
Reach for this book when your child feels overlooked by their friends or is struggling with the 'green-eyed monster' of jealousy. While it is part of a series, this story stands alone as an exploration of how competition can strain even the best of friendships. The narrative follows Dawn as she navigates feelings of being underappreciated while coaching young children for a local pageant. Through the lens of a humorous beauty contest, the story addresses the pressure to win and the importance of supporting others even when you want the spotlight for yourself. It is perfect for readers aged 8 to 12 who are moving into more complex social dynamics where loyalty and rivalry often overlap. Parents will appreciate how it models healthy communication and the eventual realization that a friend's success does not diminish one's own value.




















Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe book handles family dynamics, specifically Dawn's life as a child of divorce living in a different state from her father, in a realistic and secular manner. The resolution is hopeful and grounded in practical communication.
An elementary or middle schooler who feels they are the 'quiet one' in their friend group and is looking for ways to assert their individuality without breaking social ties.
No specific scenes require previewing, though parents might want to discuss the outdated concept of beauty pageants to provide historical context for the book's 1980s setting. A parent might notice their child making snarky comments about a friend's achievement or expressing a desire to 'outdo' someone they usually get along with.
Younger readers will focus on the humor of the pageant acts (like peeling a banana with feet), while older readers will more deeply resonate with Dawn's internal struggle with jealousy and the nuances of the girls' power struggle.
Unlike many stories that focus on the competitors themselves, this book uniquely focuses on the 'coaches,' showing how adults or older kids can accidentally project their own insecurities onto the children they care for.
The story begins with Dawn feeling sidelined during a formal induction ceremony for new members Jessi and Mallory. Seeking her own 'moment,' she agrees to help the Pike children prepare for the Little Miss Stoneybrook pageant. However, the other BSC members also decide to coach their own charges. What starts as a fun project devolves into a fierce competition between the babysitters, forcing them to confront their own maturity and the true meaning of friendship.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.