I didn't remember Mallory being so assertive. Good for her. ( )

Good for Mallory sticking up for herself, because the Babysitters Club members were real jerks in this book. Also, how weird is it to read a BSC book from the perspective of an outsider? That was an interesting choice on the author's part. The addition of Jessi to the series is by far the best part of this book; her friendship with Mallory is adorable, but I especially like that the girls address the racism in their super-white Connecticut neighborhood.

Mallory Pike is trying to get into the Baby-Sitters Club. But the baby-sitters make her take a hard test. Can she pass? ( )

*may contain spoilers*

I read this book a looong time ago when I first was into BSC. I recently read it again, and I have to admit that I actually picked it up again just because this is the book that introduces Jessi, and she is one of my favorites. I didn't remember the plot at all though, and it turned out to be a really good book. I've read reviews on Amazon that say that Kristy was way too mean to Mallory in this book, and that was out of character for her, but I don't agree. Yes, she was harsh, and I completely cheered Mallory and Jessi for starting their own sitting club in response to being snubbed. However, Stacey had just moved away, and all the BSC members were sad and upset about that. They didn't want to replace Stacey at all, and they had never had to make a decision like that before, so it's understandable that they might go overboard on erring on the side of caution. I loved the ending though, it was definitely a "BSC ending" as I call it: All problems solved and everyone admitting their wrongdoings. lol ( )

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