March of 8th repeat
Plot
There were really three plots in this book:
1. Claudia's aunt and uncle leave town for a week and leave their kid, Lynn, at the Kishis.
2. It's St. Patrick's Day and there's a parade in town, so of course the BSC organizes with all the kids in town so they can be involved.
3. There is a new client in town, the Nicholls family. The dad is incredibly strict and doesn't have a job right now, and the mom is pretty meek and timid and works at the library with Claudia's mom. They have two young boys, who are not allowed to act like young boys bc the dad is so strict. They are terrified of them, and are always on their best behavior because of their fear. The dad still thinks they can't do anything right, even referring to them as "dumb" and "jerks" to Claudia, who becomes their regular babysitter.
One day Claudia leaves their house, but realizes she forgot her coat and goes back, walking in just in time to hear Mr. Nicholls slap one of the boys. Claudia can see the red mark on his face and both boys are crying. She runs immediately to the BSC, who decide they need to tell an adult. They tell Claudia's mom, who talks to a social worker and tries to talk to Mrs. N, but she denies everything and fires the BSC.
Another 8th grade girl, Erica, is babysitting for them one night and calls Claudia, because she heard Claudia had been fired. She said both boys are all bruised up and one of them has a black eye. Claudia calls her mom right away, who helps Mrs. N and the two boys escape. She finally admits the truth about the abuse and moves the boys 4 hours away to stay with her sister.
Takeaways
Jeez Louise, I legit had to fight back tears through most of this book.
I'm so glad the BSC decided to actually tell an adult, rather than trying to handle this on their own like they typically would.
I don't know what else to say. This book was heavy.
Best Character
Claudia's mom, who swept right in and saved the day and didn't give up when Mrs. N clearly wanted her to butt out.
Worst Character
Obviously the child abuser, Mr. Nicholls.
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