The Baby-Sitters Club Series
Jessi and the Awful Secret
1993 by
on Goodreads (1,232)
What’s inside...
Jessi discovers that one of the girls in her dance class is anorexic, and she and her friends soon learn about the seriousness of the illness.
Why read this book
- Tackles important themes sensitively and appropriately.
- Encourages empathy and understanding in young readers.
- Supports communication about difficult topics.
- Stimulates emotional growth and resilience.
The Big Picture
- Addresses trust and honesty crucial in child’s moral foundation.
- Encourages seeking help and communicating during tough times.
- Promotes understanding complex emotions through relatable storytelling.
- Facilitates important conversations about personal challenges.
Diversity & Representation
- Emphasizes emotional resilience across diverse family dynamics.
- Showcases a variety of socio-economic backgrounds.
- Promotes inclusion and empathy through relatable characters.
Age
7-10
Length
139 pages
Text complexity
intermediate
Character Compass
Discussion points
How did Jessi feel when she discovered the secret, and what would you do if you were in her shoes?
Why is it important to speak up when we know something is wrong?
What are some ways Jessi could have handled the situation differently?
How did the reactions of other characters influence Jessi’s decisions?
What did you learn about trust and friendship from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s events, affirming that it’s safe to share honest emotions.
Ask your child to relate the situations in the book to their own life experiences, fostering a deeper personal connection.
Discuss the moral challenges faced by Jessi and explore together what values are important in similar real-life situations.
Use the book as a springboard to talk about difficult subjects such as trust and integrity in an age-appropriate manner.
What parents love
Perfect balance between fun and serious topics.
Kept my child engaged throughout the whole book.
Handled tough topics with sensitivity.
Educational yet incredibly entertaining for kids.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of seeking help when dealing with big problems
Explanation: In the story, Jessi faces a complex issue when her friend reveals a troubling secret. Jessi learns that seeking advice and help from trusted adults is crucial in such situations.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the importance of not keeping big problems to themselves and reaching out to parents, teachers, or counselors when they feel overwhelmed or unsure.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding towards others
Explanation: Jessi demonstrates empathy by listening and providing support to her friend in distress. This shows the value of being compassionate toward others' feelings and situations.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be considerate and supportive when they notice friends or peers in challenging situations, fostering a supportive community.
Example Lesson: Respecting others' privacy
Explanation: Jessi respects her friend's request to keep the secret while also seeking adult guidance. This highlights the balance between confidentiality and the need for intervention in serious matters.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of respecting others' privacy, but also understand when it might be necessary to involve an adult for the greater good.
Example Lesson: Courage in difficult situations
Explanation: Jessi shows courage by taking responsible actions to help her friend despite the fear and uncertainty.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to act bravely when faced with difficult decisions, emphasizing that doing the right thing might be challenging but is ultimately rewarding.