Claudia and Mean Janine

Author: Ann M. Martin

Copyright: 1987

Publisher: Scholastic

Martin, A. M. (1987). Claudia and mean Janine. New York: Scholastic.

Reading Level: 4-6

Lexile Measure: 650L

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fiction.

Description: Illness, responsibility, care, selfishness, family.

Delivery Suggestion: Small group or individual.

Summary: This novel is the seventh book in the Baby-sitter’s Club series. Things are not going too well in the Kishi household. Claudia feels that Janine is always diminishing her and is avoiding helping out around the house. Their grandmother, Mimi, has a stroke and requires close care. Claudia ends up dropping out of the BSC playgroup and makes adjustments to her art class so she can tend to Mimi. Meanwhile, Janine is doing her own thing and not contributing. However, Janine did try to help but Claudia always is volunteering and her parents like it. Frustration is building for Janine.

Electronic Sources:

PBS Kids: Sibling Rivalry This resource provides viewers with different situations of sibling rivalry. It also provides viewers with possible solutions and positive procedures for fixing the issue at hand. Sibling rivalry is very common in many households, as we can see in Claudia and Mean Janine.

Scholastic This resource provides viewers with information and background about the creation of the Baby-Sitters Club and the creator herself, Ann M. Martin. Students will find information about Ann, a photo album, letters from Ann, and other related novels and series. Becoming familiar with the series will provide students with a background and aid to their understanding of the text.

Vocabulary: Stroke, bouquet, gurgling, stimulation, pounced.

Teaching Suggestions:

-Use this book to discuss sibling rivalry and solution to sibling conflict.

-Use this book to discuss responsibility at home, as well as at school.

-Use this book to discuss illness and health. Mimi experiences a stroke. This may be something that students are not familiar with. Use this book to discuss such illnesses that we may see in a parent or grandparent.

Comprehension Strategies:

Before Reading: Have students compose a passage in their journal about a time that they experienced a big fight or disagreement with a sibling. If they do not have a sibling, have them think about a time with another family member such as a cousin, or a friend. Remind students to think about how the fight initiated and how it was resolved. Then, from looking at the title and the cover of the book, have students predict what they think the major conflict in the story will be.

During Reading: As students read, have them create character trait lists for Claudia and Janine. Encourage them to use their inferential comprehension skills in distinguishing the two characters personalities. Even though they are siblings, they may have very different traits. As they identify character traits for the girls, have students compare and contrast Claudia and Janine using their trait lists. What is similar about them and what is different?

After Reading: Have students create a timeline representing the unfolding of events in the story. Students can use images or illustrations to represent each event, and should include a brief description of what is occurring.

Writing Activity:

Have students create a role and responsibility list for each member in their household. Students will list the member and explain that individuals responsibilities. For example, the father of the house may be responsible for paying the bills, washing the cars, mowing the lawn, taking the trash out, etc. However, these responsibility lists should be details and written in full sentences. Encourage students to discuss this with their family members as well to assure their knowledge about the individual is correct. Students can then bring home their finished works and share them with their family.