Claudia Kishi Middle School Dropout
#101 of 131 in The Baby-Sitters Club Series
on Goodreads (680)
What’s inside...
Claudia Kishi Middle School Dropout follows the story of Claudia, a young girl who, in the face of academic difficulties, decides to quit school and pursue her passion for art full time. As she navigates her new path, Claudia struggles to keep her friendships intact, and must learn important lessons about dedication, responsibility, and the value of a good education. When her troubles in school culminate in her being dropped back to the seventh grade, Claudia struggles with feelings of failure while adjusting to classmates outside of the Baby-sitters Club.
Discussion points
What challenges did Claudia face when she decided to leave middle school, and how did she try to overcome them?
How do you think Claudia’s decisions affected her friendships and family relationships?
What would you have done differently if you were in Claudia's situation?
How does Claudia's journey help us understand the importance of education?
What did you learn from Claudia’s experiences that you can apply in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own experiences related to making big decisions during your school years. Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s events, and relate them to their own life. Listen actively and validate their feelings, showing that their thoughts are important. Use examples from the book to discuss the consequences of certain actions and decisions. Highlight the role of support from friends and family in overcoming challenges, as seen in Claudia's life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Claudia faces academic difficulties and peer pressure, but learns to navigate through these challenges with determination and support.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding that it's okay to struggle and that perseverance and seeking help are key to overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Claudia relies on her friends for emotional support and advice, highlighting the value of strong, positive friendships.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to nurture their friendships, be supportive friends themselves, and appreciate the positive impact friends can have on their lives.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance and personal growth
Explanation: Claudia learns to accept her unique qualities and understands that everyone has different strengths and weaknesses.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace their individuality and understand that personal growth comes from acknowledging and working on one's weaknesses.
Example Lesson: The importance of education
Explanation: The book portrays the repercussions of dropping out of school and eventually, Claudia's recognition of the value of education.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to appreciate their educational opportunities and understand that learning is a lifelong process.
Example Lesson: Dealing with peer pressure
Explanation: Claudia faces peer pressure in various forms and learns to make decisions based on her own beliefs and values rather than succumbing to the influence of others.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital for children to understand that it’s important to think for themselves and make choices that align with their values, even when faced with pressure from peers.