Original Publication Date: 1994
Ghostwriter? Yes, Ellen Miles
Synopsis:
SMS students are all getting jobs during a six-week Short Takes class, so they can learn about working in the real world. Stacey is working at Toy Town, a store in the mall, and the rest of the BSC (except Shannon, since she goes to a different school, and Dawn of course) also gets jobs at the mall. But there have more than a couple instances of shoplifting, and the BSC is sure they can find out who's responsible. After some investigating, they discover that not only is the mall manager shoplifting items to sell later, but there are some homeless children living at the mall. The mall manager was trying to recoup losses he'd incurred by mismanaging the mall. The kids had seen him, and were allowed to stay if they'd be discrete and not tell. The police nab the manager and get help for the kids, who ended up homeless when their mom had to be hospitalized. Stacey also helps spearhead a childcare center for the mall.
Because this book is so centered on the mall, there's not a lot of continuity information.
Established or continued in this book:
The Girls (and Logan):
Claudia candy: Hershey's miniatures under her bed, Cheetos Paws, cookies sweetened with fruit juice
Shannon's schedule is light enough at this moment that she can handle most of the BSC jobs that come in.
Their Families: nothing new.
The Club:
While this project is going on, Shannon is pretty much the BSC. So, SMS can just keep the kids doing school work for hours?
Shea Rodowsky has a crush on Shannon (Buddy Barrett did earlier).
SMS:
Hello, Short Takes classes, also known as plot devices. They're classes that last a few weeks and teach something specific in encapsulated form. The class that had the egg babies is referred to in this book as a Short Takes class, but wasn't when we first read about it.
Teacher: Mr. Withum (Short Takes)
PSA Time: nothing stood out.
Misc:
Stacey's wearing floral print leggings on the cover. I think it's interesting that a lot of print fabrics would make nice skirts but terrible pants.
The kitten is healthy aside from a little cold and is a six-week-old BOY. Now that I know it's a boy, I'm not sold on Simon the Zealot. We'll see.
The numbers:
Starting 8th grade: 6
Valentine's Days in 8th grade: 2
Halloweens in 8th grade: 3 (plus one in seventh)
Thanksgivings in 8th grade: 1
Summers after 8th grade: 6
BSC Fights: 8
SMS Staff and Faculty: 41
Students (other than the BSC): 135; 97 8th graders, 4 7th graders, 19 6th graders, 15 unspecified
Clients: 29
Types of candy in Claudia’s room: 92
Crushes:
Stacey-11
Claudia-8
Dawn-5
Jessi-3
Mallory-2
Mary Anne-2
Kristy-1
10/29/11
Mary Anne and Miss Priss (RS#73)
Original Publication Date: 1994
Ghostwriter? Yes, Jahnna Beecham and Malcolm Hillgartner
Synopsis:
I don't normally put up pictures of the books, but it's a good excuse to show off the early birthday present my husband gave me:
That's who's perched on my shoulder right now. Fitting since it's a Mary Anne book. My brother-in-law found it, stray behind his apartment. We're 99% sure it's a girl, and after she gets a clean bill of health at the vet Monday and we're sure my husband's twelve-and-a-half year-old cat won't try to eat her, she's ours! If Eddie is just a big jerk, my best friend has expressed interest. If it is indeed a girl, Jill. If boy, I really like the idea of Simon the Zealot because it'd be bizarre. (And yes, that is a Stegosaurus bath mat in the kitten quarantine bathroom.)
Anyway, the book. Jenny Prezzioso is acting more obsessed with her appearance than usual, and it's preventing her from joining the kickball team the Pike triplets are organizing. She doesn't want to join and get dirty and no one wants her on the team, so I don't see what the problem is, aside from how obsessive Jenny is about getting dirty. It eventually comes to light that Jenny is trying to be perfect because her baby sister Andrea is getting modeling jobs and Jenny is worried her parents will like Andrea more. Jenny ends up going on some auditions herself, but isn't as successful as Andrea. In retaliation, she forgoes her cleaning rituals and gets herself as filthy as possible, vying for attention. Once Mary Anne helps Mrs. Prezzioso see this, Jenny gets the attention she craves, and even a modeling job. But she finds her heart's really in playing kickball, which is now very well organized after some tips from the BSC. And Jenny's dad goes to watch her pitch in a game. Aww...
AND...Mallory brings up to her parents that she's sitting for her siblings more than she used to sit for other kids, and after a talk with the doctor they agree that she can rejoin the BSC.
Established or continued in this book:
The Girls (and Logan):
Claudia candy: potato chips in the closet, pretzels
Logan was on the school volleyball team. In Washington, there is no official boys' volleyball through schools (Title IX thing). I checked with the CT school sports website and it appears there is volleyball offered through schools there.
Claudia makes her own greetings cards.
Their Families:
The reason the triplets start the teams is that they want to prove they're old enough to not need a sitter, finally realizing that Mallory's only one year older than they are.
The Club:
Jenny asks who's at the door before opening it to Mary Anne's knocks, as she was being taught in earlier books.
SMS:
Claudia's personals column is still running in the school paper.
PSA Time:
If you have a sandbox in the yard you should cover it when it's not being played in. Cats, raccoons, opossums (or possums in Australia, I suppose) and other animals think they make great litter boxes.
Misc:
Apparently the ice cream man comes really early to Stoneybrook. The last book was midwinter, so it can't be too much earlier than the beginning of spring--wait, am I trying to apply a logical timeline to these books?
The numbers:
Starting 8th grade: 6
Valentine's Days in 8th grade: 2
Halloweens in 8th grade: 3 (plus one in seventh)
Thanksgivings in 8th grade: 1
Summers after 8th grade: 6
BSC Fights: 8
SMS Staff and Faculty: 40
Students (other than the BSC): 135; 97 8th graders, 4 7th graders, 19 6th graders, 15 unspecified
Clients: 29
Types of candy in Claudia’s room: 90
Crushes:
Stacey-11
Claudia-8
Dawn-5
Jessi-3
Mallory-2
Mary Anne-2
Kristy-1
Ghostwriter? Yes, Jahnna Beecham and Malcolm Hillgartner
Synopsis:
I don't normally put up pictures of the books, but it's a good excuse to show off the early birthday present my husband gave me:
That's who's perched on my shoulder right now. Fitting since it's a Mary Anne book. My brother-in-law found it, stray behind his apartment. We're 99% sure it's a girl, and after she gets a clean bill of health at the vet Monday and we're sure my husband's twelve-and-a-half year-old cat won't try to eat her, she's ours! If Eddie is just a big jerk, my best friend has expressed interest. If it is indeed a girl, Jill. If boy, I really like the idea of Simon the Zealot because it'd be bizarre. (And yes, that is a Stegosaurus bath mat in the kitten quarantine bathroom.)
Anyway, the book. Jenny Prezzioso is acting more obsessed with her appearance than usual, and it's preventing her from joining the kickball team the Pike triplets are organizing. She doesn't want to join and get dirty and no one wants her on the team, so I don't see what the problem is, aside from how obsessive Jenny is about getting dirty. It eventually comes to light that Jenny is trying to be perfect because her baby sister Andrea is getting modeling jobs and Jenny is worried her parents will like Andrea more. Jenny ends up going on some auditions herself, but isn't as successful as Andrea. In retaliation, she forgoes her cleaning rituals and gets herself as filthy as possible, vying for attention. Once Mary Anne helps Mrs. Prezzioso see this, Jenny gets the attention she craves, and even a modeling job. But she finds her heart's really in playing kickball, which is now very well organized after some tips from the BSC. And Jenny's dad goes to watch her pitch in a game. Aww...
AND...Mallory brings up to her parents that she's sitting for her siblings more than she used to sit for other kids, and after a talk with the doctor they agree that she can rejoin the BSC.
Established or continued in this book:
The Girls (and Logan):
Claudia candy: potato chips in the closet, pretzels
Logan was on the school volleyball team. In Washington, there is no official boys' volleyball through schools (Title IX thing). I checked with the CT school sports website and it appears there is volleyball offered through schools there.
Claudia makes her own greetings cards.
Their Families:
The reason the triplets start the teams is that they want to prove they're old enough to not need a sitter, finally realizing that Mallory's only one year older than they are.
The Club:
Jenny asks who's at the door before opening it to Mary Anne's knocks, as she was being taught in earlier books.
SMS:
Claudia's personals column is still running in the school paper.
PSA Time:
If you have a sandbox in the yard you should cover it when it's not being played in. Cats, raccoons, opossums (or possums in Australia, I suppose) and other animals think they make great litter boxes.
Misc:
Apparently the ice cream man comes really early to Stoneybrook. The last book was midwinter, so it can't be too much earlier than the beginning of spring--wait, am I trying to apply a logical timeline to these books?
The numbers:
Starting 8th grade: 6
Valentine's Days in 8th grade: 2
Halloweens in 8th grade: 3 (plus one in seventh)
Thanksgivings in 8th grade: 1
Summers after 8th grade: 6
BSC Fights: 8
SMS Staff and Faculty: 40
Students (other than the BSC): 135; 97 8th graders, 4 7th graders, 19 6th graders, 15 unspecified
Clients: 29
Types of candy in Claudia’s room: 90
Crushes:
Stacey-11
Claudia-8
Dawn-5
Jessi-3
Mallory-2
Mary Anne-2
Kristy-1
10/26/11
Dawn and the We ♥ Kids Club (RS#72)
Original Publication Date: 1994
Ghostwriter? Yes, Peter Lerangis
Synopsis:
This is the book that turned most Dawn hold-outs against her, whoever was left after Dawn Saves the Planet. There's being upset, even understandably angry, and then there's committing what could well be felony theft.
Anyway, the book starts with the We ♥ Kids Club being interviewed in the local paper, and the story gets picked up for a spot on the TV news. Suddenly the calls won't stop coming, which you'd think would be fine since there are no set meeting times. Kristy gets jealous and tries in vain to have the BSC similarly recognized.
But the really big thing that stands out in this book is that Dawn's dad announces he and Carol are engaged. And Dawn...oh, Dawn. She's understandably shocked, so she responds as any normal person would: stealing her dad's credit card and flying back to Stoneybrook. She at least leaves a note. Once she lands, she finds a very upset mother, who takes her home but makes it clear Dawn's going right back to California to finish the time all parties had agreed on, only to come back early if it's actually planned. And she has to pay for BOTH tickets. During her brief stay on the East Coast she's grounded and can't see any of her friends (except Mary Anne, of course). Tough, but totally called for. Selfish Dawn gets her way though: the enormity of what she did strains her dad and Carol's relationship enough that they break up completely.
Established or continued in this book:
The Girls (and Logan):
Claudia candy: Reese's Pieces under her mattress
I was already well aware of Dawn's dislike of omnivores, but since when does she get annoyed by jocks? I mean yeah, she hates everyone, but jocks get a special mention.
If Dawn doesn't like kids to play with toy guns, why is she okay with toy swords? Also, in California Girls she was fine eating airline chicken, but now it's nauseating. California's getting to her!
I can understand Dawn's initial reaction. Even when you know something that you don't want to happen is eminent, it's hard when you actually have to face it. However, everything after that is insane.
Their Families:
I don't remember Dawn's parents arguing over her desire to spend time in California, at least not too much. But Dawn implies that there was a huge fight.
The California Schafer house is consistently described as being U shaped in a few books now.
Jeff is in the habit of making terrible puns.
The Club:
Nothing new about the BSC, but the We ♥ Kids Club reluctantly agrees to schedule regular meeting times.
SMS: book takes place in California
PSA Time:
It's a good idea to ask before recording someone talking. Depending on your local laws, it might be illegal to recording without the consent of both parties.
California:
You can totally tell Dawn's school is in California because her teacher says "See you mañana" instead of "See you tomorrow." People outside of Southern California never use Spanish words, ever.
According to Dawn, the ♥ stands for love, as in the We Love Kids Club.
Sunny still remembers how to surf, which she learned in the last California book. She also originally hails from Oregon.
Jill's already the odd man out: she lives the furthest, and when Dawn describes the reactions to being interviewed of what should be four girls, she only mentions three.
Misc:
"Chimichangas" is italicized, because it's a bizarre foreign word, and leaving it in regular font would confuse our poor, non-Californian brains.
Mary Anne is reading Julie of the Wolves, which I just finished rereading. Good book.
The newspaper reporter wears grey stirrup slacks. And they make her look sophisticated.
The numbers:
Starting 8th grade: 6
Valentine's Days in 8th grade: 2
Halloweens in 8th grade: 3 (plus one in seventh)
Thanksgivings in 8th grade: 1
Summers after 8th grade: 6
BSC Fights: 8
SMS Staff and Faculty: 40
Students (other than the BSC): 135; 97 8th graders, 4 7th graders, 19 6th graders, 15 unspecified
Clients: 29
Types of candy in Claudia’s room: 90
Crushes:
Stacey-11
Claudia-8
Dawn-5
Jessi-3
Mallory-2
Mary Anne-2
Kristy-1
Ghostwriter? Yes, Peter Lerangis
Synopsis:
This is the book that turned most Dawn hold-outs against her, whoever was left after Dawn Saves the Planet. There's being upset, even understandably angry, and then there's committing what could well be felony theft.
Anyway, the book starts with the We ♥ Kids Club being interviewed in the local paper, and the story gets picked up for a spot on the TV news. Suddenly the calls won't stop coming, which you'd think would be fine since there are no set meeting times. Kristy gets jealous and tries in vain to have the BSC similarly recognized.
But the really big thing that stands out in this book is that Dawn's dad announces he and Carol are engaged. And Dawn...oh, Dawn. She's understandably shocked, so she responds as any normal person would: stealing her dad's credit card and flying back to Stoneybrook. She at least leaves a note. Once she lands, she finds a very upset mother, who takes her home but makes it clear Dawn's going right back to California to finish the time all parties had agreed on, only to come back early if it's actually planned. And she has to pay for BOTH tickets. During her brief stay on the East Coast she's grounded and can't see any of her friends (except Mary Anne, of course). Tough, but totally called for. Selfish Dawn gets her way though: the enormity of what she did strains her dad and Carol's relationship enough that they break up completely.
Established or continued in this book:
The Girls (and Logan):
Claudia candy: Reese's Pieces under her mattress
I was already well aware of Dawn's dislike of omnivores, but since when does she get annoyed by jocks? I mean yeah, she hates everyone, but jocks get a special mention.
If Dawn doesn't like kids to play with toy guns, why is she okay with toy swords? Also, in California Girls she was fine eating airline chicken, but now it's nauseating. California's getting to her!
I can understand Dawn's initial reaction. Even when you know something that you don't want to happen is eminent, it's hard when you actually have to face it. However, everything after that is insane.
Their Families:
I don't remember Dawn's parents arguing over her desire to spend time in California, at least not too much. But Dawn implies that there was a huge fight.
The California Schafer house is consistently described as being U shaped in a few books now.
Jeff is in the habit of making terrible puns.
The Club:
Nothing new about the BSC, but the We ♥ Kids Club reluctantly agrees to schedule regular meeting times.
SMS: book takes place in California
PSA Time:
It's a good idea to ask before recording someone talking. Depending on your local laws, it might be illegal to recording without the consent of both parties.
California:
You can totally tell Dawn's school is in California because her teacher says "See you mañana" instead of "See you tomorrow." People outside of Southern California never use Spanish words, ever.
According to Dawn, the ♥ stands for love, as in the We Love Kids Club.
Sunny still remembers how to surf, which she learned in the last California book. She also originally hails from Oregon.
Jill's already the odd man out: she lives the furthest, and when Dawn describes the reactions to being interviewed of what should be four girls, she only mentions three.
Misc:
"Chimichangas" is italicized, because it's a bizarre foreign word, and leaving it in regular font would confuse our poor, non-Californian brains.
Mary Anne is reading Julie of the Wolves, which I just finished rereading. Good book.
The newspaper reporter wears grey stirrup slacks. And they make her look sophisticated.
The numbers:
Starting 8th grade: 6
Valentine's Days in 8th grade: 2
Halloweens in 8th grade: 3 (plus one in seventh)
Thanksgivings in 8th grade: 1
Summers after 8th grade: 6
BSC Fights: 8
SMS Staff and Faculty: 40
Students (other than the BSC): 135; 97 8th graders, 4 7th graders, 19 6th graders, 15 unspecified
Clients: 29
Types of candy in Claudia’s room: 90
Crushes:
Stacey-11
Claudia-8
Dawn-5
Jessi-3
Mallory-2
Mary Anne-2
Kristy-1
10/21/11
Mary Anne and the Library Mystery (M#13)
Original Publication Date: 1994
Ghostwriter? Yes, Ellen Miles
Synopsis:
At Mrs. Kishi's request, Mary Anne decides to help out with the library readathon. It's not long before the mystery gets going: someone set a fire in a library bathroom! It's the first of a few fires, all set by torching books, and Mary Anne is determined to find out who wants to damage the library.
The suspect list gets narrowed down to a group of protestors who want to ban books (surprisingly they're not portrayed as monsters, just earnest if misguided), the new librarian (because if MST3K has taught us anything, it's that slightly unattractive people are evil), and Nicky Pike (very briefly), but none of those leads pan out. Then Mary Anne realizes that the burnt books are from the fifth grade reading list, and after a discussion the BSC deduces the next fire will be from that list on the next Wednesday. They stake out the library and find the culprit: Sean Addison. He's acting out of anger that his parents force him and his sister into extracurricular activities so that they're out of the way.
Established or continued in this book:
The Girls (and Logan):
Claudia candy: Twizzlers and a chocolate bar in her backpack, pretzels (chocolate-covered and plain) and jellybeans in a box marked "kaligruphy pens," M&Ms (she says the brown ones are best, followed by red), Ruffles, Ring Dings, and bagel chips
It just occurred to me...on the surface, it seems unfair that while she recovers from mono Mallory can't sit for the BSC but has her own sibling foisted on her all the time. However, if her parents are paying her, maybe it's a way for her to still be able to earn some money but not exert herself by taking on extra jobs.
This won't be the last time Mary Anne has nightmares about fires...
Their Families:
While playing dress up (which has been noted as a favorite pastime of the youngest Pikes), Claire introduces herself as Mrs. Filthy-Rich. That's just hilarious.
The Club:
Why is Betsy Sobak still considered a client? If she and her family had ever truly made amends I could MAYBE understand. Maybe. She did apologize to Claudia, but even before that the BSC was right back watching her, with no indication that her parents were going to do anything about her.
SMS:
8th grader: Tiffany ?
Math teacher: Ms. Frost.
PSA Time: nothing stood out.
Misc:
Mary Anne implies that Little Women is a children's book.
Really? The Stoneybrook police aren't interested in the fires being set at the library? The wanton destruction of government property (the burned books)? It's not like they're that busy, just the odd dognapper or counterfeiter or thief once in a while.
One of the protesters is Bertha Dow, who comes back later, maybe as late as the Friends Forever series, as the mother of an SMS eighth grader.
The numbers:
Starting 8th grade: 6
Valentine's Days in 8th grade: 2
Halloweens in 8th grade: 3 (plus one in seventh)
Thanksgivings in 8th grade: 1
Summers after 8th grade: 6
BSC Fights: 8
SMS Staff and Faculty: 40
Students (other than the BSC): 135; 97 8th graders, 4 7th graders, 19 6th graders, 15 unspecified
Clients: 29
Types of candy in Claudia’s room: 89
Crushes:
Stacey-11
Claudia-8
Dawn-5
Jessi-3
Mallory-2
Mary Anne-2
Kristy-1
Ghostwriter? Yes, Ellen Miles
Synopsis:
At Mrs. Kishi's request, Mary Anne decides to help out with the library readathon. It's not long before the mystery gets going: someone set a fire in a library bathroom! It's the first of a few fires, all set by torching books, and Mary Anne is determined to find out who wants to damage the library.
The suspect list gets narrowed down to a group of protestors who want to ban books (surprisingly they're not portrayed as monsters, just earnest if misguided), the new librarian (because if MST3K has taught us anything, it's that slightly unattractive people are evil), and Nicky Pike (very briefly), but none of those leads pan out. Then Mary Anne realizes that the burnt books are from the fifth grade reading list, and after a discussion the BSC deduces the next fire will be from that list on the next Wednesday. They stake out the library and find the culprit: Sean Addison. He's acting out of anger that his parents force him and his sister into extracurricular activities so that they're out of the way.
Established or continued in this book:
The Girls (and Logan):
Claudia candy: Twizzlers and a chocolate bar in her backpack, pretzels (chocolate-covered and plain) and jellybeans in a box marked "kaligruphy pens," M&Ms (she says the brown ones are best, followed by red), Ruffles, Ring Dings, and bagel chips
It just occurred to me...on the surface, it seems unfair that while she recovers from mono Mallory can't sit for the BSC but has her own sibling foisted on her all the time. However, if her parents are paying her, maybe it's a way for her to still be able to earn some money but not exert herself by taking on extra jobs.
This won't be the last time Mary Anne has nightmares about fires...
Their Families:
While playing dress up (which has been noted as a favorite pastime of the youngest Pikes), Claire introduces herself as Mrs. Filthy-Rich. That's just hilarious.
The Club:
Why is Betsy Sobak still considered a client? If she and her family had ever truly made amends I could MAYBE understand. Maybe. She did apologize to Claudia, but even before that the BSC was right back watching her, with no indication that her parents were going to do anything about her.
SMS:
8th grader: Tiffany ?
Math teacher: Ms. Frost.
PSA Time: nothing stood out.
Misc:
Mary Anne implies that Little Women is a children's book.
Really? The Stoneybrook police aren't interested in the fires being set at the library? The wanton destruction of government property (the burned books)? It's not like they're that busy, just the odd dognapper or counterfeiter or thief once in a while.
One of the protesters is Bertha Dow, who comes back later, maybe as late as the Friends Forever series, as the mother of an SMS eighth grader.
The numbers:
Starting 8th grade: 6
Valentine's Days in 8th grade: 2
Halloweens in 8th grade: 3 (plus one in seventh)
Thanksgivings in 8th grade: 1
Summers after 8th grade: 6
BSC Fights: 8
SMS Staff and Faculty: 40
Students (other than the BSC): 135; 97 8th graders, 4 7th graders, 19 6th graders, 15 unspecified
Clients: 29
Types of candy in Claudia’s room: 89
Crushes:
Stacey-11
Claudia-8
Dawn-5
Jessi-3
Mallory-2
Mary Anne-2
Kristy-1
10/20/11
Claudia and the Perfect Boy (RS#71)
Original Publication Date: 1994
Ghostwriter? Yes, Suzanne Weyn
Synopsis:
Claudia's feeling down and out because she doesn't have a boyfriend, and has never had a serious relationship. This segues into her starting a personals column with the school newspaper (don't worry, they have spell check). She does a really good job with it, and even goes on a handful of dates that originate from it. But nothing pans out. She decides, wisely, to wait for someone who meets her standards rather than settling.
This is also the book in which it's discovered that Marnie Barrett is allergic to dogs, and the family has to give Pow away. I do actually feel bad for the kids, but at least the Pikes agree to take the basset hound, so the Barretts can visit often.
Established or continued in this book:
The Girls (and Logan):
Claudia candy: Cool Ranch Doritos under her bed,
Shannon's "on the short side." I always pictured her a little taller than average.
It seems Mary Anne has told the rest of the BSC that she used to see a therapist (previously she told Claudia in the Chain Letter book).
Claudia responds to an anonymous personal ad that turns out to be from Alan Gray. On paper they seem like a pretty good match. File this information away for when I reach the Friends Forever series.
Their Families:
The Pikes' cat Sarge that appeared in the very first books is still forgotten.
The Club:
The order's a little messed up when Claudia tells us the history of the BSC. She implies that there were no associate members until after Stacey returned from New York, when they were really inducted before she moved.
Suzi Barrett still believes in Santa, which plays a role in her subplot of the twelfth Super Special.
Do you think it was intentional that the ceremony to mark Pow's transfer to the Pikes ended in eating Oreos? Marnie's allergic to dogs and chocolate...
SMS:
Students: Liza Shore (7th), Brian Hall, Julie Stern (8th), Rose Marie Montey, Kurt ?, Nathan ? (unspecified)
The SMS paper is put out weekly. When I was on the high school paper, it was only monthly and a lot less complicated than the one SMS does. However, my graduating class only had 69 students and the SMS eighth grade is nearly 100 strong.
PSA Time: nothing stood out.
Misc:
Do you get results immediately from an allergy test? I'm fortunate enough to have no allergies, so I don't know if it's realistic that the Barretts found out Marnie's allergies the same day as the test.
Ew, Claudia wears brown and yellow together. That color combination makes me think of an old moldy banana.
The numbers:
Starting 8th grade: 6
Valentine's Days in 8th grade: 2
Halloweens in 8th grade: 3 (plus one in seventh)
Thanksgivings in 8th grade: 1
Summers after 8th grade: 6
BSC Fights: 8
SMS Staff and Faculty: 36
Students (other than the BSC): 134; 96 8th graders, 4 7th graders, 19 6th graders, 15 unspecified
Clients: 29
Types of candy in Claudia’s room: 87
Crushes:
Stacey-11
Claudia-8
Dawn-5
Jessi-3
Mallory-2
Mary Anne-2
Kristy-1
Ghostwriter? Yes, Suzanne Weyn
Synopsis:
Claudia's feeling down and out because she doesn't have a boyfriend, and has never had a serious relationship. This segues into her starting a personals column with the school newspaper (don't worry, they have spell check). She does a really good job with it, and even goes on a handful of dates that originate from it. But nothing pans out. She decides, wisely, to wait for someone who meets her standards rather than settling.
This is also the book in which it's discovered that Marnie Barrett is allergic to dogs, and the family has to give Pow away. I do actually feel bad for the kids, but at least the Pikes agree to take the basset hound, so the Barretts can visit often.
Established or continued in this book:
The Girls (and Logan):
Claudia candy: Cool Ranch Doritos under her bed,
Shannon's "on the short side." I always pictured her a little taller than average.
It seems Mary Anne has told the rest of the BSC that she used to see a therapist (previously she told Claudia in the Chain Letter book).
Claudia responds to an anonymous personal ad that turns out to be from Alan Gray. On paper they seem like a pretty good match. File this information away for when I reach the Friends Forever series.
Their Families:
The Pikes' cat Sarge that appeared in the very first books is still forgotten.
The Club:
The order's a little messed up when Claudia tells us the history of the BSC. She implies that there were no associate members until after Stacey returned from New York, when they were really inducted before she moved.
Suzi Barrett still believes in Santa, which plays a role in her subplot of the twelfth Super Special.
Do you think it was intentional that the ceremony to mark Pow's transfer to the Pikes ended in eating Oreos? Marnie's allergic to dogs and chocolate...
SMS:
Students: Liza Shore (7th), Brian Hall, Julie Stern (8th), Rose Marie Montey, Kurt ?, Nathan ? (unspecified)
The SMS paper is put out weekly. When I was on the high school paper, it was only monthly and a lot less complicated than the one SMS does. However, my graduating class only had 69 students and the SMS eighth grade is nearly 100 strong.
PSA Time: nothing stood out.
Misc:
Do you get results immediately from an allergy test? I'm fortunate enough to have no allergies, so I don't know if it's realistic that the Barretts found out Marnie's allergies the same day as the test.
Ew, Claudia wears brown and yellow together. That color combination makes me think of an old moldy banana.
The numbers:
Starting 8th grade: 6
Valentine's Days in 8th grade: 2
Halloweens in 8th grade: 3 (plus one in seventh)
Thanksgivings in 8th grade: 1
Summers after 8th grade: 6
BSC Fights: 8
SMS Staff and Faculty: 36
Students (other than the BSC): 134; 96 8th graders, 4 7th graders, 19 6th graders, 15 unspecified
Clients: 29
Types of candy in Claudia’s room: 87
Crushes:
Stacey-11
Claudia-8
Dawn-5
Jessi-3
Mallory-2
Mary Anne-2
Kristy-1
10/16/11
Stacey and the Cheerleaders (RS#70)
Original Publication Date: 1993
Ghostwriter? Yes, Peter Lerangis
Synopsis:
Stacey finds herself falling in the with the popular crowd at SMS, comprised of the boys' basketball team and the cheerleaders. She goes on a date with one player and later becomes the girlfriend of another (Robert). She also tries out for the cheerleading squad, but doesn't make it despite being the best candidate due to behind-the-scenes nonsense that arises because the cheerleaders themselves are picking the new member rather than a coach. It's all part of this vast favoritism thing, one and the same with basketball players getting breaks on their schoolwork. When Stacey's new boyfriend finds out, it's the last straw and he quits the basketball team in protest. Apparently it sparks a change for the better.
We also get a glimpse into Shannon's family life, when the middle sister (Tiffany) feels inadequate compared to her over-achieving siblings. She finds a hobby (gardening) with the help of the BSC, and is happy to let that be what she excels in.
Established or continued in this book:
The Girls (and Logan):
Claudia candy: blue corn chips under her bed and behind a hat in the closet; chips, pretzels, and malted milk balls in her backpack
Stacey is getting much more interested in being popular. And it's believable; she was part of the in group at her school in New York before THE DIABETES.
Shannon is a member of the honor society and "practically fluent" in Spanish and French. She also still likes drama.
Their Families:
Tiffany Kilbourne is ten, and needs a sitter. When we first met her, she went with Shannon on sitting jobs to help. Maria is eight and into swimming.
The Club:
Stacey "introduces" Shannon to us as an associate member despite the fact that Shannon's filling Dawn's position and present at meetings.
SMS:
8th grade Students: Corinne Baker, RJ Blaser, Robert Brewster, Marty Bukowski, George Burke, Jason Fox, Ronnie Gallea, Margie Greene, Malik Jeffrey, Linda Kedem, Kathleen Lopez, Sheila MacGregor, Diane Maqnani, Wayne McConville, Penny Weller, Darcy (didn't catch her last name)
Faculty/Staff: Ms. Levine (8th grade homeroom), Mr. Schubert (unspecified), Mr. Halvorsen (basketball coach but also works at the school; he has an office)
Mascot: the Chargers
PSA Time: nothing stood out.
Misc:
I'm siding with Stacey on her low opinion of Pizza Express. I ate at a Pizza Express in Seattle and it was pretty bad. I'm fairly certain there's no franchise that connects the two, what with one existing in a fictional book, but still...
Claudia calls Stacey asking for a barrette. Good thing she wasn't missing a red ribbon!
Robert shows up for a date wearing a "zipped-up down coat." I remember that description being awkward when I read it as a kid.
The numbers:
Starting 8th grade: 6
Valentine's Days in 8th grade: 2
Halloweens in 8th grade: 3 (plus one in seventh)
Thanksgivings in 8th grade: 1
Summers after 8th grade: 6
BSC Fights: 8
SMS Staff and Faculty: 36
Students (other than the BSC): 128; 94 8th graders, 2 7th graders, 19 6th graders, 12 unspecified
Clients: 29
Types of candy in Claudia’s room: 86
Crushes:
Stacey-11
Claudia-8
Dawn-5
Jessi-3
Mallory-2
Mary Anne-2
Kristy-1
Ghostwriter? Yes, Peter Lerangis
Synopsis:
Stacey finds herself falling in the with the popular crowd at SMS, comprised of the boys' basketball team and the cheerleaders. She goes on a date with one player and later becomes the girlfriend of another (Robert). She also tries out for the cheerleading squad, but doesn't make it despite being the best candidate due to behind-the-scenes nonsense that arises because the cheerleaders themselves are picking the new member rather than a coach. It's all part of this vast favoritism thing, one and the same with basketball players getting breaks on their schoolwork. When Stacey's new boyfriend finds out, it's the last straw and he quits the basketball team in protest. Apparently it sparks a change for the better.
We also get a glimpse into Shannon's family life, when the middle sister (Tiffany) feels inadequate compared to her over-achieving siblings. She finds a hobby (gardening) with the help of the BSC, and is happy to let that be what she excels in.
Established or continued in this book:
The Girls (and Logan):
Claudia candy: blue corn chips under her bed and behind a hat in the closet; chips, pretzels, and malted milk balls in her backpack
Stacey is getting much more interested in being popular. And it's believable; she was part of the in group at her school in New York before THE DIABETES.
Shannon is a member of the honor society and "practically fluent" in Spanish and French. She also still likes drama.
Their Families:
Tiffany Kilbourne is ten, and needs a sitter. When we first met her, she went with Shannon on sitting jobs to help. Maria is eight and into swimming.
The Club:
Stacey "introduces" Shannon to us as an associate member despite the fact that Shannon's filling Dawn's position and present at meetings.
SMS:
8th grade Students: Corinne Baker, RJ Blaser, Robert Brewster, Marty Bukowski, George Burke, Jason Fox, Ronnie Gallea, Margie Greene, Malik Jeffrey, Linda Kedem, Kathleen Lopez, Sheila MacGregor, Diane Maqnani, Wayne McConville, Penny Weller, Darcy (didn't catch her last name)
Faculty/Staff: Ms. Levine (8th grade homeroom), Mr. Schubert (unspecified), Mr. Halvorsen (basketball coach but also works at the school; he has an office)
Mascot: the Chargers
PSA Time: nothing stood out.
Misc:
I'm siding with Stacey on her low opinion of Pizza Express. I ate at a Pizza Express in Seattle and it was pretty bad. I'm fairly certain there's no franchise that connects the two, what with one existing in a fictional book, but still...
Claudia calls Stacey asking for a barrette. Good thing she wasn't missing a red ribbon!
Robert shows up for a date wearing a "zipped-up down coat." I remember that description being awkward when I read it as a kid.
The numbers:
Starting 8th grade: 6
Valentine's Days in 8th grade: 2
Halloweens in 8th grade: 3 (plus one in seventh)
Thanksgivings in 8th grade: 1
Summers after 8th grade: 6
BSC Fights: 8
SMS Staff and Faculty: 36
Students (other than the BSC): 128; 94 8th graders, 2 7th graders, 19 6th graders, 12 unspecified
Clients: 29
Types of candy in Claudia’s room: 86
Crushes:
Stacey-11
Claudia-8
Dawn-5
Jessi-3
Mallory-2
Mary Anne-2
Kristy-1
10/14/11
Dawn and the Surfer Ghost (M#12)
Original Publication Date: 1993
Ghostwriter? Yes, Ellen Miles
Synopsis:
Dawn's enjoying a California winter that's warm enough to surf in, taking lessons in the sport with Sunny. Then a surfer goes missing, and is presumed dead. Dawn is sure there was foul play (tampered surfboard, etc) and then she starts seeing a mysterious figure surfing at night. Is it his ghost, back for revenge?
Of course not. The surfer survived the sabotage (someone was out to get him) and has been hanging around practicing in disguise. He shows up for the big surfing competition to reveal that it's been him all along, and the would-be murderer freaks out upon seeing him. Since the surfer had alerted the police earlier on Dawn's advice, after she recognized him, the police nab him and justice is served. Naturally, he wins the competition. It's totally radical.
Established or continued in this book:
The Girls (and Logan):
Claudia candy:
Mallory's still too sick for sleepovers.
I'm honestly surprised that Dawn says Jill's dark brown eyes remind her of chocolate instead of carob or something like that.
It's funny that one of the pieces of continuity that's really well followed is how Jessi once mentioned she'd try to be better about writing letters.
Their Families:
Dawn flat-out admits that the only reason she doesn't like Carol is that Carol's dating her dad. Not in a "she's not good enough for him" way, either.
Jeff's into skateboarding.
The Club:
Nothing new about the BSC, but really, how does the We ♥ Kids Club work without regular meeting times?
SMS: nothing new.
PSA Time:
I nanny, and one of the things that I really appreciate about the family is that the parents have left me a copy of the kids' insurance cards just in case. Note to parents: it's a good idea.
California (only for the Dawn books when she's there and later the California Diaries series):
Sunny loves to flirt, and thinks everyone else should, too.
Misc:
Dawn doesn't know that "Down Under" refers to Australia, despite how much of a stereotype the Hobart family is.
The numbers:
Starting 8th grade: 6
Valentine's Days in 8th grade: 2
Halloweens in 8th grade: 3 (plus one in seventh)
Thanksgivings in 8th grade: 1
Summers after 8th grade: 6
BSC Fights: 8
SMS Staff and Faculty: 36
Students (other than the BSC): 112; 78 8th graders, 2 7th graders, 19 6th graders, 12 unspecified
Clients: 29
Types of candy in Claudia’s room: 85
Crushes:
Stacey-9
Claudia-8
Dawn-5
Jessi-3
Mallory-2
Mary Anne-2
Kristy-1
Ghostwriter? Yes, Ellen Miles
Synopsis:
Dawn's enjoying a California winter that's warm enough to surf in, taking lessons in the sport with Sunny. Then a surfer goes missing, and is presumed dead. Dawn is sure there was foul play (tampered surfboard, etc) and then she starts seeing a mysterious figure surfing at night. Is it his ghost, back for revenge?
Of course not. The surfer survived the sabotage (someone was out to get him) and has been hanging around practicing in disguise. He shows up for the big surfing competition to reveal that it's been him all along, and the would-be murderer freaks out upon seeing him. Since the surfer had alerted the police earlier on Dawn's advice, after she recognized him, the police nab him and justice is served. Naturally, he wins the competition. It's totally radical.
Established or continued in this book:
The Girls (and Logan):
Claudia candy:
Mallory's still too sick for sleepovers.
I'm honestly surprised that Dawn says Jill's dark brown eyes remind her of chocolate instead of carob or something like that.
It's funny that one of the pieces of continuity that's really well followed is how Jessi once mentioned she'd try to be better about writing letters.
Their Families:
Dawn flat-out admits that the only reason she doesn't like Carol is that Carol's dating her dad. Not in a "she's not good enough for him" way, either.
Jeff's into skateboarding.
The Club:
Nothing new about the BSC, but really, how does the We ♥ Kids Club work without regular meeting times?
SMS: nothing new.
PSA Time:
I nanny, and one of the things that I really appreciate about the family is that the parents have left me a copy of the kids' insurance cards just in case. Note to parents: it's a good idea.
California (only for the Dawn books when she's there and later the California Diaries series):
Sunny loves to flirt, and thinks everyone else should, too.
Misc:
Dawn doesn't know that "Down Under" refers to Australia, despite how much of a stereotype the Hobart family is.
The numbers:
Starting 8th grade: 6
Valentine's Days in 8th grade: 2
Halloweens in 8th grade: 3 (plus one in seventh)
Thanksgivings in 8th grade: 1
Summers after 8th grade: 6
BSC Fights: 8
SMS Staff and Faculty: 36
Students (other than the BSC): 112; 78 8th graders, 2 7th graders, 19 6th graders, 12 unspecified
Clients: 29
Types of candy in Claudia’s room: 85
Crushes:
Stacey-9
Claudia-8
Dawn-5
Jessi-3
Mallory-2
Mary Anne-2
Kristy-1
10/9/11
Get Well Soon, Mallory! (RS#69)
Original Publication Date: 1993
Ghostwriter? Yes, Jahnna Beecham and Malcolm Hillgartner
Synopsis:
The BSC is gearing up for another activity. They want to put on a Thanksgiving celebration for the people in the retirement home (or is it a nursing home? Both?). The plan the come up sounds honestly pretty great: thoughtful gift baskets and a carnival the residents get to participate in. Everyone starts pitching in, but Mallory's struggling to keep up. She's still constantly exhausted, and getting worse. Finally, she gets diagnosed with mononucleosis. And since she's Mallory, it's an especially bad case. She's laid up pretty much the whole month of November, causing her family to miss out on attending the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and forcing her to temporarily stop baby-sitting. She thinks the BSC should replace her, but the other members disagree: they want Mallory to recover and come back when she's well. Until then, she's an honorary member.
Established or continued in this book:
The Girls (and Logan):
Claudia candy: none mentioned
Shannon routinely wears black mascara.
Page 52: "This is the worse thing that's ever happened to me." [emphasis mine] Apparently only two things have ever happened to Mallory.
Their Families:
Vanessa show some Mallory-like traits, breaking up an argument between her younger siblings.
Mrs. Pike makes all the kids lunches to take to school.
In this book, Jessi calls her mother "Mom" instead of her usual "Mama."
The Club: nothing new.
SMS: nothing new.
PSA Time:
It's true that mono can be spread other ways than kissing. A soccer teammate of mine had it one season (she had to sit out the whole time; you could see the swelling of her spleen through her skin). From then on, all the coaches of the sports teams were extra careful to remind us not to share water bottles.
Fruit juice isn't as healthy as most people think. Even the ones that don't have as much sugar as pop still are a far cry from actual fruit.
Misc:
It's Halloween again, plus the first mention of Thanksgiving.
Stacey and Charlotte Johanssen go back to Polly's, the candy store first mentioned in The Truth about Stacey.
The numbers:
Starting 8th grade: 6
Valentine's Days in 8th grade: 2
Halloweens in 8th grade: 3 (plus one in seventh)
Thanksgivings in 8th grade: 1
Summers after 8th grade: 6
BSC Fights: 8
SMS Staff and Faculty: 36
Students (other than the BSC): 112; 78 8th graders, 2 7th graders, 19 6th graders, 12 unspecified
Clients: 29
Types of candy in Claudia’s room: 85
Crushes:
Stacey-9
Claudia-8
Dawn-5
Jessi-3
Mallory-2
Mary Anne-2
Kristy-1
Ghostwriter? Yes, Jahnna Beecham and Malcolm Hillgartner
Synopsis:
The BSC is gearing up for another activity. They want to put on a Thanksgiving celebration for the people in the retirement home (or is it a nursing home? Both?). The plan the come up sounds honestly pretty great: thoughtful gift baskets and a carnival the residents get to participate in. Everyone starts pitching in, but Mallory's struggling to keep up. She's still constantly exhausted, and getting worse. Finally, she gets diagnosed with mononucleosis. And since she's Mallory, it's an especially bad case. She's laid up pretty much the whole month of November, causing her family to miss out on attending the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and forcing her to temporarily stop baby-sitting. She thinks the BSC should replace her, but the other members disagree: they want Mallory to recover and come back when she's well. Until then, she's an honorary member.
Established or continued in this book:
The Girls (and Logan):
Claudia candy: none mentioned
Shannon routinely wears black mascara.
Page 52: "This is the worse thing that's ever happened to me." [emphasis mine] Apparently only two things have ever happened to Mallory.
Their Families:
Vanessa show some Mallory-like traits, breaking up an argument between her younger siblings.
Mrs. Pike makes all the kids lunches to take to school.
In this book, Jessi calls her mother "Mom" instead of her usual "Mama."
The Club: nothing new.
SMS: nothing new.
PSA Time:
It's true that mono can be spread other ways than kissing. A soccer teammate of mine had it one season (she had to sit out the whole time; you could see the swelling of her spleen through her skin). From then on, all the coaches of the sports teams were extra careful to remind us not to share water bottles.
Fruit juice isn't as healthy as most people think. Even the ones that don't have as much sugar as pop still are a far cry from actual fruit.
Misc:
It's Halloween again, plus the first mention of Thanksgiving.
Stacey and Charlotte Johanssen go back to Polly's, the candy store first mentioned in The Truth about Stacey.
The numbers:
Starting 8th grade: 6
Valentine's Days in 8th grade: 2
Halloweens in 8th grade: 3 (plus one in seventh)
Thanksgivings in 8th grade: 1
Summers after 8th grade: 6
BSC Fights: 8
SMS Staff and Faculty: 36
Students (other than the BSC): 112; 78 8th graders, 2 7th graders, 19 6th graders, 12 unspecified
Clients: 29
Types of candy in Claudia’s room: 85
Crushes:
Stacey-9
Claudia-8
Dawn-5
Jessi-3
Mallory-2
Mary Anne-2
Kristy-1
10/7/11
Jessi and the Bad Baby-sitter (RS#68)
Original Publication Date: 1993
Ghostwriter? Yes, Suzanne Weyn (and "Special thanks to Beth Perkins for her creative input")
Synopsis:
The BSC is busier than ever, and with Dawn gone for six months and Mallory seeming to be coming down with some mysterious illness, the club jumps at the chance to bring on Jessi's friend Wendy as a new member. She's great with kids, but in the chaos of the busy schedule, she never really gets the rules and expectations of the BSC explained to her, and she doesn't always get to sitting jobs on time. It turns out the BSC isn't a good fit for her and vice versa. She's gone by the end of the book.
The BSC charges miss Dawn as well, and film a version of Snow White that involved Captain Planet to send to her. During the process, Jessi notices Margo Pike shoplifting, and it eventually comes out that she's swiped a few small things. Jessi helps her come clean about it and make restitution.
Best of all, Shannon is now the Alternate Officer!
Established or continued in this book:
The Girls (and Logan):
Claudia candy: cupcakes in her desk drawer (I WANT CANDY SO BAD RIGHT NOW! I would totally go to a store for Halloween candy right now, in the middle of the night, except that the baby's asleep.)
Jessi mentions praying twice, which makes four offhand references that her family might be religious, but it's so vague I can't tell.
Mallory's still into archery.
Stacey shows an interest in film-making, which will resurface toward the end of the series.
Their Families:
The Ramseys have cable.
Jeff Schafer is a Grateful Dead fan.
The Club:
Jessi tells us Dawn, as alternate officer has held each position at least once. Let's see...Kristy missed at least one meeting (when her dog died), Claudia was out of commission when her leg was broken, Stacey sometimes leaves for New York on Fridays and she lived there for a while, and Mary Anne skipped some meetings during the backlash over her haircut. Yep, checks out.
The BSC has to turn down a job!
SMS:
Sixth-grade student: Wendy Loesser
PSA Time: nothing stood out.
Misc:
I might not have any candy, but I just remembered that I have some poppyseed muffin mix. Close enough for me; I'm going to make some.
The numbers:
Starting 8th grade: 6
Halloweens in 8th grade: 2 (plus one in seventh)
Valentine's Days in 8th grade: 2
Summers after 8th grade: 6
BSC Fights: 8
SMS Staff and Faculty: 36
Students (other than the BSC): 112; 78 8th graders, 2 7th graders, 19 6th graders, 12 unspecified
Clients: 29
Types of candy in Claudia’s room: 85
Crushes:
Stacey-9
Claudia-8
Dawn-5
Jessi-3
Mallory-2
Mary Anne-2
Kristy-1
Ghostwriter? Yes, Suzanne Weyn (and "Special thanks to Beth Perkins for her creative input")
Synopsis:
The BSC is busier than ever, and with Dawn gone for six months and Mallory seeming to be coming down with some mysterious illness, the club jumps at the chance to bring on Jessi's friend Wendy as a new member. She's great with kids, but in the chaos of the busy schedule, she never really gets the rules and expectations of the BSC explained to her, and she doesn't always get to sitting jobs on time. It turns out the BSC isn't a good fit for her and vice versa. She's gone by the end of the book.
The BSC charges miss Dawn as well, and film a version of Snow White that involved Captain Planet to send to her. During the process, Jessi notices Margo Pike shoplifting, and it eventually comes out that she's swiped a few small things. Jessi helps her come clean about it and make restitution.
Best of all, Shannon is now the Alternate Officer!
Established or continued in this book:
The Girls (and Logan):
Claudia candy: cupcakes in her desk drawer (I WANT CANDY SO BAD RIGHT NOW! I would totally go to a store for Halloween candy right now, in the middle of the night, except that the baby's asleep.)
Jessi mentions praying twice, which makes four offhand references that her family might be religious, but it's so vague I can't tell.
Mallory's still into archery.
Stacey shows an interest in film-making, which will resurface toward the end of the series.
Their Families:
The Ramseys have cable.
Jeff Schafer is a Grateful Dead fan.
The Club:
Jessi tells us Dawn, as alternate officer has held each position at least once. Let's see...Kristy missed at least one meeting (when her dog died), Claudia was out of commission when her leg was broken, Stacey sometimes leaves for New York on Fridays and she lived there for a while, and Mary Anne skipped some meetings during the backlash over her haircut. Yep, checks out.
The BSC has to turn down a job!
SMS:
Sixth-grade student: Wendy Loesser
PSA Time: nothing stood out.
Misc:
I might not have any candy, but I just remembered that I have some poppyseed muffin mix. Close enough for me; I'm going to make some.
The numbers:
Starting 8th grade: 6
Halloweens in 8th grade: 2 (plus one in seventh)
Valentine's Days in 8th grade: 2
Summers after 8th grade: 6
BSC Fights: 8
SMS Staff and Faculty: 36
Students (other than the BSC): 112; 78 8th graders, 2 7th graders, 19 6th graders, 12 unspecified
Clients: 29
Types of candy in Claudia’s room: 85
Crushes:
Stacey-9
Claudia-8
Dawn-5
Jessi-3
Mallory-2
Mary Anne-2
Kristy-1
10/6/11
Claudia and the Mystery at the Museum (M#11)
Original Publication Date: 1993
Ghostwriter? Yes, Ellen Miles
Synopsis:
Claudia is very excited. No, not because Dawn's gone. One of her favorite artists is having an exhibit of his touchable sculptures at the local museum. She goes to the exhibit one afternoon with Corrie Addison and the Arnold twins, and while they're there someone steals some old, valuable coins from the archeology section. The BSC dives right in, quickly surmising that the coins are still in the museum (the theft was discovered immediately and everyone was searched before leaving), but where? Claudia eventually notices that one piece feels very different from the last time she saw it displayed, and with the help of the artist himself, realizes that the coins are stashed in a hollow space inside it. Turns out a man posing as a custodian did it. Mystery solved!
Established or continued in this book:
The Girls (and Logan):
Claudia candy: Doritos, Ruffles
Uh-oh...Mallory's been feeling rundown lately.
Their Families:
Janine is taking physics and chemistry at the same time? That would take brains. Or Claudia is just throwing out subjects that sound difficult.
The Pike kids get an allowance, but it's not specified how much.
The Club: nothing new
SMS: nothing new
PSA Time: nothing stood out.
Misc:
This is an interesting book, but there's not a lot of material for me.
The numbers:
Starting 8th grade: 4
Halloweens in 8th grade: 2 (plus one in seventh)
Valentine's Days in 8th grade: 2
Summers after 8th grade: 6
BSC Fights: 8
SMS Staff and Faculty: 36
Students (other than the BSC): 111; 78 8th graders, 2 7th graders, 18 6th graders, 12 unspecified
Clients: 29
Types of candy in Claudia’s room: 85
Crushes:
Stacey-9
Claudia-8
Dawn-5
Jessi-3
Mallory-2
Mary Anne-2
Kristy-1
Ghostwriter? Yes, Ellen Miles
Synopsis:
Claudia is very excited. No, not because Dawn's gone. One of her favorite artists is having an exhibit of his touchable sculptures at the local museum. She goes to the exhibit one afternoon with Corrie Addison and the Arnold twins, and while they're there someone steals some old, valuable coins from the archeology section. The BSC dives right in, quickly surmising that the coins are still in the museum (the theft was discovered immediately and everyone was searched before leaving), but where? Claudia eventually notices that one piece feels very different from the last time she saw it displayed, and with the help of the artist himself, realizes that the coins are stashed in a hollow space inside it. Turns out a man posing as a custodian did it. Mystery solved!
Established or continued in this book:
The Girls (and Logan):
Claudia candy: Doritos, Ruffles
Uh-oh...Mallory's been feeling rundown lately.
Their Families:
Janine is taking physics and chemistry at the same time? That would take brains. Or Claudia is just throwing out subjects that sound difficult.
The Pike kids get an allowance, but it's not specified how much.
The Club: nothing new
SMS: nothing new
PSA Time: nothing stood out.
Misc:
This is an interesting book, but there's not a lot of material for me.
The numbers:
Starting 8th grade: 4
Halloweens in 8th grade: 2 (plus one in seventh)
Valentine's Days in 8th grade: 2
Summers after 8th grade: 6
BSC Fights: 8
SMS Staff and Faculty: 36
Students (other than the BSC): 111; 78 8th graders, 2 7th graders, 18 6th graders, 12 unspecified
Clients: 29
Types of candy in Claudia’s room: 85
Crushes:
Stacey-9
Claudia-8
Dawn-5
Jessi-3
Mallory-2
Mary Anne-2
Kristy-1
10/1/11
Dawn's Big Move (RS#67)
Original Publication Date: 1993
Ghostwriter? Yes, Peter Lerangis
Synopsis:
Remember all the foreshadowing about Dawn pining away for California, her brother, and her dad (I think in that order)? She's going back for six month. Her homesickness has gotten much worse, and her family works it out for her that she can have an extended visit. Dawn's worried about how things will be without her (for example, the BSC is very busy right now) but overall she's thrilled to have a chance to be home for a while. She has time to enjoy a field day event, and of course a kid-filled goodbye party, then it's off to California.
Established or continued in this book:
The Girls (and Logan):
Claudia candy: Christmas-themed Holiday M&Ms (yes, in September, from last winter) in her closet, Milky Way bar in her purse, sesame crackers, Ring Dings, Chunkies, pretzels, Milk Duds, rice cakes, macrobiotic cookies, Raisinettes, and chips
Apparently, being around Logan has taught Mary Anne a little of sports information, as she understands football better than Dawn. Though I find it hard to believe that a thirteen-year-old would be confused why the words "touchdown" and "goal" are significant to each other. Then again, I'm not a good example of what's common football knowledge; my dad's been involved with the UW Husky football team longer than he's known my mom.
Shannon knows how to tap dance.
Their Families:
Dawn chides Jeff to be nicer to Carol. Just wait a few books for when her dad proposes...Dawn is totally nice about it.
Jessi's family goes to church when they visit their family back in New Jersey. I wonder if that was only because of the visit or if they do go sometimes.
It's telling that Kristy says Emily Michelle might "freak out and need to be on NANNIE'S team [for a sports competition]." Not her mom's or Watson's team; Nannie's. Whose child is this again?
When Margo drops a raw egg on the floor and looks to Mallory for help, the latter responds, "That's okay, you know how to clean it up." I'm going to remember that sentence for when my daughter gets older (and for any other kids I eventually have).
Apparently, Richard Spier can imitate Goofy. He also rings the doorbell to his own house to get in. Twice. Hasn't Sharon given him a key yet?
Byron and Nicky are getting along okay.
The Club:
There's some good continuity with Jamie Newton, in that he's still nervous on his bike.
I think these girls are taking togetherness a little too far. Because Dawn and Stacey have dietary restrictions, the other five end up eating only stuff those two can also eat while at the field day. But eating candy during meetings is okay?
SMS:
The school guidance counselor is Mrs. Amer.
PSA Time:
Don't radically change your exercise routine the day of a competition. You're more likely to hurt yourself than anything else, and an hour of randomness certainly isn't going to magically help if only done once.
Misc:
I don't know about the rest of you, but I am terrible at tug-of-war.
The numbers:
Starting 8th grade: 4
Halloweens in 8th grade: 2 (plus one in seventh)
Valentine's Days in 8th grade: 2
Summers after 8th grade: 5
BSC Fights: 8
SMS Staff and Faculty: 36
Students (other than the BSC): 111; 78 8th graders, 2 7th graders, 18 6th graders, 12 unspecified
Clients: 29
Types of candy in Claudia’s room: 85
Crushes:
Stacey-9
Claudia-8
Dawn-5
Jessi-3
Mallory-2
Mary Anne-2
Kristy-1
Ghostwriter? Yes, Peter Lerangis
Synopsis:
Remember all the foreshadowing about Dawn pining away for California, her brother, and her dad (I think in that order)? She's going back for six month. Her homesickness has gotten much worse, and her family works it out for her that she can have an extended visit. Dawn's worried about how things will be without her (for example, the BSC is very busy right now) but overall she's thrilled to have a chance to be home for a while. She has time to enjoy a field day event, and of course a kid-filled goodbye party, then it's off to California.
Established or continued in this book:
The Girls (and Logan):
Claudia candy: Christmas-themed Holiday M&Ms (yes, in September, from last winter) in her closet, Milky Way bar in her purse, sesame crackers, Ring Dings, Chunkies, pretzels, Milk Duds, rice cakes, macrobiotic cookies, Raisinettes, and chips
Apparently, being around Logan has taught Mary Anne a little of sports information, as she understands football better than Dawn. Though I find it hard to believe that a thirteen-year-old would be confused why the words "touchdown" and "goal" are significant to each other. Then again, I'm not a good example of what's common football knowledge; my dad's been involved with the UW Husky football team longer than he's known my mom.
Shannon knows how to tap dance.
Their Families:
Dawn chides Jeff to be nicer to Carol. Just wait a few books for when her dad proposes...Dawn is totally nice about it.
Jessi's family goes to church when they visit their family back in New Jersey. I wonder if that was only because of the visit or if they do go sometimes.
It's telling that Kristy says Emily Michelle might "freak out and need to be on NANNIE'S team [for a sports competition]." Not her mom's or Watson's team; Nannie's. Whose child is this again?
When Margo drops a raw egg on the floor and looks to Mallory for help, the latter responds, "That's okay, you know how to clean it up." I'm going to remember that sentence for when my daughter gets older (and for any other kids I eventually have).
Apparently, Richard Spier can imitate Goofy. He also rings the doorbell to his own house to get in. Twice. Hasn't Sharon given him a key yet?
Byron and Nicky are getting along okay.
The Club:
There's some good continuity with Jamie Newton, in that he's still nervous on his bike.
I think these girls are taking togetherness a little too far. Because Dawn and Stacey have dietary restrictions, the other five end up eating only stuff those two can also eat while at the field day. But eating candy during meetings is okay?
SMS:
The school guidance counselor is Mrs. Amer.
PSA Time:
Don't radically change your exercise routine the day of a competition. You're more likely to hurt yourself than anything else, and an hour of randomness certainly isn't going to magically help if only done once.
Misc:
I don't know about the rest of you, but I am terrible at tug-of-war.
The numbers:
Starting 8th grade: 4
Halloweens in 8th grade: 2 (plus one in seventh)
Valentine's Days in 8th grade: 2
Summers after 8th grade: 5
BSC Fights: 8
SMS Staff and Faculty: 36
Students (other than the BSC): 111; 78 8th graders, 2 7th graders, 18 6th graders, 12 unspecified
Clients: 29
Types of candy in Claudia’s room: 85
Crushes:
Stacey-9
Claudia-8
Dawn-5
Jessi-3
Mallory-2
Mary Anne-2
Kristy-1
Chain Letter
Original Publication Date: 1993
Ghostwriter? Not that I can tell
Synopsis:
Okay...so this book takes place during the summer, but was published the same month as Dawn's Big Move. It seems to take place before the events of it, too. It has some similarities with the tenth Super Special, Sea City, Here We Come!. But I don't think they're the "same" summer. While Jessi and Mallory do still go with the Pikes to Sea City, no one else goes. In particular, Mary Anne and Dawn go to California, and Stacey goes to New York. Also it was published the month after Stacey and the Mystery Money, which takes place during a school year So...I'm counting this as another summer. Which means that the next book, which takes place during the beginning of the school year, will be counted as beginning eighth grade again.
Anyway, plot. Kristy has an emergency appendectomy and her cousin Robin (remember her from way back?) sends her an obligation--I mean, chain letter, complete with the whole "if you break the chain bad luck will visit you" bit. The gimmick with it is that they're supposed to write to the next person and reveal a secret. Robin starts with telling Kristy that she blamed the dog when she broke her mom's expensive perfume container. The other secrets:
Kristy tells Stacey (who's in New York) that sometimes she hates her father. Really hates, as in wishes he were dead. Can't say I'm surprised that she has strong feelings about him given what a jerk he was/is.
Stacey tells Mallory (who's in Sea City) that when she first moved to Stoneybrook, she was nervous about making a good first impression so she dyed her hair red. It looked awful but she was able to dye it back, which is why she knew how to handle things when Mallory dyed her red hair blonde in California.
Mallory admits to Jessi (who's also in Sea City) via letter that she copied from Jessi during a test once. Jessi knew, and accepts Mallory's apology, also via letter.
Jessi writes to Mary Anne (who's in California) that she and her sister accidentally set fire the living room rug (yay Back to the Future!) and didn't fess up when their parents found the tiny spot and assumed a smoker friend of theirs did it. She also sends Mary Anne a homemade bookmark.
Mary Anne sends a letter to Claudia (care of Stacey's dad, with whom she's staying) and tells her that "last year" when her life was in upheaval: her dad remarrying, moving, finding out that her mom's mom was still alive...which was eighth grade...she got so stressed that she ended up meeting with a therapist several times. The sessions helped a lot, and Mary Anne is back on top of things. She also sends Claudia some pictures of her and Dawn from a photo booth.
Claudia writes to Dawn (also in California) about the time about two years ago when she stole a dollar from Mimi's purse for Twinkies. She says she still feels awful about it, but has learned her lesson and will never steal again. She also sends Dawn a friendship bracelet.
Dawn writes to Shannon (who's at camp) that she lied to Mary Anne on their flight home that Cam Geary was in first class. No reason, just to mess with her.
While they're sending letters around, they also plan a surprise party for Kristy which will be held when she finally gets out of the hospital (she got a secondary staph infection) and deal with the BSC answering machine being on the fritz. Annoyingly, we don't get to find out secrets about Logan or Shannon.
Established or continued in this book:
The Girls (and Logan):
Claudia candy: none mentioned
I thought Claudia knew something about art. Why then does she fail to understand that some famous sculptures are missing body parts because they're old? (think of the Venus de Milo)
Considering the more significant secret Dawn reveals in her portrait book, the one she told Shannon was a cop-out. It's almost like she lied just to have something to write in the letter.
Claudia tells Mary Anne she's going to remember the therapist's name. In a few books, she does indeed!
Mallory and Stacey may have bonded over having Toby the Jerk flirt with them.
Dawn is apparently sick of Disneyland, which would fit with her father becoming, in her words, "Disneyland Dad" when she visited a while back.
Their Families:
Karen writes a contraction in a get well soon card to Kristy.
The Ramseys let their friends smoke inside their home, I guess? I wouldn't, even if I didn't have a baby. My uncle smokes, and when he visits anyone's place he is polite and smokes outside. I think he even smokes outside at his own home. I still wish he'd quit altogether, though.
That's cute; Margo Pike writes to Stacey to tell her that Toby the Jerk is hanging around an ugly girl. Mean thought, but she's trying to be nice to Stacey.
The Club: nothing new
SMS: summer time
PSA Time:
When it's necessary, therapy works. Don't worry about stigma or whatever. It works.
Misc:
Appendices do have a purpose; they help the immune system.
The numbers:
Starting 8th grade: 4
Halloweens in 8th grade: 2 (plus one in seventh)
Valentine's Days in 8th grade: 2
Summers after 8th grade: 6
BSC Fights: 8
SMS Staff and Faculty: 36
Students (other than the BSC): 111; 78 8th graders, 2 7th graders, 18 6th graders, 12 unspecified
Clients: 29
Types of candy in Claudia’s room: 85
Crushes:
Stacey-9
Claudia-8
Dawn-5
Jessi-3
Mallory-2
Mary Anne-2
Kristy-1
Ghostwriter? Not that I can tell
Synopsis:
Okay...so this book takes place during the summer, but was published the same month as Dawn's Big Move. It seems to take place before the events of it, too. It has some similarities with the tenth Super Special, Sea City, Here We Come!. But I don't think they're the "same" summer. While Jessi and Mallory do still go with the Pikes to Sea City, no one else goes. In particular, Mary Anne and Dawn go to California, and Stacey goes to New York. Also it was published the month after Stacey and the Mystery Money, which takes place during a school year So...I'm counting this as another summer. Which means that the next book, which takes place during the beginning of the school year, will be counted as beginning eighth grade again.
Anyway, plot. Kristy has an emergency appendectomy and her cousin Robin (remember her from way back?) sends her an obligation--I mean, chain letter, complete with the whole "if you break the chain bad luck will visit you" bit. The gimmick with it is that they're supposed to write to the next person and reveal a secret. Robin starts with telling Kristy that she blamed the dog when she broke her mom's expensive perfume container. The other secrets:
Kristy tells Stacey (who's in New York) that sometimes she hates her father. Really hates, as in wishes he were dead. Can't say I'm surprised that she has strong feelings about him given what a jerk he was/is.
Stacey tells Mallory (who's in Sea City) that when she first moved to Stoneybrook, she was nervous about making a good first impression so she dyed her hair red. It looked awful but she was able to dye it back, which is why she knew how to handle things when Mallory dyed her red hair blonde in California.
Mallory admits to Jessi (who's also in Sea City) via letter that she copied from Jessi during a test once. Jessi knew, and accepts Mallory's apology, also via letter.
Jessi writes to Mary Anne (who's in California) that she and her sister accidentally set fire the living room rug (yay Back to the Future!) and didn't fess up when their parents found the tiny spot and assumed a smoker friend of theirs did it. She also sends Mary Anne a homemade bookmark.
Mary Anne sends a letter to Claudia (care of Stacey's dad, with whom she's staying) and tells her that "last year" when her life was in upheaval: her dad remarrying, moving, finding out that her mom's mom was still alive...which was eighth grade...she got so stressed that she ended up meeting with a therapist several times. The sessions helped a lot, and Mary Anne is back on top of things. She also sends Claudia some pictures of her and Dawn from a photo booth.
Claudia writes to Dawn (also in California) about the time about two years ago when she stole a dollar from Mimi's purse for Twinkies. She says she still feels awful about it, but has learned her lesson and will never steal again. She also sends Dawn a friendship bracelet.
Dawn writes to Shannon (who's at camp) that she lied to Mary Anne on their flight home that Cam Geary was in first class. No reason, just to mess with her.
While they're sending letters around, they also plan a surprise party for Kristy which will be held when she finally gets out of the hospital (she got a secondary staph infection) and deal with the BSC answering machine being on the fritz. Annoyingly, we don't get to find out secrets about Logan or Shannon.
Established or continued in this book:
The Girls (and Logan):
Claudia candy: none mentioned
I thought Claudia knew something about art. Why then does she fail to understand that some famous sculptures are missing body parts because they're old? (think of the Venus de Milo)
Considering the more significant secret Dawn reveals in her portrait book, the one she told Shannon was a cop-out. It's almost like she lied just to have something to write in the letter.
Claudia tells Mary Anne she's going to remember the therapist's name. In a few books, she does indeed!
Mallory and Stacey may have bonded over having Toby the Jerk flirt with them.
Dawn is apparently sick of Disneyland, which would fit with her father becoming, in her words, "Disneyland Dad" when she visited a while back.
Their Families:
Karen writes a contraction in a get well soon card to Kristy.
The Ramseys let their friends smoke inside their home, I guess? I wouldn't, even if I didn't have a baby. My uncle smokes, and when he visits anyone's place he is polite and smokes outside. I think he even smokes outside at his own home. I still wish he'd quit altogether, though.
That's cute; Margo Pike writes to Stacey to tell her that Toby the Jerk is hanging around an ugly girl. Mean thought, but she's trying to be nice to Stacey.
The Club: nothing new
SMS: summer time
PSA Time:
When it's necessary, therapy works. Don't worry about stigma or whatever. It works.
Misc:
Appendices do have a purpose; they help the immune system.
The numbers:
Starting 8th grade: 4
Halloweens in 8th grade: 2 (plus one in seventh)
Valentine's Days in 8th grade: 2
Summers after 8th grade: 6
BSC Fights: 8
SMS Staff and Faculty: 36
Students (other than the BSC): 111; 78 8th graders, 2 7th graders, 18 6th graders, 12 unspecified
Clients: 29
Types of candy in Claudia’s room: 85
Crushes:
Stacey-9
Claudia-8
Dawn-5
Jessi-3
Mallory-2
Mary Anne-2
Kristy-1
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