Kristy and the Secret of Susan
#32 of 131 in The Baby-Sitters Club Series
on Goodreads (2,228)
What’s inside...
The book revolves around Kristy, who takes over the babysitting duties for a girl named Susan, who is autistic. Kristy learns to communicate and connect with Susan, discovering her secret world. Through their friendship, Kristy embarks on a journey of self-discovery, understanding, and acceptance of others. Kristy's newest babysitting charge is Susan Felder, who goes away to a special school. Susan isn't like most kids. While she can play the piano and sing beautifully, she can't talk to anyone. Susan is autistic and lives locked inside her own secret world. Kristy thinks it's unfair that Susan has to be sent off to school and is treated differently from everyone else. But Kristy's going to try to change that by showing everyone that Susan is a 'regular' kid too. And then maybe Kristy's new friend can stay in Stoneybrook for good.
Character compass
Kristy Thomas
Susan Felder
Claudia Kishi
Mary Anne Spier
Dawn Schafer
Mallory Pike
Jessi Ramsey
Mrs. Felder
Stacey Mcgill
Discussion points
How do you think Kristy felt when she met Susan for the first time, and why?
What are some ways that Kristy helped Susan throughout the story?
Why is it important to understand and celebrate everyone’s unique abilities?
How can you help someone who might learn or communicate differently than you do?
What did you learn from this story that you can use in your own friendships?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own reflections on the book’s themes before asking your child their thoughts. This shows them it’s a safe environment for discussion. Pause after asking each question to give your child time to think and formulate their responses. Emphasize that there are no right or wrong answers. This encourages open, honest dialogue. Link discussions to real-life situations or personal experiences to make the conversation more relatable and impactful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and Acceptance of Differences
Explanation: The story highlights Kristy's journey as she learns about Susan's autism and begins to understand and accept her unique needs and abilities.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace individual differences among their peers, fostering a more inclusive environment at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Leadership
Explanation: Kristy takes initiative and responsibility in babysitting Susan, showcasing leadership in adapting to new situations.
Real-World Application: Promotes developing leadership skills and taking responsibility in various scenarios, whether in team projects, family duties, or extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: Through her experience with Susan, Kristy develops a deep sense of empathy and compassion towards others who may have different ways of interpreting the world.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be empathetic towards their friends and peers, helping them to build stronger, more understanding relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Kristy employs creative solutions to communicate and engage with Susan, who has non-verbal autism.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of thinking creatively and adapting to solve problems, especially when standard approaches do not suffice.