42 pages • 1 hour read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
153
Novel • Fiction
Stoneybrook, Connecticut • 1980s
1986
Middle grade
8-12 years
In Kristy's Great Idea, Kristy Thomas and her friends form the Baby-Sitters Club to help parents find sitters easily. As they organize the club, Kristy deals with her mother’s new relationship and the changes it brings to her family. Throughout the story, the girls learn about friendship, teamwork, and personal growth through their babysitting experiences. Sensitive topics in this book include coping with familial changes and navigating divorced or single-parent households.
Playful
Nostalgic
Humorous
Heartwarming
90,544 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Kristy's Great Idea by Ann M. Martin is often praised for its relatable characters and engaging depiction of friendship and entrepreneurship. Readers appreciate the story’s realistic portrayal of pre-teen issues but some find the plot predictable and dialogue somewhat dated. Overall, it’s a nostalgic read that resonates well with its target age group.
Fans of Kristy's Great Idea by Ann M. Martin are likely preteen readers who enjoy realistic fiction centered around friendship, family, and entrepreneurship. This book will appeal to readers who loved Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary and Judy Moody by Megan McDonald for their relatable, character-driven narratives.
90,544 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Claudia Kishi
A creative and fashion-forward member of the Baby-Sitters Club, Claudia serves as the vice president and is known for her leadership abilities as well as her artistic talents.
Mary Anne Spier
Kristy's best friend and the club’s secretary, Mary Anne is characterized by her reserved nature and strict upbringing, which gives her a level-headed approach to babysitting.
Stacey McGill
The newest member of the Baby-Sitters Club, Stacey hails from New York City and is distinguished by her stylish appearance and unique experiences that shape her role in the group.
Kristy's Mom
A loving and patient character who navigates her family's dynamics and busy life as a single mother until she announces her engagement, impacting the family's future.
David Michael Thomas
Kristy's younger brother, for whom Kristy frequently babysits, giving her the initial experience and responsibility that contribute to her role in the Baby-Sitters Club.
Sam Thomas
One of Kristy's older brothers, who shares a mutual crush with Stacey, adding a personal connection to her involvement with the Baby-Sitters Club.
Watson Brewer
Kristy's mother’s boyfriend, later fiancé, who plays a significant role in the changes within Kristy's family dynamic and her adjustment to those changes.
Karen Brewer
Watson's talkative and imaginative daughter, whose vibrant personality adds an element of interest and challenge for the babysitters, particularly Mary Anne.
Andrew Brewer
Watson's quiet and introverted son, who gradually forms a bond with Kristy amidst the new familial relationships.
153
Novel • Fiction
Stoneybrook, Connecticut • 1980s
1986
Middle grade
8-12 years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.