Halloween of their 7th repeat
Plot
Claudia sucks at school. I mean, this is her 7th repeat of 8th grade and it is the worst one yet. Not only does she not understand the material in any of her classes, but she doesn't care. Like...she does not have one fuck to give. Except for her art class, of course, which is where she learns about a famous artist who is coming to the local college to teach a course. Her art teacher encourages her to apply, which she does.
On the same day she learns from her math teacher that she really truly sucks and has to have her parents sign her failed quiz, she learns that she made it into the class. She talks to them about school, and also asks for permission to take the art class. They agree to let her, but she has to hire a tutor. They hire Janine's friend, Rosa. Rosa really helps Claudia, but she is still bombing everything. Finally, the principal decides that Claudia has to go back and take 7th grade again.
At first this oddly isn't the worst thing in the world - Claudia is doing really well in her classes, all the 7th graders look up to her, and her art class is going amazingly. But then the principal delivers the blow that she can't go to the 8th grade dance and Claudia gets super depressed. She doesn't even tell anyone in her family or any of her friends about the art show, which she wins 1st place. Then finally she realizes, who gives a fuck if she is one grade below her friends? They still love her. So she gets over it.
The side story is that Jackie Rodowsky is in the hospital still due to his head injury from the last book. Kristy goes to visit him and sees all the sad kids, so she creates a "Hospital Buddy" program with the kids in Stoneybrook. It ends with a Halloween party for all of them.
Takeaways
This is yet another example of a title that makes no sense - Claudia at no point talks or mentions dropping out of middle school.
It seems super stupid that the 6th and 7th graders have an after school Halloween party and the 8th graders get a dance.
Also, since Claudia, Mallory and Jessi can't go to the dance, they get asked to take all the kids in Stoneybrook trick or treating. Where the fuck are the parents? Like NONE of them want to take their kids trick or treating?
When Jackie gets out of the hospital, his mom calls the BSC just to tell them he is out, but she wants him to take it easy for awhile. What is the BSC's answer to that? Throwing him a party.
It is so so frustrating how much of a complete dumbass Claudia is. And she does not even attempt to be better.
Also, this book was so good about bringing up things from the past and being consistent. It even talked about how the BSC breakup just happened, and things are still kind of awkward at meetings.
Best Character
Claudia's parents, for letting her take the art class. I don't know that I would have made that choice as a parent.
Worst Character
Claudia because it is so so so so so so sosososososo frustrating how stupid she is and she doesn't even try.
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