The Baby-Sitters Club Series
Goodbye Stacey Goodbye
on Goodreads (4,527)
What’s inside...
Stacey McGill is moving back to New York! That means no more Stoneybrook Middle School, no more Charlotte Johanssen, and worst of all, no more Baby-sitters Club. Stacey's friends are crushed when they hear that Stacey's moving, especially Claudia. Stacey was her first best friend. How will the Baby-sitters cope without Stacey?
Age
9-11
Length
167 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Discussion points
How did you feel when Stacey moved away from her friends? Have you ever had to say goodbye to a friend?
What are some ways the characters in the book showed they cared about Stacey even when she wasn’t around?
How do you think the friendship between the characters might change after Stacey’s move? What would you do to keep in touch with a friend who moved away?
What are some of the qualities you think make a good friend, based on the interactions in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Pause at key moments in the story to explore your child's feelings. For example, ask how they felt during the farewell party for Stacey.
Use the character's experiences to connect to your child’s personal experiences with friends and moving.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking what they would do differently if they were in the characters' shoes.
Relate the themes of the book to real-life situations in your family’s or child’s community circle.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Coping with Change
Explanation: Stacey moves away from Stoneybrook to New York, showing readers how transitions are a part of life.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace change in their environments, be it shifting homes, schools, or facing new situations.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: Despite the physical distance, the bond between Stacey and The Baby-Sitters Club members stays strong, illustrating the enduring nature of true friendships.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to maintain and cherish their friendships, using creative means like writing letters or online chats, when not physically near each other.
Example Lesson: Handling Emotional Challenges
Explanation: Stacey deals with feelings of sadness and loss as she says goodbye to her friends, teaching emotional resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand their emotions better and find healthy ways to express and manage them, such as talking to someone they trust or engaging in a comforting activity.
Example Lesson: Adapting to New Environments
Explanation: Once in New York, Stacey explores new places and meets new people, learning to adapt and thrive in a new setting.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open and adaptive when faced with new or unfamiliar circumstances, promoting growth and confidence.