By: Jessica Sun

Claudia and the New Girl by Ann M talks about Claudia Kishi, who is struggling with her self-esteem and feeling overshadowed by a new baby-sitter, Ashley, who joins the club. Claudia is worried that Ashley might be better at babysitting and art, which makes Claudia feel insecure and doubt her own abilities.

As Claudia tries to ignore these feelings, the book dives into her efforts to fit in and prove herself. She’s also dealing with her usual responsibilities, like her schoolwork and her role in the Baby-Sitters Club. It’s interesting to see Claudia’s struggle as she tries to balance everything and handle the changes in her life.
Her journey through these challenges is both engaging and relatable, because it’s about during school when you might be jealous or have drama with your friends, especially for anyone who has ever felt like they don’t quite measure up.

Ann M. Martin does a great job showing Claudia’s emotions and the challenges she faces. Since it isn’t a chapter book and a graphic novel, the pictures show Claudia’s face so the readers can understand how she is feeling. The illustrations by Raina Telgemeier add a lot to the book, making the characters and their feelings come alive with bright and lively artwork. The visual style complements the story perfectly.

Overall, Claudia and the New Girl is a heartwarming and enjoyable read. It has a great message about friendship, self-acceptance, and finding confidence. If you’re a fan of the Baby-Sitters Club series, you’ll find this book to be a wonderful addition. It’s a fun, relatable story that continues the charm of the original series. I would recommend this book for ages 9-13 years olds. I rate this book five stars.