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With challenges undermining their friendship, Eleanor and Chanel must navigate their senior year in a time of uncertainty. When the cheer squad decides to take a knee at the season’s first football game, their act of rebellion has disastrous consequences. Chanel, who is black, is singled out as the ringleader and is the only student suspended from school. Eleanor, however, starts a relationship with star quarterback Three, who may or may not have her back as other students protest their school’s actions. A bittersweet, sometime humorous, but always compelling look at issues of friendship, privilege, sports, and race.
Hey YA Readers!
I’m deep into reading We Are The Baby-Sitters Club edited by Marisa Crawford and Megan Milks in preparation for the second season of The Baby-Sitters Club to drop on Netflix. It’s given me so much to think about in terms of the original series — is Kristy queer? is Mallory an example of what a good ally does? why is Jessi’s skin color never consistent or correct on the book covers of the series? — and it’s making me really excited to see where the new season goes.
I’ve debated, too, whether or not The Baby-Sitters Club is YA or not. The characters are forever in eighth grade, so they straddle that line of late middle grade and early young adult and I think that’s really one of the things that makes this series special. We really see how different teens are at that age: some are mature, while others are still grappling with what it means to leave childhood behind and grow into one’s self.
I’ll be chatting with my pal and Baby-Sitters Club superfan Amma Marfo about the second season later this month on an episode of Hey YA Extra Credit (our take on the first season is here). Besides preparing by reading, I’ve also been deep into the world of Baby-Sitters Club fan merch and thought it might be a fun way to launch a new week.
Say hello to your season two Baby-Sitters Club goods from around the web.
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This travel poster for Stoneybrook, Connecticut, is gorgeous, fun, and a super clever take on BSC fandom. I’d hang this in my house, no question. $20.
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Kristy might not get why you’d wear the book on your ears, but Claudia would be all in on these BSC book cover earrings. $10.
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Light up this….cake and fruit loops scented candle for all of your BSC meetings. I am both surprised and delighted by the mix of scents. It’s too perfect. $21.
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I love this tote bag. Lead, create, dress, love, chill, dance, and write like your faves. $13.
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Pop this digital illustration of the Baby-Sitters Club, inspired by the Netflix show, in your office. $10.
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I’ve been waffling back and forth on picking up a shirt like this one, but I’m picky about my t-shirts. That problem is no longer a problem, as you can buy the digital file — the Stoneybrook Middle School 1986 logo — and apply it to whatever you’d like to. $2 for the digital download.
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I *would* wear this BSC character shirt, no question. $28, sizes S-3XL.
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Wear this enamel pin honoring Kristy’s great idea. $15.
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It wasn’t until I watched the first season of the adaptation where I was able to own which of the characters I really am: Kristy (much as I identify a lot with Dawn…). If you’re a Kristy, this bookmark is for you. Good news, fans of Mary Anne, Claudia, or Stacey: this shop has those bookmark options. too. $3.50.
As always, thanks for hanging out. We’ll see you on Thursday with your YA book news and new books.
— Kelly Jensen, @heykellyjensen on Instagram.