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Mary Anne’s Bad Luck Mystery by Ann M. Martin didn’t do a lot for me and I have to remind myself that I am a 34 year old woman reading books for tweens. The girls acted like such pre-teens and for some reason that got to me this time. I think it’s because it took Mary Anne an exaggeratedly long time to figure out what was going on. Mary Anne is not a stupid girl but this book kind of made her seem that way. While I completely understood the joy of the cemetery scene at the end it really showed some immaturity. I think that annoys me because I remember being 13 and thinking like that and I just want to go back and kick myself. I’m sure that’s why this one just wasn’t as good for me.


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Stacey’s Mistake by Ann M. Martin was another entry in the Baby-Sitters Club that I really enjoyed. The BSC heads to NYC! I have to admit that I would be torn between acting like Dawn and Mary Anne; constantly paranoid and yet in complete awe during every waking moment. Stacey’s Mistake brought back the level of maturity I am used to seeing in this series. Yes there were issues among the girls but this is stuff that is relatable and not necessarily flawed thinking. To me the idea of children walking even younger children around New York City is banana pants. I was incredibly sheltered and rest assured this would have NEVER happened. The 80s were a different time but I also wonder if this is actually realistic or fictionalized just a bit to make the book work.


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Normally the BSC books make me gooey and mushy for days gone by even though I know they weren’t as wholesome as Martin writes them. This book, for whatever reason, takes the cake for me!! Imagine a routinely obnoxious prank-pulling child pulls a stunt that breaks her sitter’s leg today. Do you think that child’s mom is just going to try and write it off as NBFD?! Or that the sitter’s parents would even let the child’s parent try to act like this kind of stuff happens all the time and isn’t it unfortunate? To be honest, I don’t think it would have then either but what do I know? I was only 4 when this book was published. Regardless, I think Claudia had a very valid response to having a child she was sitting for break her leg; whether that was what was intended or not. I have to say though that I agree with her decision. You can’t let one accident stop you from doing the things you love. I would never put myself in the same position and woulddn’t let my friends either. I wonder if Betsy is ever addressed again after this book??


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Another feel good read from Martin. So much of these books brings back a childhood that is so drastically different from today. I imagine every generation goes through this. Almost the entirety of this book was focused on Kristy’s Krushers and not much else. To be honest, even the other sitters don’t make much of an appearance in this book. It was okay because the story moved quickly enough that it wasn’t noticeable except in hindsight. I was sort of surprised to find Bart so early in the series. These books really lighten my weeks and put a silly smile on my face.