Welcome back to our Bestie Book Club—
a community for book lovers from Girls' Life magazine.

If you're new here, hello and welcome! Here's how this works: Each month, we read, discuss and obsess over a new book. And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram, where you'll be able to find Bestie Book Club updates, special contests, giveaways and more. 

Here's a quick list of everything you'll find inside this post (and beyond)...

The Baby-Sitters Club 11: Good-Bye Stacey, Good-Bye: THE BOOK CLUB AT-A-GLANCE
+ Check out this month's must-read (buy it right now HERE!)
+ Get *all* the amazing book deets (warning: spoilers abound!)
+ Meet our ~srsly fabulous~ #bookstagrammer besties
+ Learn how to join our book club!

Valentine's Day is almost here, and we def have heart eyes for The Baby-Sitters Club 11: Good-Bye Stacey, Good-Bye, our February Bestie Book Club pick. It's a cozy winter read that's giving us *all* the friendship feels.

Good-Bye Stacey, Good-Bye by Gabriela Epstein has ~everything~ we love about the original series (supportive besties, enticing escapades and touching moments with the fam) but this time, it's in the form of a graphic novel (the illustrations are gorg). This new spin on a BSC classic (featuring your faves from the Netflix series) will hook you just like the OG. 

Pssst: Want to skip the spoilers and just read our (low spoiler) Bestie Book Club rebviews? Click HERE.

When Stacey McGill, Treasurer of the Baby-Sitters Club, first moved to Stoneybrook, she didn't know what to expect. She was sad to leave behind her friends in New York—and super nervous about starting at a new middle school. Little did she know that she'd soon be welcomed into a BFF squad where she'd make the most amaze friends *and* learn how to be a top-notch babysitter. Things are going great for Stacey…until her parents announce a totally unexpected move back to New York. 

Stacey is completely crushed by the idea of having to leave her friends behind. She even has to say good-bye to Charlotte Johanssen, one of her fave kids to babysit for. Just when things were starting to feel normal in Stoneybrook, Stacey's life is srsly upside down. What is she going to do? And can the BSC find ways to make Stacey feel like she'll *always* be part of their crew…even when she isn't there IRL?

What are you waiting for?! Read The Baby-Sitters' Club 11: Good-Bye Stacey, Good-Bye now!

Spoiler level: Medium

Did our Bestie Book Club love The Baby-Sitters Club 11: Good-Bye Stacey, Good-Bye? Read on! Meet Kayden, Kelsey, Kira, Kylee and Paizley. These ~fabulous~ GL girls heart reading as much as you do—and they're here to answer *all* our most burning Qs about our February book pick!

Kayden @kaydengraceswan

In the book, Claudia and Stacey are BFFs, even though they're super different. Can you relate? "Yes! My BFF and I have our own hobbies, interests and passions—but what we do share is how much we love and support each other."
Have you ever made friends with the new girl at school? "I definitely have. I love reaching out to new people. You never know what you can learn from them." 
Why will GL readers heart this book? "Good-Bye, Stacey, Good-Bye will make you thankful for your current squad. It's such an empowering read."

Kelsey @kelseykays_

Most relatable character? "Stacey. I really felt for how nervous she was when her parents told her that they were moving."
Would you join the Baby-Sitters Club? "Yes, definitely. They seem like such a supportive friend group. Plus, I love to babysit!" 
What did this book teach you? "Surround yourself with people who build you up and make you feel confident. Good friends = everything." 

Kira @cali.kira

How do you start a new friendship? "By complimenting someone. It's a *great* way to start a conversation. Plus, you'll totally make that person's day."
Have you ever moved away from your friends? "Yes, actually. I just moved to a new town, so I know *exactly* how Stacey feels. I was definitely nervous at first about losing my friends , but we've managed to stay in touch through FaceTime and text."
What's one way you stay connected to your besties? "My friends and I do a weekly call to catch up. Tbh, the distance can be hard sometimes, but we make it work."

Kylee @cheerps.lauren_k

Fave member of the BSC?: "Claudia! She's so fashionable, and she's a great friend to Stacey."
What's one piece of advice you have for girls trying to make friends? "Always be yourself. When you stay true to your personality, you'll meet people who love the real you!"
How do you help your crew find their confidence? "By listening. I do my best to have my besties' backs and to be there for them when things get tough."

Paizley @paizley_steven

How do you try to be a good friend?: "I do my best to support my besties and to remind them just how awesome they really are."
When do you feel most confident? "I feel most confident when I'm nice to others. Giving compliments is a great way to pay it forward."
Favorite scene in Good-Bye Stacey, Good-Bye? "The yard sale. I loved how the BSC came together to donate items—making a change while spending time together. That's truly what friends are for!"
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So you've read the book and you're ready to talk all things Baby-Sitters Club? Wondering *exactly* how the Bestie Book Club works and what it means to be a member? There are so many ways you can get involved—whether it's solo, on social media or with you squad. Here's a quick list...
+ SOLO. Take out your trusted journal and answer any of our reader response prompts based on Good-Bye Stacey, Good-Bye: What makes you feel confident? How did you share this confidence with others? Have you ever moved to a new place or made friends with a new girl at school? How are you different from your best friend(s)? What similarities do you share?
+ ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Share your thoughts on Good-Bye Stacey, Good-Bye using the hashtag #glbestiebookclub on Twitter and Instagram (Just remember: You have to have a public account for us to be able to see you and respond to your posts). 
+ WITH YOUR SQUAD. Host a book club party—IRL or Zoom— to chat about the questions above. Be sure to reach out to a new friend and bring them along. And be sure to tag us in your snaps so we can share them!

by GL | 2/15/2022