Part of The Baby-Sitters Club, book 32
First published 1996
Kristy Thomas takes on a new babysitting job with Susan Felder, an autistic girl who attends a special school away from home. Susan possesses remarkable musical talents, playing piano and singing with skill, yet she cannot communicate verbally with others. She remains isolated within her own inner world. Kristy watches as Susan faces the possibility of being sent away permanently to her special school, separated from her family and community. The arrangement troubles Kristy, who believes Susan deserves the same opportunities as other children in Stoneybrook. Kristy decides to take action, determined to prove that Susan belongs in their town just like any other kid. She works to demonstrate Susan's capabilities and worth to the adults around them. Through her efforts, Kristy hopes to change minds and show everyone that Susan should stay in Stoneybrook with her family, where she can be part of the community rather than isolated at a distant institution.
Genres: family-life, contemporary, disability
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, social-justice
Setting: Stoneybrook
145 pages · Paperback · Scholastic Paperbacks