Olivia
Hi, I'm Olivia.
The best thing about me is that I love books and plaid shirts. I own way too many of both. My parents keep telling me I'll eventually stop wearing plaid, but I seriously doubt that will happen anytime soon.
The least interesting thing about me is that I go to a private school. Honestly, I'd rather attend public school like my friend Riley, but my parents are very serious about education. My mom is a doctor, and my dad is a lawyer. They seem to have my entire future planned out already, but we'll see about that.
What they don't know is that I want to be a veterinarian someday. I love animals, and helping them sounds a lot more exciting than the plans my parents have in mind.
I can't wait for you to learn more about me, Riley, and Harper as we start our babysitting adventures. See you in Book 1!
Harper
Hi, I'm Harper.
I'm trying to think of something interesting to say about myself besides the fact that I'm shy. Unfortunately, that's probably the thing most people notice first.
I'm homeschooled, which isn't my favorite thing in the world. My mom teaches me, and we have great conversations about almost everything, but sometimes I wish I could go to school with kids my own age. Maybe it would help me be less shy.
What I really want is a friend who likes the same things I do. Once a month, I get together with other homeschool kids and we do fun things like visit museums or historical sites. I enjoy it, but I've never really connected with anyone. That's probably partly my fault. I love books, and most kids don't want to spend their free time talking about reading.
My idea of a perfect friend is someone who would sit beside me and read quietly for an hour. Then we'd take a break and discuss our latest literary adventures.
My favorite clothes are sweatshirts and jeans, although I'd happily stay in my pajamas all day if my mom would let me. Honestly, getting dressed to attend school at the kitchen table seems a little unnecessary.
The good news is that my parents finally said I can start babysitting this year. I'm hoping it will help cure some of the boredom that comes from being home all the time—and maybe help me make a few friends along the way.
See you in Book 1!
Riley
Hi, I'm Riley.
I'm a self-proclaimed outsider, and honestly, I'm okay with that.
I like short hair, comfortable clothes, and being myself. Apparently, that's enough to make me the odd one out at school. Some kids tease me about it, but I've learned that their opinions aren't my problem. I know who I am, and I like who I am.
Books and adventure are my favorite things. I also volunteer at Misty Hollow Senior Home, where I read mystery novels to the residents. They always seem happy to see me, and they never judge me for how I dress. That's one of the reasons I like spending time there. The residents have lived interesting lives and always have great stories to tell.
My mom works really hard and isn't home as much as either of us would like. I miss her sometimes, but I know she's doing her best to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. This year, I'm finally old enough to babysit, and I'm excited to earn some money. Being able to buy my own clothes and help out a little feels pretty grown-up.
One more thing you should know about me—I love scary books. Ghost stories, haunted houses, creepy mysteries... bring them on. The scarier, the better. Some of the seniors at Misty Hollow swear the old building is haunted, and they tell some pretty convincing stories. I'm not sure I believe them, but they're fun to listen to. Besides, by the time I get home, I've usually turned their stories into something even scarier in my imagination.
See you in Book 1!