42 pages 1 hour read

Ann M. Martin

Kristy's Great Idea

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1986

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Important Quotes

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“I think of something to say, and I say it. I think of something to do, and I do it. Mom calls it impulsive. Sometimes she calls it trouble.”


(Chapter 1, Page 2)

Kristy admits right away that she has a major flaw she needs to work on: She doesn’t know how to refrain from saying everything she thinks. Instead, Kristy blurts out whatever is on her mind, often causing problems for herself and others. This is something she will work through with the help of patient friends and her own willingness to improve, introducing the theme of Self-Growth Through Responsibility and Agency.

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“When David Michael gets like this, it’s best to just sort of ignore his tears and pretend everything is fine.”


(Chapter 1, Page 6)

Kristy sometimes feels like she is mentally younger than her peers, but she also demonstrates inner wisdom and skills as a caregiver. Kristy’s experiences babysitting David Michael help inspire her idea for the Baby-Sitters Club, enabling her to discover her potential as a leader.

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“I don’t like him much at all. He’s divorced from his wife and has two little kids. Plus, he’s getting bald.”


(Chapter 2, Page 18)

Along with creating a new club with her friends, Kristy is also in the midst of Navigating Family Changes. Her parents are divorced, and she rarely sees or hears from her father anymore. As a result, Kristy looks for any flaws she can find in Watson, hoping to keep him at a distance and keep herself emotionally safe.

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By Ann M. Martin