosie Wilder
Janine Kishi
Melody Wilder
Discussion points
How do you think Claudia felt when she met the new kid? Have you ever felt the same way when meeting someone new?
What do you admire about Claudia's approach to solving problems?
How do the characters in the story show teamwork? Can you share an example from your own experiences?
What does the term 'genius' mean to you, and who would you consider a genius in your life?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in today's world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Claudia's shoes, fostering empathy and deeper understanding of the character’s feelings and actions.
Highlight the value of curiosity and learning by discussing Claudia’s inquisitive nature and problem-solving skills.
Discuss the themes of friendship and teamwork, and relate them to your child's experiences with their peers.
Take the opportunity to expand on the definition of 'genius', emphasizing that intelligence comes in many forms, including creativity and emotional insight.
Use the setting and technological aspects of the book to compare and contrast with modern advancements, fostering a discussion on history, change, and adaptation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Uniqueness
Explanation: In the story, Claudia befriends a child prodigy, highlighting how differences in talents and intellect are valuable aspects of individual identity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and celebrate the unique qualities in themselves and others, fostering an inclusive environment at school and in social settings.
Example Lesson: Fostering Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Claudia is inspired by her new friend's knowledge and curiosity, which motivates her to explore her own interests more deeply.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to pursue their own interests and to always stay curious, which can lead to a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The story demonstrates the supportive relationship between Claudia and the genius, showing how true friends encourage and uplift each other.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of building and maintaining supportive friendships, which can help them develop better social skills and emotional understanding.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Jealousy
Explanation: Claudia initially feels envious of the prodigy's intelligence but learns to manage her feelings positively.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand and cope with feelings of jealousy, teaching them healthy ways to express and deal with their emotions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: Claudia encounters challenges in understanding her friend’s advanced interests but demonstrates resilience in continuing to engage and learn.
Real-World Application: Teaching resilience, this story helps children learn to persevere through difficulties in their educational journey or personal interactions.