Friends Forever

The first book in the Baby-Sitters Club series, Kristy’s Great Idea, was published in 1986. It told the story of a group of best friends who band together to form a babysitting service. More than a hundred books followed. Fans read along as the girls dealt with relatable problems—from divorced parents to diabetes to troublesome toddlers they’d been hired to look after.

Now the series has been adapted for a television series, The Baby-Sitters Club, on Netflix. The story has gotten some updates (for example, the girls now carry cell phones), but much of what readers loved about the books remains. “My favorite thing about the show is the girls’ friendship,” says Malia Baker, who plays Mary Anne. “It is so awesome seeing these young feminists being so empowering and sticking with each other through thick and thin.”

The members of The Baby-Sitters Club have different interests and strengths. But they come together to run a successful business and have a lot of fun along the way. “The girls are just like me and you,” says Momona Tamada, who plays Claudia. “They all have different backgrounds, good and bad days. But at the same time, they inspire us and teach us about entrepreneurship and friendship. I love how they all help each other and grow together.”