Reviews

Claudia and the Bad Joke by Ann M. Martin

shorty_320's review

Go to review page

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

ryceejo's review

Go to review page

4.0

I really liked the message of this one. Lots of great life lessons for kids and teens in it. I’m starting to like Kristy more as I read this series too. Not my favorite character, but definitely my favorite babysitter. The most level headed with kids and she solved the problem in this one.

situationnormal's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I like the books that are really focused on the actual babysitting and this is a good example. Plus, Claudia's family is adorable.

aurigae's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

This is one of the BSC books that just didn't sit well with me. In general, as (apparently) a helicopter parent, it is hard for me accept the autonomy of the very young kids in these books and their also-very-young sitters. But in this installment, prankster kid Betsy tricks Claudia into getting into a broken swing, causing her to break her leg. As a child, I guess broken bones seemed like a bizarre act of chance. As an adult, I am full of questions: How tall is this swingset, and is it on top of concrete or steel spikes or something? Do Betsy's parents maintain it at all? And, most importantly, after Claudia is injured due to their negligence and their child's deception, how dare Betsy's parents ask the BSC to sit again?!

Also, this book was a waste of Claudia's personality. There were a few mentions of her troubles in school and a whole drama about what-if-she'd-broken-her-arm-and-couldn't-do-art, but we never actually see her struggling with schoolwork or doing any art. There are one or two conversations with Mimi, but no arguments with Janine or clashes with Kristy. She barely even eats any junk food! I'm left wondering if the broken leg has led to an undiagnosed depression.

antoinettepowb's review

Go to review page

funny reflective medium-paced

5.0

megmitch86's review

Go to review page

2.0

Frankly, Ann was phoning it in at this point. Send in the ghostwriters.

idunno4321's review

Go to review page

lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

jamietherebelliousreader's review

Go to review page

4.0

4 stars. One of my least favorites in my re-read thus far. It felt like a filler book and I really, really didn't like the kid who did all the pranks in this. She was a serious pain in the ass. Poor Claudia. I still thought it was cute and fun but yeah, I didn't love it as much.

lberestecki's review

Go to review page

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

barmera's review

Go to review page

lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5