Seventh Grader Pursues Artistic Dreams in New York

A dedicated seventh-grade student from Texas, Gigi Shin, is determined to pursue her passion for art. Despite her parents’ wishes for her to choose a more stable and lucrative career, Gigi sets her sights on a prestigious art program in New York.

Having discovered that the young artists’ program receives thousands of applications from around the world, Gigi realizes she needs to raise money to attend. Alongside her friends Zeina Hassan, Carolina Garcia, and Emma Chen, Gigi decides to start a tutoring club as a means to fund her dream.

However, running a small business proves to be more challenging than expected for the group. They face obstacles such as difficult tutees, scheduling conflicts, and strained friendships. Despite the tension caused by miscommunication and disagreements, Gigi and her friends learn the importance of taking responsibility and resolving issues through honest and open conversations.

When Gigi’s parents discover her involvement in the tutoring club, she faces backlash. Nevertheless, Gigi seizes the opportunity to showcase her hidden art talents to her parents, proving that pursuing her artistic dreams can make a positive impact on others.

Although the plot of the story may seem simple, it is Gigi’s authentic voice and the nuanced portrayal of secondary characters like Zeina, Carolina, and Emma that truly shine. The writer, under the pen name S. & S./Aladdin, delivers a serviceable yet unadorned narrative. Readers who enjoy the camaraderie and entrepreneurship depicted in “The Baby-Sitters Club” series will find themselves drawn to this series opener.