kelseywaters's review
5.0
This book had everything I love about reading: it brought back the nostalgia of the Babysitters Club, the appreciation of little details that only true fans can understand, societal observations on how the BSC shaped generations of kids, analyses on how well and not well Ann M Martin wrote about race, family, and disability—I just reveled in every essay.
jamietherebelliousreader's review
4.0
4 stars. I was today years old when I found out that there is Baby-Sitters Club fan fiction. I don’t know how I feel about it. Anyway, this was so much fun. I loved it. BSC shaped me into the reader that I am today and I will always love it and anything that has to do with it so this was perfect for me.
I enjoyed all of the essays, but my favorites were all the one about Jessi and how the BSC (mis)handled addressing racism and her Blackness. Jessi is and has always been my favorite character but as I’m re-reading the series as an adult there is so many things that could’ve been handled better as it pertains to her character and I’m glad that the essays in here addressed that while also acknowledging her impact and importance on other young Black girls who read the series.
There’s also great discussion of queerness, a wonderful essay about autism, adoption, and female friendships in the media. I would highly recommend this if you are a fan of the BSC.
I enjoyed all of the essays, but my favorites were all the one about Jessi and how the BSC (mis)handled addressing racism and her Blackness. Jessi is and has always been my favorite character but as I’m re-reading the series as an adult there is so many things that could’ve been handled better as it pertains to her character and I’m glad that the essays in here addressed that while also acknowledging her impact and importance on other young Black girls who read the series.
There’s also great discussion of queerness, a wonderful essay about autism, adoption, and female friendships in the media. I would highly recommend this if you are a fan of the BSC.
esquires1214's review
4.0
This was a perfect walk down memory lane as well as a solid commentary and criticism about this beloved series. I especially appreciate the essays having to do with race, ableism, class, female friendship etc and it really made me think about how those stories and characters affected my world view as I was growing up. I highly recommend this if you ever read this series and I was so delighted to see that Kristy and the other gals impacted others many years ago just like me.
meredithmc's review
4.0
Loved this collection about the greatest book series (and my childhood obsession).
roseatefelicity's review
1.0
I don’t like to not finish books but I’m DNF-ing this book at 12.9% audiobook. Three essays in and I know this book won’t be my cup of tea.
crizzle's review
4.0
This was wonderfully nerdy and profound for a book of essays and art on the lasting legacy of the BSC, written by people from all walks of life ranging from mid-40s to mid-20 year olds. They write on things the BSC books got right and wrong regarding race and colorism, ableism, families, deadbeat dads, adoption, body image, LGBTQ issues (Ann M. Martin is a lesbian?!?) and more… I was so glad to see a full segment covering “Kristy and Mr. Mom” because it put to words all the weird feelings I had when I saw my daughter reading that title in the 21st century. Oooh there was also an article on the handwriting of the BSC and the history of American handwriting that was so so nerdy and soul-soothing.
A couple segments I highlighted:
Maria, a professor of children’s literature (my fave college course!) was recounting her interview for the Rhodes scholarship and was made to feel like being a scholar of children’s literature is insignificant in “fighting the world’s fight”. “Eventually I lost my temper and lashed back against the bias implicit in the idea that something associated with childhood, women’s work, the humanities, and care is necessarily trivial—when in fact these are often the bedrocks on which lives and societies are built.”
“Studying a partially ghostwritten adolescent girls’ series like the Baby-Sitters Club may seem to some like a fun nostalgia trip at best and a waste of time at worst. But analyzing children’s and young adult literature can lay bare the structures that silently shape our everyday interactions and most sacred beliefs.”
“Growing up means a lot of things for the BSC members. It means learning how to stand up for yourself and be independent (a frequent Mary Anne arc). It means being accountable to your responsibilities when you’d rather be painting or reading Nancy Drew novels (Claudia). It means honoring your body’s needs (Stacey). Cultivating sensitivity and patience (Kristy). Facing loss and uncertainty, and learning how to seek support from—and provide support for—family and friends (all of the BSC members).”
While reading this, I had the thought that every BSC reader should write their own story on how it affected our growing years!
A couple segments I highlighted:
Maria, a professor of children’s literature (my fave college course!) was recounting her interview for the Rhodes scholarship and was made to feel like being a scholar of children’s literature is insignificant in “fighting the world’s fight”. “Eventually I lost my temper and lashed back against the bias implicit in the idea that something associated with childhood, women’s work, the humanities, and care is necessarily trivial—when in fact these are often the bedrocks on which lives and societies are built.”
“Studying a partially ghostwritten adolescent girls’ series like the Baby-Sitters Club may seem to some like a fun nostalgia trip at best and a waste of time at worst. But analyzing children’s and young adult literature can lay bare the structures that silently shape our everyday interactions and most sacred beliefs.”
“Growing up means a lot of things for the BSC members. It means learning how to stand up for yourself and be independent (a frequent Mary Anne arc). It means being accountable to your responsibilities when you’d rather be painting or reading Nancy Drew novels (Claudia). It means honoring your body’s needs (Stacey). Cultivating sensitivity and patience (Kristy). Facing loss and uncertainty, and learning how to seek support from—and provide support for—family and friends (all of the BSC members).”
While reading this, I had the thought that every BSC reader should write their own story on how it affected our growing years!
miss_alaina's review
4.0
This was so enjoyable and made me want to re-read the Baby-Sitters Club series. If you enjoy the book Paperback Crush or the podcast Teen Creeps, you'll definitely enjoy this book, too.
oneday_atbookland's review
5.0
*I received a digital review copy from NetGalley & the publisher in exchange for this review*
4.5 but rounding up for nostalgia
Growing up, I devoured the BSC books. I read every one my local library owned, would almost always buy a copy when visiting a thrift store, and tried to collect as many as I could. The day I had to donate my collection was a sad day and I always regret getting rid of them. Needless to say, I was very excited about picking up this book and I'm so glad it's around. I loved being able to read and see art inspired by the impact this series had on others. This is definitely meant for adult fans of the series as it discusses (and brings up good criticisms) surrounding culture, race, queer issues, and identity. A very enjoyable read and I can't wait to re-read the BSC series soon.
4.5 but rounding up for nostalgia
Growing up, I devoured the BSC books. I read every one my local library owned, would almost always buy a copy when visiting a thrift store, and tried to collect as many as I could. The day I had to donate my collection was a sad day and I always regret getting rid of them. Needless to say, I was very excited about picking up this book and I'm so glad it's around. I loved being able to read and see art inspired by the impact this series had on others. This is definitely meant for adult fans of the series as it discusses (and brings up good criticisms) surrounding culture, race, queer issues, and identity. A very enjoyable read and I can't wait to re-read the BSC series soon.