#15 in The Baby-Sitters Club Series
Kristy and the Secret of Susan
1990 by
on Goodreads (2,190)
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.
Why read this book
- Addresses empathy and friendship challenges.
- Fosters understanding of special needs.
- Enhances relational skills and compassion.
- Engaging story encourages avid reading habits.
The Big Picture
- Explore themes of diversity and inclusivity
- Promotes empathy and understanding of others
- Encourages conversations about personal challenges
Diversity & Representation
- Features characters with different abilities and backgrounds.
- Encourages empathy by representing diverse perspectives.
- Promotes inclusivity through relatable, varied character experiences.
Book in series
#15
Age
8-12
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
developing
Character Compass
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.
What parents love
Great for discussing inclusivity and empathy.
Keeps kids engaged with a mysterious storyline.
Educational yet incredibly fun to read.
Helps children understand and celebrate differences.
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.