Kristy for President Read online

Page 7


  I gave myself a mental shake, raised the whistle, and blew. Everyone looked up instantly.

  “Come on in,” I called. They trotted eagerly to me. The poor Krushers. While I’d been watching the clouds, they’d been getting bored. It really wasn’t the same, practicing when the coach wasn’t paying attention and helping you out.

  “Okay, let’s play a game. And we’ll concentrate on making really good catches. They don’t have to be perfect. Just do your best and remember what I told you.”

  I divided the teams up and sent them out. Since they were uneven, I went out to right field (which is traditionally where you put your least experienced player. Not much happens in right field because most batters are righthanded and they hit to left field). I thumped my glove and shouted, “Play ball!”

  Claire Pike, who is five and prone to tantrums, was up first. She swung and missed. She swung and missed again.

  “Keep your eye on the ball,” called Karen. (One thing about coaching Karen — she never forgets anything you tell her!)

  Claire stared hard at Matt, who was pitching. She leaned over a little, squinting, watching the ball.

  Matt threw a fast pitch. Claire swung — and hit it! The ball klunked down, rolled about a foot, and died.

  She stood looking at it.

  “Run!” screamed Karen.

  Claire wrinkled up her brow. Then she started toward first base. She kept looking back at the ball.

  Good grief! Was she still keeping her eye on the ball?

  “Don’t look now! RUN!” I shouted.

  Both Matt and the catcher dove for the ball. It disappeared between them, and Claire stopped watching it. She ran as hard as she could to first base.

  Safe!

  “Good work, Claire,” I said.

  She frowned suspiciously. “You’re on the other team,” she said, and turned her back on me.

  I couldn’t help but laugh.

  It felt good to laugh. It seemed as if I hadn’t laughed for a long, long time. Not much to laugh about right now, I reflected. The big fat red 60 on my science test loomed before my eyes. I had to study tonight. I had to …

  “Kristy!” shrieked David Michael.

  I came to earth abruptly. Jackie Rodowsky, the Walking Disaster, was running at top speed toward first base. Claire, still stealing anxious glances at the ball, was on her way to second. And the ball was streaking across the grass toward me.

  Everything happened at once. One minute I was staring at the ball openmouthed, trying to gather my wits. The next minute, in a kind of super slow motion, I was stretching my glove down toward it.

  Too late. The ball took a sharp, wicked hop and smacked me hard in the shin.

  “OWWW!” I grabbed my leg, hopped once, lost my balance, and fell over.

  “Get the ball,” someone shouted. There was a mad scramble around me, then Matt held the ball up.

  “Time out,” called Karen.

  I sat up, holding my throbbing shin, just as Claire touched home plate.

  “I made it!” she cried.

  “No, you didn’t.” Karen trotted past her, on her way out to right field.

  “I did too!”

  “It was already time out,” said Karen. “Kristy fell down.”

  Claire’s face scrunched up. She took a deep breath, turned bright red, and began to throw a tantrum. “Nofe-air! Nofe-air!”

  We’re all pretty used to Claire’s tantrums by now, so, keeping my eye on her, I stood up and tested my leg.

  I looked at the circle of anxious faces. “It’s all right. Okay, listen up. This was a key lesson. Pay attention!”

  “You stopped the ball,” said David Michael diplomatically.

  “Yeah,” several people murmured.

  I looked at their faces. They’d started to smile. The Krushers were a great team, no doubt about it.

  “Um, let’s play ball,” I said. “But I’m going to coach from the sidelines.”

  I walked gingerly back toward the third base line with Claire, who had stopped tantruming.

  “Does it hurt?” she asked.

  “Only when I laugh … Okay, Claire, you go back to third, okay?”

  Her face started to scrunch up again, and I added quickly, “That way, you get to run home again.”

  She thought about it for a moment, let her breath out, and trotted back along the baseline.

  I leaned over, pulled my cap down, put one hand on each knee, and called, “Play ball!”

  For the rest of the practice, I made myself pay attention.

  Making yourself pay attention is exhausting. After practice that afternoon, I felt pretty tired. And by the time dinner was over and I’d disappeared upstairs to study for my science test, I was wiped out. But I had to do it. Ms. Griswold was giving me a second chance not to fail.

  I opened my notebook, picked up my highlighter … and the phone rang.

  “Kristy?” It was Claudia.

  “Hey, Claud. Listen, I’ve got to study, I —”

  “Yeah. Don’t you hate it? Unless it’s art, but that’s not work. That’s art.”

  “I’m not any good in art,” I said. “Or science, either, at least not right now.”

  “You’re a good student, Kristy. And science is very organized. At least that’s what my teacher always says. So you should be good at science because you’re so organized.”

  I sighed. “I wish it worked that way.”

  Claudia went on, “So, have you written your speech yet?”

  “Speech?” I gasped. I looked over at my calendar. Sure enough, there it was. Tomorrow the class assemblies were going to be held for the first round of speeches.

  “Oh, no!” I cried.

  “You haven’t?” asked Claudia.

  “I’m about to. Right now. Listen, Claudia, you saved my life. I gotta go.”

  “Good luck,” said Claudia.

  “Good-bye,” I said.

  When I sat down at my desk again, I pushed the science book out of my line of vision. Tomorrow morning. I’d get up early tomorrow morning and study. And between classes. And maybe during the assembly.

  But first I had to write a speech. A really, really good speech. I closed my eyes, imagined myself at the podium.

  Ladies and gentlemen? No. Fellow students? No.

  I pulled my notebook toward me, turned to a blank sheet, and began to write.

  “Thank you,” I said to the mirror. I was practicing my speech.

  Someone tapped on the door to my room.

  “Kristy?” It was my mom.

  “Come in,” I said.

  She stuck her head around the door. “It’s late.”

  “I know. I’m almost done.”

  “Anything I can help with?”

  For a moment I was tempted. But what could she do? I could tell her how overwhelmed I felt, but that wouldn’t make the feeling go away. I took a deep breath and shook my head. “Thanks, but I’m just in a crunch right now.”

  “Well …”

  “So much work, so little time,” I explained.

  My mother smiled. “Don’t forget to sleep,” she said.

  “I won’t. ’Night.”

  “Good night, Kristy.”

  After she’d closed the door, I turned back to the speech. It was an okay speech. It sounded okay. At least I thought it did. I looked at the clock. Too late to call Mary Anne and read it to her. Her father was a lot more lenient these days, but I don’t think anybody’s parents would appreciate a phone call at this hour.

  It could be a better speech. Maybe tomorrow, if I had time … no, I’d forgotten about the science test. I looked over at my bed, then back at the pages of the speech, then at the science book. I got up and put the science book under my pillow and climbed into bed. I didn’t really believe the knowledge would seep into my brain during the night, but I was desperate.

  My eyes closed as soon as I turned out the light. I thought I’d worry so much I wouldn’t be able to sleep. But sleep was no problem
… then.

  The problem came at about two A.M. I opened my eyes and stared into the darkness. Boom. One minute I’d been sound asleep (although not dreaming about science or science books) and the next minute I was wide awake.

  And my mind was going a mile a minute. Speech. Baby-sitters Club meeting. Baby-sitting jobs — maybe I could let some of those slide for now. The Krushers (my shin gave a sympathetic throb). All the duties of being president of my class. At least I had experience being a president; being president of the BSC had taught me just how many responsibilities a person in charge has.

  Maybe I should temporarily resign from the BSC. Or go on inactive status. Would that work? The thought gave me a sharp pain in the stomach, but I reminded myself it would only be temporary.

  Of course, with every thought, I had to turn over, or thump the pillow, or pull on the covers. It wasn’t like being in bed at all. It was like swimming in choppy water, just trying to stay afloat.

  I looked at the clock. Good grief. Almost an hour had passed. I had to get some sleep, or I’d be one of the walking dead the next day. Instead of Kristy Plus, my slogan would be Kristy, Rest in Peace.

  Closing my eyes, I willed myself to stop thinking.

  It worked for about a minute. Then I found myself staring into the dark, my mind going around and around, thinking the same things over and over again.

  Finally I got up, very quietly, pulled my science book out, and took it to my desk. I turned on the lamp. I opened the book. If anything would put me to sleep, it would be studying science.

  It was weird, studying in the middle of the night. I mean, I’d heard my brothers complain about pulling all-nighters, but this was the closest I’d ever come. Turning the pages of the book seemed to make a lot of noise. And the house was so quiet. Staring at the pages, listening to the silence, I decided that big houses have a different kind of quiet than smaller houses, like the one we used to live in. Smaller houses were a noisier quiet. They creaked. Sounds didn’t have so far to travel, maybe.

  Maybe there was a scientific explanation … Science. I jerked my thoughts back to the book. I studied. I kept waiting to get sleepy.

  But it was a long time before I did.

  * * *

  One thing about not getting enough sleep: You don’t have enough energy to worry.

  The next day for the first round of speeches, assemblies were held by grade in the auditorium. The candidates had to sit in the front row. Just my luck, I got the seat next to Alan. He crossed his eyes. I ignored him.

  Behind me, I could feel the whole eighth grade breathing down my neck. Don’t be silly, I told myself.

  Grace leaned across Alan toward me. “Is that your speech?”

  I looked down at the paper-clipped pages in my hand.

  “Yes. Why?” (That shows how out of it I was. I knew better than to ask Grace anything.)

  “No reason,” said Grace. She leaned back and made a big point of opening a leather folder. Tucked inside was a thin stack of 3 x 5 cards, with typewritten words on them. Grace looked up and caught my eye. Satisfied, she smiled and closed the folder again.

  Typical Grace, I thought. But typed 3 x 5 cards do not a good speech make.

  Alan didn’t seem to have any speech notes at all. I couldn’t see Pete from where I was sitting. He was on the other side of Grace.

  Our principal walked up to the podium and cleared his throat and waited. I glanced back. Mary Anne, a few seats behind me, caught my eye and nodded, holding up her thumb.

  Where was everybody else? Before I could scope out the assembly anymore, the rustling and shuffling and whispering died away. Our principal smiled.

  “We are here today for the preliminary round of speeches by our candidates for the offices of eighth-grade president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. Each candidate will have three minutes to present his or her platform. At the end of the speeches, if we have time, they will field questions. We’ll begin with the candidates for secretary.”

  Good. I slid my science notes out under my speech notes and began to read over them. Somehow, all that reading in the middle of the night hadn’t helped. The facts just wouldn’t stick in my brain.

  “Grace Blume,” said Mr. Taylor. Grace stood up, smoothed her hair, and walked calmly to the podium. She looked very pulled together up there, smiling at the assembly.

  “When you choose your class president, you want to choose someone who can truly represent you,” said Grace.

  She paused. She put one of the little white cards behind the other, then read the next one.

  “I will be the leader you need.” (Pause, change cards.) “We work hard.” (Pause, change cards.) I’m going to leave out the rest of the pauses, but you get the idea.

  Grace went on. “But you wouldn’t have to work quite so hard if you had the right leader.

  “As your leader, I would see to it that we didn’t have to work so hard. We need to enjoy ourselves once in awhile. For example, our football team has been winning! Isn’t it time we celebrated that? And what about dances?”

  And so on. I rolled my eyes, not caring if Grace saw me. I knew she was shallow, but this was ridiculous. She was making all kinds of impossible promises. But people applauded when she was done, as if they didn’t know the difference.

  Finally it was my turn. It was a long walk to the podium. I stood for a minute looking out at everyone. And everywhere I looked, I saw a member of the BSC — Dawn in one corner, Mary Anne near the middle of the room, Logan a little further back, Claudia in another corner, Stacey in the front. For a moment I was disconcerted: We usually sat together.

  Then as I glanced around the room again, meeting their smiles wherever I looked, I realized they’d split up on purpose.

  Suddenly, I didn’t feel so dim and sleepy. I smiled at the whole assembly.

  “I’m not up here to make a lot of promises that I — or anyone — can’t keep,” I began. Grace’s eyes narrowed. “What I am here for is to talk about responsibilities. We’re expected to study, to participate in school activities, to go to classes, to follow certain rules. We do that pretty well, I think. So it seems to me that we should have more responsibility. I don’t mean more rules to follow. But more of a chance to prove ourselves. For example, we have a class play every year. Who gets to choose which play we put on? We have no input into that decision. I think it is time we did. I think we should have a committee of people from our class to choose which play we perform …”

  As I outlined my ideas about school lunches and the Special Ed classes, I saw people nodding. They were listening! They agreed with me. And I was sure the applause as I sat down was louder for me than it had been for Grace (she, of course wasn’t applauding at all). Anyway, I heard Claudia whistle (I think it was Claudia).

  Then Alan got up.

  The worst.

  He stepped behind the podium and said, “Okay, everybody stand up.”

  There was a pause, then a buzz of talk.

  “Come on,” said Alan. “Up!”

  The buzz of talk grew louder, but everyone eventually got to their feet.

  “Good,” said Alan. “Now, sit down again.”

  “What is this,” said someone, “Simon Says?”

  Alan waited, his arms extended, until the snickering, grumbling students sat down. Then he folded his arms across his chest.

  “I’ve just proved to you what a good leader I am. You all did what I told you. So now I’m telling you to vote for me.”

  That was it! He left the podium and returned to his seat, raising his clasped hands over his head at the rest of the class talking and laughing behind him.

  I couldn’t believe it.

  After Alan, Pete seemed unbelievably mature. I grimaced. Alan was such a pest. Just his existence had made Pete look good. Although it hadn’t hurt any of the rest of us, either.

  “Every one of the candidates for class president has presented some good ideas,” Pete began. “And when I’m president, I’ll be gla
d to try to put some of those ideas into practice. I, too, believe that we should be part of the decision about what class play we perform each year. I’d also like to see greater editorial freedom extended to our school newspaper …”

  I groaned. Boring.

  “Assemblies could be better here at SMS, too. I’d like to be a part of a committee to take suggestions for speakers — speakers we would be interested in — and to help get those speakers.

  “At least some of those assemblies should be pep rallies. We have a great football team —”

  Pete paused while people broke into cheers. (I didn’t cheer. I thought it was extremely manipulative to encourage the audience to cheer by talking about the football team.)

  “But we have some other great athletes, too. They also deserve pep rallies.”

  I had to admit, it was an interesting idea. But was it practical? Wouldn’t that mean we’d be holding pep rallies practically every ten minutes, if we included every team in the school? Like the fencing team? It would take some organizing …

  “And that’s only the beginning. But I need your help first — your help when you vote. Vote for Pete Black for president.”

  The applause was loud.

  Okay ideas. Some of them.

  I pulled out my science notes. I needed to use every minute to study for the make-up test at lunch. And I did. I had to hurry to get there on time.

  Ms. Griswold was waiting for me.

  “Sorry I’m late,” I said.

  She looked surprised. “You’re not late, Kristy. Slow down.”

  “Oh. Well, anyway, I’m ready for the test.”

  Ms. Griswold smiled. “Good.”

  I slid into my seat, pulled out a pencil, and took the test from her.

  “Good luck, Kristy.”

  Luck wasn’t enough. Some of the material I’d studied came back to me — or was it just familiar from being on the test the last time? Maybe I should have pulled an all-nighter. I went over and over the questions, and the answers, but I didn’t feel good when I handed the test back to Ms. Griswold.

 

    Karen's Tea Party Read onlineKaren's Tea PartyKristy and the Snobs Read onlineKristy and the SnobsBest Kept Secret Read onlineBest Kept SecretKaren's Kittens Read onlineKaren's KittensKaren's Big Job Read onlineKaren's Big JobClaudia and the Genius of Elm Street Read onlineClaudia and the Genius of Elm StreetThe Fire at Mary Anne's House Read onlineThe Fire at Mary Anne's HouseScience Fair Read onlineScience FairMe and Katie (The Pest) Read onlineMe and Katie (The Pest)Karen's Plane Trip Read onlineKaren's Plane TripJessi's Wish Read onlineJessi's WishDawn and Too Many Sitters Read onlineDawn and Too Many SittersJessi and the Jewel Thieves Read onlineJessi and the Jewel ThievesEleven Kids, One Summer Read onlineEleven Kids, One SummerKaren's Goldfish Read onlineKaren's GoldfishSnow War Read onlineSnow WarAbby and the Secret Society Read onlineAbby and the Secret SocietyKeeping Secrets Read onlineKeeping SecretsGood-Bye Stacey, Good-Bye Read onlineGood-Bye Stacey, Good-ByeKaren's Sleepover Read onlineKaren's SleepoverClaudia and the World's Cutest Baby Read onlineClaudia and the World's Cutest BabyMary Anne Saves the Day Read onlineMary Anne Saves the DayMallory and the Dream Horse Read onlineMallory and the Dream HorseKristy and the Mystery Train Read onlineKristy and the Mystery TrainDawn's Family Feud Read onlineDawn's Family FeudKaren's Twin Read onlineKaren's TwinLittle Miss Stoneybrook... And Dawn Read onlineLittle Miss Stoneybrook... And DawnKaren's Mistake Read onlineKaren's MistakeKaren's Movie Star Read onlineKaren's Movie StarMallory and the Mystery Diary Read onlineMallory and the Mystery DiaryKaren's Monsters Read onlineKaren's MonstersKristy + Bart = ? Read onlineKristy + Bart = ?Karen's Dinosaur Read onlineKaren's DinosaurHere Today Read onlineHere TodayKaren's Carnival Read onlineKaren's CarnivalHow to Look for a Lost Dog Read onlineHow to Look for a Lost DogStacey vs. Claudia Read onlineStacey vs. ClaudiaStacey's Ex-Boyfriend Read onlineStacey's Ex-BoyfriendHere Come the Bridesmaids! Read onlineHere Come the Bridesmaids!Graduation Day Read onlineGraduation DayKristy's Big News Read onlineKristy's Big NewsKaren's School Surprise Read onlineKaren's School SurpriseKristy Thomas, Dog Trainer Read onlineKristy Thomas, Dog TrainerBaby-Sitters' Christmas Chiller Read onlineBaby-Sitters' Christmas ChillerBaby-Sitters' Winter Vacation Read onlineBaby-Sitters' Winter VacationTen Good and Bad Things About My Life Read onlineTen Good and Bad Things About My LifeClaudia and the Bad Joke Read onlineClaudia and the Bad JokeMary Anne's Makeover Read onlineMary Anne's MakeoverStacey and the Fashion Victim Read onlineStacey and the Fashion VictimDawn Schafer, Undercover Baby-Sitter Read onlineDawn Schafer, Undercover Baby-SitterKaren's Tuba Read onlineKaren's TubaDawn's Wicked Stepsister Read onlineDawn's Wicked StepsisterDiary Three: Dawn, Sunny, Maggie, Amalia, and Ducky Read onlineDiary Three: Dawn, Sunny, Maggie, Amalia, and DuckyKaren's Nanny Read onlineKaren's NannyJessi and the Awful Secret Read onlineJessi and the Awful SecretKaren's New Year Read onlineKaren's New YearKaren's Candy Read onlineKaren's CandyKaren's President Read onlineKaren's PresidentMary Anne and the Great Romance Read onlineMary Anne and the Great RomanceMary Anne + 2 Many Babies Read onlineMary Anne + 2 Many BabiesKristy and the Copycat Read onlineKristy and the CopycatJessi and the Bad Baby-Sitter Read onlineJessi and the Bad Baby-SitterClaudia, Queen of the Seventh Grade Read onlineClaudia, Queen of the Seventh GradeClaudia and the Lighthouse Ghost Read onlineClaudia and the Lighthouse GhostKaren's New Puppy Read onlineKaren's New PuppyKaren's Home Run Read onlineKaren's Home RunKaren's Chain Letter Read onlineKaren's Chain LetterKristy in Charge Read onlineKristy in ChargeKaren's Angel Read onlineKaren's AngelMary Anne and Too Many Boys Read onlineMary Anne and Too Many BoysKaren's Big Fight Read onlineKaren's Big FightKaren's Spy Mystery Read onlineKaren's Spy MysteryStacey's Big Crush Read onlineStacey's Big CrushKaren's School Read onlineKaren's SchoolClaudia and the Terrible Truth Read onlineClaudia and the Terrible TruthKaren's Cowboy Read onlineKaren's CowboyThe Summer Before Read onlineThe Summer BeforeBeware, Dawn! Read onlineBeware, Dawn!Belle Teale Read onlineBelle TealeClaudia's Big Party Read onlineClaudia's Big PartyThe Secret Life of Mary Anne Spier Read onlineThe Secret Life of Mary Anne SpierKaren's Book Read onlineKaren's BookTeacher's Pet Read onlineTeacher's PetBoy-Crazy Stacey Read onlineBoy-Crazy StaceyClaudia and the Disaster Date Read onlineClaudia and the Disaster DateAuthor Day Read onlineAuthor DayClaudia and the Sad Good-Bye Read onlineClaudia and the Sad Good-ByeKristy and the Worst Kid Ever Read onlineKristy and the Worst Kid EverYours Turly, Shirley Read onlineYours Turly, ShirleyClass Play Read onlineClass PlayKristy and the Vampires Read onlineKristy and the VampiresKristy and the Cat Burglar Read onlineKristy and the Cat BurglarKaren's Pumpkin Patch Read onlineKaren's Pumpkin PatchStacey and the Mystery at the Empty House Read onlineStacey and the Mystery at the Empty HouseKaren's Chicken Pox Read onlineKaren's Chicken PoxMary Anne and the Playground Fight Read onlineMary Anne and the Playground FightStacey's Mistake Read onlineStacey's MistakeComing Apart Read onlineComing ApartMary Anne and the Little Princess Read onlineMary Anne and the Little PrincessKaren, Hannie and Nancy: The Three Musketeers Read onlineKaren, Hannie and Nancy: The Three Musketeers'Tis the Season Read online'Tis the SeasonClaudia and Mean Janine Read onlineClaudia and Mean JanineKaren's School Bus Read onlineKaren's School BusMary Anne's Big Breakup Read onlineMary Anne's Big BreakupRain Reign Read onlineRain ReignClaudia and the Mystery at the Museum Read onlineClaudia and the Mystery at the MuseumClaudia and the Great Search Read onlineClaudia and the Great SearchKaren's Doll Read onlineKaren's DollShannon's Story Read onlineShannon's StorySea City, Here We Come! Read onlineSea City, Here We Come!Stacey and the Mystery of Stoneybrook Read onlineStacey and the Mystery of StoneybrookKaren's Treasure Read onlineKaren's TreasureTen Rules for Living With My Sister Read onlineTen Rules for Living With My SisterWith You and Without You Read onlineWith You and Without YouBaby-Sitters' Island Adventure Read onlineBaby-Sitters' Island AdventureKaren's Fishing Trip Read onlineKaren's Fishing TripDawn and the Big Sleepover Read onlineDawn and the Big SleepoverNew York, New York! Read onlineNew York, New York!Ten Kids, No Pets Read onlineTen Kids, No PetsHappy Holidays, Jessi Read onlineHappy Holidays, JessiHalloween Parade Read onlineHalloween ParadeKaren's New Holiday Read onlineKaren's New HolidayKristy Power! Read onlineKristy Power!Karen's Wish Read onlineKaren's WishClaudia and the Mystery in the Painting Read onlineClaudia and the Mystery in the PaintingKaren's Stepmother Read onlineKaren's StepmotherAbby in Wonderland Read onlineAbby in WonderlandKaren's Snow Day Read onlineKaren's Snow DayKristy and the Secret of Susan Read onlineKristy and the Secret of SusanKaren's Pony Camp Read onlineKaren's Pony CampKaren's School Trip Read onlineKaren's School TripMary Anne to the Rescue Read onlineMary Anne to the RescueKaren's Unicorn Read onlineKaren's UnicornAbby and the Notorious Neighbor Read onlineAbby and the Notorious NeighborStacey and the Haunted Masquerade Read onlineStacey and the Haunted MasqueradeClaudia Gets Her Guy Read onlineClaudia Gets Her GuyMissing Since Monday Read onlineMissing Since MondayStacey's Choice Read onlineStacey's ChoiceStacey's Ex-Best Friend Read onlineStacey's Ex-Best FriendKaren's New Teacher Read onlineKaren's New TeacherKaren's Accident Read onlineKaren's AccidentKaren's Lucky Penny Read onlineKaren's Lucky PennyKaren's Cartwheel Read onlineKaren's CartwheelKaren's Puppet Show Read onlineKaren's Puppet ShowSpelling Bee Read onlineSpelling BeeStacey's Problem Read onlineStacey's ProblemStacey and the Stolen Hearts Read onlineStacey and the Stolen HeartsKaren's Surprise Read onlineKaren's SurpriseKaren's Worst Day Read onlineKaren's Worst DayThe Ghost at Dawn's House Read onlineThe Ghost at Dawn's HouseKaren's Big Sister Read onlineKaren's Big SisterKaren's Easter Parade Read onlineKaren's Easter ParadeMary Anne and the Silent Witness Read onlineMary Anne and the Silent WitnessKaren's Swim Meet Read onlineKaren's Swim MeetMary Anne's Revenge Read onlineMary Anne's RevengeKaren's Mystery Read onlineKaren's MysteryStacey and the Mystery Money Read onlineStacey and the Mystery MoneyDawn and the Disappearing Dogs Read onlineDawn and the Disappearing DogsKaren's Christmas Tree Read onlineKaren's Christmas TreeWelcome to Camden Falls Read onlineWelcome to Camden FallsKaren's Pilgrim Read onlineKaren's PilgrimDawn and the Halloween Mystery Read onlineDawn and the Halloween MysteryMary Anne in the Middle Read onlineMary Anne in the MiddleKaren's Toys Read onlineKaren's ToysKristy's Great Idea Read onlineKristy's Great IdeaClaudia and the Middle School Mystery Read onlineClaudia and the Middle School MysteryKaren's Big Weekend Read onlineKaren's Big WeekendLogan's Story Read onlineLogan's StoryKaren's Yo-Yo Read onlineKaren's Yo-YoKristy's Book Read onlineKristy's BookMallory and the Ghost Cat Read onlineMallory and the Ghost CatMary Anne and the Music Read onlineMary Anne and the MusicKaren's Tattletale Read onlineKaren's TattletaleKaren's County Fair Read onlineKaren's County FairKaren's Mermaid Read onlineKaren's MermaidSnowbound Read onlineSnowboundKaren's Movie Read onlineKaren's MovieJessi and the Troublemaker Read onlineJessi and the TroublemakerBaby-Sitters at Shadow Lake Read onlineBaby-Sitters at Shadow LakeMallory on Strike Read onlineMallory on StrikeJessi's Baby-Sitter Read onlineJessi's Baby-SitterKaren's Leprechaun Read onlineKaren's LeprechaunClaudia and the Phantom Phone Calls Read onlineClaudia and the Phantom Phone CallsKaren's Good-Bye Read onlineKaren's Good-ByeKaren's Figure Eight Read onlineKaren's Figure EightLogan Likes Mary Anne! Read onlineLogan Likes Mary Anne!Mary Anne and the Zoo Mystery Read onlineMary Anne and the Zoo MysteryMissy Piggle-Wiggle and the Whatever Cure Read onlineMissy Piggle-Wiggle and the Whatever CureDawn on the Coast Read onlineDawn on the CoastStacey and the Cheerleaders Read onlineStacey and the CheerleadersClaudia and the Clue in the Photograph Read onlineClaudia and the Clue in the PhotographKaren's New Friend Read onlineKaren's New FriendMallory and the Trouble With Twins Read onlineMallory and the Trouble With TwinsKaren's Roller Skates Read onlineKaren's Roller SkatesAbby and the Best Kid Ever Read onlineAbby and the Best Kid EverPoor Mallory! Read onlinePoor Mallory!Karen's Witch Read onlineKaren's WitchKaren's Grandmothers Read onlineKaren's GrandmothersSlam Book Read onlineSlam BookKaren's School Picture Read onlineKaren's School PictureKaren's Reindeer Read onlineKaren's ReindeerKristy's Big Day Read onlineKristy's Big DayThe Long Way Home Read onlineThe Long Way HomeKaren's Sleigh Ride Read onlineKaren's Sleigh RideOn Christmas Eve Read onlineOn Christmas EveKaren's Copycat Read onlineKaren's CopycatKaren's Ice Skates Read onlineKaren's Ice SkatesClaudia and the Little Liar Read onlineClaudia and the Little LiarAbby the Bad Sport Read onlineAbby the Bad SportThe Baby-Sitters Club #5: Dawn and the Impossible Three Read onlineThe Baby-Sitters Club #5: Dawn and the Impossible ThreeAbby's Book Read onlineAbby's BookKaren's Big Top Read onlineKaren's Big TopMain Street #8: Special Delivery Read onlineMain Street #8: Special DeliveryKristy and the Kidnapper Read onlineKristy and the KidnapperKaren's Ski Trip Read onlineKaren's Ski TripKaren's Hurricane Read onlineKaren's HurricaneStacey and the Mystery at the Mall Read onlineStacey and the Mystery at the MallJessi and the Superbrat Read onlineJessi and the SuperbratKristy and the Baby Parade Read onlineKristy and the Baby ParadeKaren's New Bike Read onlineKaren's New BikeKaren's Big City Mystery Read onlineKaren's Big City MysteryBaby-Sitters' European Vacation Read onlineBaby-Sitters' European VacationHello, Mallory Read onlineHello, MalloryDawn's Big Date Read onlineDawn's Big DateKaren's Christmas Carol Read onlineKaren's Christmas CarolJessi's Horrible Prank Read onlineJessi's Horrible PrankKristy and the Missing Fortune Read onlineKristy and the Missing FortuneKristy and the Haunted Mansion Read onlineKristy and the Haunted MansionJessi's Big Break Read onlineJessi's Big BreakKaren's Pony Read onlineKaren's PonyWelcome Home, Mary Anne Read onlineWelcome Home, Mary AnneStacey the Math Whiz Read onlineStacey the Math WhizSeptember Surprises Read onlineSeptember SurprisesBummer Summer Read onlineBummer SummerKaren's Secret Read onlineKaren's SecretAbby's Twin Read onlineAbby's TwinMain Street #4: Best Friends Read onlineMain Street #4: Best FriendsKaren's Big Move Read onlineKaren's Big MoveMary Anne Misses Logan Read onlineMary Anne Misses LoganStacey's Book Read onlineStacey's BookClaudia and the Perfect Boy Read onlineClaudia and the Perfect BoyHoliday Time Read onlineHoliday TimeStacey's Broken Heart Read onlineStacey's Broken HeartKaren's Field Day Read onlineKaren's Field DayKristy's Worst Idea Read onlineKristy's Worst IdeaDawn and the Older Boy Read onlineDawn and the Older BoyKaren's Brothers Read onlineKaren's BrothersClaudia's Friend Read onlineClaudia's FriendMary Anne and the Haunted Bookstore Read onlineMary Anne and the Haunted BookstoreDawn and Whitney, Friends Forever Read onlineDawn and Whitney, Friends ForeverSummer School Read onlineSummer SchoolKaren's Birthday Read onlineKaren's BirthdayKaren's Black Cat Read onlineKaren's Black CatStacey McGill... Matchmaker? Read onlineStacey McGill... Matchmaker?Claudia's Book Read onlineClaudia's BookMain Street #2: Needle and Thread Read onlineMain Street #2: Needle and ThreadKaren's Runaway Turkey Read onlineKaren's Runaway TurkeyKaren's Campout Read onlineKaren's CampoutKaren's Bunny Read onlineKaren's BunnyClaudia and the New Girl Read onlineClaudia and the New GirlKaren's Wedding Read onlineKaren's WeddingKaren's Promise Read onlineKaren's PromiseKaren's Snow Princess Read onlineKaren's Snow PrincessClaudia Kishi, Middle School Dropout Read onlineClaudia Kishi, Middle School DropoutStarring the Baby-Sitters Club! Read onlineStarring the Baby-Sitters Club!Kristy for President Read onlineKristy for PresidentCalifornia Girls! Read onlineCalifornia Girls!Maid Mary Anne Read onlineMaid Mary AnneAbby's Un-Valentine Read onlineAbby's Un-ValentineStacey's Secret Friend Read onlineStacey's Secret FriendKaren's Haunted House Read onlineKaren's Haunted HouseClaudia and Crazy Peaches Read onlineClaudia and Crazy PeachesKaren's Prize Read onlineKaren's PrizeGet Well Soon, Mallory! Read onlineGet Well Soon, Mallory!Karen's Doll Hospital Read onlineKaren's Doll HospitalKaren's Newspaper Read onlineKaren's NewspaperKaren's Toothache Read onlineKaren's ToothacheMary Anne and Miss Priss Read onlineMary Anne and Miss PrissAbby's Lucky Thirteen Read onlineAbby's Lucky ThirteenThe Secret Book Club Read onlineThe Secret Book ClubThe All-New Mallory Pike Read onlineThe All-New Mallory PikeKaren's Turkey Day Read onlineKaren's Turkey DayKaren's Magician Read onlineKaren's MagicianMary Anne and the Library Mystery Read onlineMary Anne and the Library MysteryDiary One: Dawn, Sunny, Maggie, Amalia, and Ducky Read onlineDiary One: Dawn, Sunny, Maggie, Amalia, and DuckyMary Anne and the Secret in the Attic Read onlineMary Anne and the Secret in the AtticKristy and the Mother's Day Surprise Read onlineKristy and the Mother's Day SurpriseKaren's in Love Read onlineKaren's in LoveWelcome to the BSC, Abby Read onlineWelcome to the BSC, AbbyKaren's Kittycat Club Read onlineKaren's Kittycat ClubThe Mystery at Claudia's House Read onlineThe Mystery at Claudia's HouseThe Truth About Stacey Read onlineThe Truth About StaceyKaren's Bully Read onlineKaren's BullyKaren's Gift Read onlineKaren's GiftBSC in the USA Read onlineBSC in the USAEverything for a Dog Read onlineEverything for a DogDawn and the We Love Kids Club Read onlineDawn and the We Love Kids ClubKaren's Ghost Read onlineKaren's GhostStacey's Lie Read onlineStacey's LieJessi's Secret Language Read onlineJessi's Secret LanguageKristy and the Missing Child Read onlineKristy and the Missing ChildBetter to Wish Read onlineBetter to WishBaby-Sitters on Board! Read onlineBaby-Sitters on Board!Kristy at Bat Read onlineKristy at BatEverything Changes Read onlineEverything ChangesDon't Give Up, Mallory Read onlineDon't Give Up, MalloryA Dog's Life: The Autobiography of a Stray Read onlineA Dog's Life: The Autobiography of a StrayKaren's Big Lie Read onlineKaren's Big LieKaren's Show and Share Read onlineKaren's Show and ShareMallory Hates Boys (and Gym) Read onlineMallory Hates Boys (and Gym)Diary Two: Dawn, Sunny, Maggie, Amalia, and Ducky Read onlineDiary Two: Dawn, Sunny, Maggie, Amalia, and DuckyKaren's Pen Pal Read onlineKaren's Pen PalClaudia and the Friendship Feud Read onlineClaudia and the Friendship FeudKaren's Secret Valentine Read onlineKaren's Secret ValentineKeep Out, Claudia! Read onlineKeep Out, Claudia!Aloha, Baby-Sitters! Read onlineAloha, Baby-Sitters!Welcome Back, Stacey Read onlineWelcome Back, StaceyJessi Ramsey, Pet-Sitter Read onlineJessi Ramsey, Pet-SitterKaren's Pizza Party Read onlineKaren's Pizza PartyKristy and the Dirty Diapers Read onlineKristy and the Dirty DiapersStaying Together Read onlineStaying TogetherDawn and the Surfer Ghost Read onlineDawn and the Surfer GhostClaudia Makes Up Her Mind Read onlineClaudia Makes Up Her MindJessi's Gold Medal Read onlineJessi's Gold MedalKaren's Kite Read onlineKaren's KiteBaby Animal Zoo Read onlineBaby Animal ZooDawn's Big Move Read onlineDawn's Big MoveKaren's Big Joke Read onlineKaren's Big JokeKaren's Lemonade Stand Read onlineKaren's Lemonade StandMa and Pa Dracula Read onlineMa and Pa DraculaBaby-Sitters' Haunted House Read onlineBaby-Sitters' Haunted HouseAbby and the Mystery Baby Read onlineAbby and the Mystery BabyHome Is the Place Read onlineHome Is the PlaceKaren's Grandad Read onlineKaren's GrandadTwin Trouble Read onlineTwin TroubleTen Good and Bad Things About My Life (So Far) Read onlineTen Good and Bad Things About My Life (So Far)Diary Two Read onlineDiary TwoBaby-Sitters Club 027 Read onlineBaby-Sitters Club 027Claudia and the Mystery Painting Read onlineClaudia and the Mystery PaintingDiary One Read onlineDiary OneBaby-Sitters Club 037 Read onlineBaby-Sitters Club 037Baby-Sitters Club 028 Read onlineBaby-Sitters Club 028Baby-Sitters Club 085 Read onlineBaby-Sitters Club 085Dawn Schaffer Undercover Baby-Sitter Read onlineDawn Schaffer Undercover Baby-SitterJessi's Babysitter Read onlineJessi's BabysitterThe Baby-Sitters Club #110: Abby the Bad Sport (Baby-Sitters Club, The) Read onlineThe Baby-Sitters Club #110: Abby the Bad Sport (Baby-Sitters Club, The)Karen's Little Sister Read onlineKaren's Little SisterBaby-Sitters Club 058 Read onlineBaby-Sitters Club 058Claudia And The Genius On Elm St. Read onlineClaudia And The Genius On Elm St.Missy Piggle-Wiggle and the Sticky-Fingers Cure Read onlineMissy Piggle-Wiggle and the Sticky-Fingers CureKristy and Kidnapper Read onlineKristy and KidnapperBaby-Sitters Club 041 Read onlineBaby-Sitters Club 041Karen's Bunny Trouble Read onlineKaren's Bunny TroubleBaby-Sitters Club 032 Read onlineBaby-Sitters Club 032Diary Three Read onlineDiary ThreeChristmas Chiller Read onlineChristmas ChillerKaren's Half-Birthday Read onlineKaren's Half-BirthdayNeedle and Thread Read onlineNeedle and ThreadSecret Life of Mary Anne Spier Read onlineSecret Life of Mary Anne SpierBaby-Sitters Beware Read onlineBaby-Sitters BewareClaudia Kishi, Middle School Drop-Out Read onlineClaudia Kishi, Middle School Drop-OutLogan Likes Mary Anne ! Read onlineLogan Likes Mary Anne !Baby-Sitters Club 061 Read onlineBaby-Sitters Club 061Best Friends Read onlineBest FriendsBaby-Sitters Club 031 Read onlineBaby-Sitters Club 031Karen's Little Witch Read onlineKaren's Little WitchJessi Ramsey, Petsitter Read onlineJessi Ramsey, PetsitterBaby-Sitters Club 123 Read onlineBaby-Sitters Club 123Baby-Sitters Club 059 Read onlineBaby-Sitters Club 059Baby-Sitters Club 033 Read onlineBaby-Sitters Club 033Baby-Sitters Club 060 Read onlineBaby-Sitters Club 060Baby-Sitters Club 094 Read onlineBaby-Sitters Club 094The Baby-Sitters Club #99: Stacey's Broken Heart Read onlineThe Baby-Sitters Club #99: Stacey's Broken HeartThe Baby-Sitters Club #109: Mary Anne to the Rescue (Baby-Sitters Club, The) Read onlineThe Baby-Sitters Club #109: Mary Anne to the Rescue (Baby-Sitters Club, The)Mystery At Claudia's House Read onlineMystery At Claudia's HouseClaudia And The Sad Goodbye Read onlineClaudia And The Sad GoodbyeMary Anne's Big Break-Up Read onlineMary Anne's Big Break-UpBaby-Sitters Club 025 Read onlineBaby-Sitters Club 025Baby-Sitters Club 042 Read onlineBaby-Sitters Club 042Stacey and the Mystery of the Empty House Read onlineStacey and the Mystery of the Empty HouseKaren's Baby-Sitter Read onlineKaren's Baby-SitterClaudia's Friendship Feud Read onlineClaudia's Friendship FeudBaby-Sitters Club 090 Read onlineBaby-Sitters Club 090Baby-Sitters Club 021 Read onlineBaby-Sitters Club 021Baby-Sitters Club 056 Read onlineBaby-Sitters Club 056Baby-Sitters Club 040 Read onlineBaby-Sitters Club 040The Baby-Sitters Club #108: Don't Give Up, Mallory (Baby-Sitters Club, The) Read onlineThe Baby-Sitters Club #108: Don't Give Up, Mallory (Baby-Sitters Club, The)Dawn and the Impossible Three Read onlineDawn and the Impossible ThreeThe Snow War Read onlineThe Snow WarSpecial Delivery Read onlineSpecial DeliveryBaby-Sitters Club 057 Read onlineBaby-Sitters Club 057Mary Anne And Too Many Babies Read onlineMary Anne And Too Many BabiesBaby-Sitters Club 030 Read onlineBaby-Sitters Club 030