Feeling isolated as the only African American in her sixth grade class, Jessi gains a sense of belonging by participating in the Baby-sitters Club, learning sign language in order to communicate with a deaf child, and dancing in a ballet.

"Claudia's not worried when she hears her newest babysitting charge, Betsy Sobak, is a great practical joker. After all, how much harm can one little girl do? Plenty. Claudia breaks her leg as a result of one of Betsy's mean jokes--and now she's talking about quitting the club. Babysitting, she says, is just too dangerous. Kristy thinks Betsy needs to be taught a lesson. She also thinks the Babysitters are just the ones to do it. Watch out, Betsy...