The Truth About Stacey [The Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novel]

Not having read any of the original Baby Sitter's Club books, I read this one because it is in graphic novel form by Raina Telgemeier. This book lent itself very well to the graphic novel form - the plot is not complicated (a rival Baby sitter's club opens) and has a subplot about one of their members who is having trouble dealing with her diabetes. All in all, it reminded me of those bygone 'after school special' TV shows dealing with some teenage or tween problem. Not high literature, and somewhat didactic, but I can see why a middle-schooler might like this.

Stacey struggles not so much with keeping her diabetes in check, but with keeping her parents' concern about her diabetes in check. She's also still adjusting to living in a new town with new school friends while harboring resentments about her former best friend's abrupt abandonment of her last year. On top of everything else, the Baby-Sitters Club faces a challenge when some eighth graders launch their own "Baby-Sitters Agency."

This book is the second in a graphic novel series based on the middle-grade novels of the same name. Having read the originals years ago when I was a tween myself, I can no longer remember enough about them to make a point-by-point comparison, so this review will be about the graphic novel as a standalone show more work.

This book picks up right where the last one ended, moving from early in the school year to late fall/early winter of the girls' seventh grade year. Although I suppose you could pick up this book on its own, it certainly stands up better after reading the first title. The focus has shifted from Kristy to Stacey, and we now see the majority of events from her point of view, with a handful of babysitting exceptions.

What's nice about this series is how it can tackle some heavier issues (in this case, Stacey's chronic illness) while still remaining light-hearted and full of humor. Everything remains at an appropriate level of concern for young readers. And while the girls are not perfect, they are well-behaved enough to stand in as role models of good character. For instance, it is increasingly obvious how much they care for the children they watch and how seriously they take their babysitting roles. show less

{My thoughts} – Stacey is one of the four main baby-sitters and in this book we get to learn more about her and the disease she has called diabetes. She is struggling with it so much because her parents are trying to control everything about her life. I couldn’t imagine being her age and feeling so powerless, however, I am sure it is a very common occurrence with sick children.

The Baby-Sitters Club is also having some issues. They are losing business to the new Baby-Sitters Agency that has started up. The biggest problem is that the agency has older children that can stay out baby-sitting later and parents prefer that over the younger children with earlier curfews. Eventually though the parents start getting complaints from their show more children and then the parents have a choice to make.

I really enjoyed reading about Stacey some more. I also like how the Baby-Sitters Club was able to deal with their conflict with The Baby-Sitters Agency. I think this book has a lot to offer to children and that it is well worth the time spent reading it. show less

I really loved this book. I loved revisiting this story and also seeing the awesome art style. It has been so long since I read this story but I loved it. I loved how this story had nice balance of focusing on stacey as a lead character but still had a main story focusing on the other girls. I really am loving this series and the new love this series is getting. This is a super fast read and I can't wait to tackle the other ones from the series.

I really loved this book. I loved revisiting this story and also seeing the awesome art style. It has been so long since I read this story but I loved it. I loved how this story had nice balance of focusing on stacey as a lead character but still had a main story focusing on the other girls. I really am loving this series and the new love this series is getting. This is a super fast read and I can't wait to tackle the other ones from the series.

Another volume in the Babysitter's Club graphic novel series. This one does an interesting job of making New York City the epicenter of personal problems and also the epicenter of resolutions which show the girls, particularly Stacey, growing and maturing. An enjoyable and quick read.

The Babysitters Club: The Truth About Stacey (graphic novel) by Ann M. Martin and Raina Telgemeier
Stacey moved to Stoneybrook from New York City. She didn’t mind leaving, because she had a falling out with her best friend after Stacey became sick which turned out to be diabetes. Now a part of the Baby-sitters Club, she gets lots of babysitting jobs, until the Baby-sitting Agency turns up! The BSA has older babysitters who can stay out later and have more members. However, it turns out, that just because they’re older doesn’t mean that they are better babysitters. The parents find this out and take their loyalties back to the Baby-Sitters Club. While visiting a doctor in New York City, Stacey ends up making up with her old best show more friend as well.

The graphic novel format version of this book is fun! The comic style pictures show the characters’ styles, personalities, and emotions. I remember reading these books as a child, and I don’t feel like any of the story was taken away by being made into a comic book. I think this book would help capture the attention of students who may have trouble seeing the pictures in their head. show less