Review: Karen's Sleepover by Ann M Martin

Sleepovers, friendship and loyalty are at the heart of the ninth Baby-Sitters Little Sister novel. Written in 1990, the novel still stands up well today thanks to the simple but empathetic way that the author handles the plot. This time around, Karen Brewer is gigundo excited because her dad, Watson and stepmother, Elizabeth have given her permission to have a sleepover at the big house. Karen has invited all of the girls in her class at Stoneybrook Academy. But excitement soon gives way to hurt feelings when Karen's best friend Nancy does not receive her official invitation in the post. The two handle it as a pair of seven year olds would--through hurt feelings and wounding one another more. Then a new girl joins Karen's class. There is something about Pamela that makes her seem very glamourous. All of the girls want to be her friend, including Karen who invites her to the sleepover. And then ...

Well it turns out that Pamela isn't nearly as much fun to hang out with at a sleepover as Nancy would be. Pamela is the type of kid who doesn't want to join in and mocks most of the sleepover activities as babyish. Fortunately, Karen realises what she needs to do. One apology later, and Nancy is by her side again. From there, the girls learn a lesson in friendship and loyalty and vow never to fight again ... and they even try to be nice to Pamela.

This was a fun and interesting read. I read the graphic novel adaption a few months ago and enjoyed it, so when I saw the original available for loan at my local library I couldn't resist picking it up. I very much enjoyed it. Ann M Martin has a knack of creating plots that are emotionally compelling for her young readers, and are complex enough to remain so for any older readers joining in. Although the set up is obvious--Pamela will become Karen's nemesis for the rest of the series--the resolution in this book is quite interesting. Karen and her two best friends Hannah and Nancy get a revenge of sorts on Pamela by one, being civil to her, and two, by vowing to stick together. It's a great life lesson.

Overall, a well written instalment in the series.

Recommended.

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