Kristy's Big Day (GN#6)

Original Publication Date: 2018

Ghostwriter? No, the text copyright is for Ann M. Martin.

Illustrator: Gale Galligan

Synopsis:

Not a ton of difference between this and the original version. There is a mention that Watson's parents are very religious and he doesn't want to upset them, so moving in together before being married isn't an option. "Morbidda Destiny" shows up a bit later, and Dawn is the one who stops Karen from yelling about magics clashing, and Karen briefly treats her neighbor like a human being.

Established or continued in this book:

The Girls (and Logan):

Claudia candy: She searches for Ring Dings but can't find them


Their Families:

Watson's house

Nannie and her Pink Clinker

Watson's parents seem uncomfortable with talk of magic as well as living together before marriage (although Elizabeth and Watson could have stayed in separate rooms!)

The Brewer/Watson family

The Club (and clients):

Six-member club

SMS:

End-of-the-year school dance

PSA Time:

Walkers are not recommended by the American Pediatric Association--too big a risk of falls.


Misc:

Galligan dedicates this to "Max, William, Durinn, Nate, and Lily. And for Patrick, who is much older than these cool babies, but still manages to have a good time."

The wedding

Karen causing a scene

Kristy's wedding present to her mother and Watson

Dawn and the Impossible Three (GN#5)

Original Publication Date: 2017

Ghostwriter? No, the text copyright is for Ann M. Martin.

Illustrator: Gale Galligan (praise for Galligan's work from previous illustrator Raina Telgemeier is prominently displayed on the cover)

Synopsis:

The plot is almost exactly like the original version of Dawn and the Impossible Three, but includes parts of Hello, Mallory in the form of Mallory joining as a junior member (Jessi is not in the graphic novel),


Established or continued in this book:

The Girls (and Logan):

Claudia candy: Gummi worms

Mary Anne's redecorated room (in chocolate brown and green instead of navy and yellow)

Their Families:

Scatter-brained Sharon

Dawn and Jeff eating their organic pizza (Dawn specifically asks Jeff if he wants "organic pizza")

The Bizzer Sign

Dawn's grandparents seeing Richard for the first time in years

The Club (and clients):

Five-member club

Mallory describes how Nicky broke his finger

Mallory's first meeting and the infamous test. She stands up for herself better here.

Mallory saving Marnie from the chocolate brownie

Mallory joins as a junior member

The Barretts' house before Dawn

The Puddle Walk (I've always loved this idea)

SMS:

SMS lunchroom (Dawn, Mary Anne, and Kristy are eating with the Shillaber twins)

PSA Time:

Yay, Dawn's wearing a helmet! I know they were less the norm when the books were published (thirty years ago!) but with an uncle who's not only into outdoor sports but also an ER doctor, I'm glad Galligan put this detail in.

Misc:

Martin dedicates this book to her aunt Dot. Galligan gives "eternal thanks to Mom, Dad, Lori, AMM, Raina Telgemeier, Cassandra Pelham, David Saylor, David Leviathan, Phil Falco, Sheila Marie Everett, Braden Lamb, John Green, Dave Roman, Rachel Young, Ngozi Ukazu, Dave Valeza, and all my beloved friends, family, and grads. [line break] And to Patrick, who gets his very own line because he is my favorite boy."

I really hope the release of this and Kristy's Big Day means we'll get at least the first ten books as graphic novels. I'd love to see The Ghost at Dawn's House in this format. Maybe some of the more memorable books or Super Specials so we can see Jessi, Logan, Shannon, and Abby!

The Show Stopper

Published in 2018; author Mary Casanova; illustrators Julie Kolesova and Kirsty Pargeter

Plot

Using her charm and self-confidence and a connection provided by her older cousin Michael, Rebecca is able to get herself and her cousin Ana a gig working at a Broadway theater--sort of. They play the parts of farm workers at a themed restaurant that holds dinner theater. But Rebecca's thrilled with this because she ends up being tasked with taking a daily glass of fresh milk to Olivia "Ollie" Barry, an up and coming actress (who Rebecca's boss thinks is a diva).

During rehearsals, Ollie starts finding herself in untenable situations. It really seems like someone is out to at least sabotage her career, if not actually hurt her.  Rebecca and Ana are able to investigate pretty well, having access to a lot of behind-the-scenes areas. Who could it be? Rebecca and Ana's boss, who seems jealous of Ollie not only for her stardom but for dating her ex? The play's director, who's always short with her? For a while, Rebecca and Ana are even suspects, when Ollie is given milk tainted with rat poison.

After a few false leads and some lucky breaks, Rebecca realizes the real culprit: Mr. O'Hara, the set painter Michael was hired to help. He's known Ollie for years, and knows her secret. They're both Irish immigrants, but Ollie has worked hard to suppress her accent to avoid the prejudice so many in the 1920s have against the Irish. O'Hara wants to keep Ollie from catching too big of a break, believing that if she remembers her roots she'll fall in love with him. Never mind that she's already in a serious relationship! Still perfectly fine to endanger her because you pine for her. (sarcasm)

Misc

Dedicated to "Lucia and all who love the stage."

I like that the book touches on Rebecca and Ana feeling conflicted over working on the Sabbath, especially because their Sabbath is different from the majority's (Saturday vs Sunday). There's discussion of the religious observance vs practicality. Rebecca's father keeps his shoe store open on Saturdays because he can't afford to lose the business he'll do that day.

In a book about racial, ethnic, and national stereotypes, I was a little disappointed to see the main Irish character drinking on the job, and the Jewish theater owner being stingy.

The theater owner's last name is Hammerstein. A reference to Rodgers and Hammerstein?