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The Baby-Sitters Club Series

Claudia and the New Girl

4.18
on Goodreads (7,114)

What’s inside...

Claudia has always been the most creative kid at Stoneybrook Middle School, but when she starts getting jealous of Stacey's superior art skills, she tries to compete to prove her worth. As a rivalry develops, the Baby-Sitters Club begins to crumble. Claudia must find a way to maintain her friendships, while still expressing herself artistically.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-11
Length
176 pages
Text complexity

Discussion points

How do you think Claudia felt when she met the new girl? Have you ever felt the same way meeting someone new?
What do you think makes a good friend? Do Claudia and the new girl show these qualities?
Why is it important to balance friendships and personal interests?
How did the characters change by the end of the story? What do you think caused these changes?
What would you have done differently if you were in Claudia's situation?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about meeting new people and making friends, relating it to Claudia’s experiences.
Discuss the importance of maintaining old friendships while exploring new ones, drawing parallels from the book.
Highlight how Claudia’s interests in art help her connect with others and ask your child about interests they have that might help them make new friends.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: The importance of inclusivity and openness
Explanation: In the story, Claudia learns to embrace the new girl, Ashley, despite initial differences in interests and personalities. They learn from each other and form a unique bond.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to welcome new classmates and peers with an open mind, helping them build diverse friendships and learn from others' perspectives.
Example Lesson: Maintaining friendships amid change
Explanation: Claudia faces challenges as she tries to balance her old friendships with her new friendship with Ashley. She learns the importance of communication and understanding in maintaining her relationships.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children how to manage their relationships as they grow and their social circles expand, ensuring they communicate effectively and cherish their friendships.
Example Lesson: Value of self-expression through art
Explanation: Ashley, being an artist, influences Claudia to express herself through her artistic talents. This helps Claudia discover new aspects of her identity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of exploring and nurturing their talents, which can be a medium for self-expression and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Dealing with jealousy
Explanation: Claudia experiences jealousy when her best friend, Stacy, also becomes close to Ashley. She learns to handle her feelings positively without harming her friendships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to acknowledge their emotions, like jealousy, and manage them in constructive ways, promoting emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Accepting differences
Explanation: Claudia initially struggles with Ashley's different style and interests but learns to appreciate and accept these differences as strengths rather than barriers.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to appreciate and respect differences among their peers, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.