Access Denied (and other eighth grade error messages)

June 29, 2009
After surviving the "Year of Humiliating Events (YOHE)" in Click Here (To Find Out How I Survived Seventh Grade), Erin Swift, Web site-designer extraordinaire, is ready to make a fresh start. But in eighth grade, she faces a new set of boy problems, trouble with friends and a painful loss that makes her rethink her priorities. Clearly in tune with adolescents' roller coaster emotions and their numerous challenges, Vega's sequel is accented with excerpts from Erin's "new and improved, totally secret & private home page" that convey her triumphs and anxieties. Erin's on-again, off-again crushes-especially with basketball buddy Mark-are entertaining; her more complex relationships with aging custodian, Mr. Foslowski and new student, Reede, who does "a lot of things against the rules," add depth. As before, Erin proves to be a good girl who sometimes finds herself in awkward situations. Accurately mirroring middle-school life, the story should hit home with tweens. Ages 12-up.

October 1, 2009
Gr 5-8-This is a fast-paced, engaging sequel to Vega's "Click Here (to Find Out How I Survived the Seventh Grade)" (Little, Brown, 2005). Erin Swift is a funny, bright girl who encounters some of the most typical (yet poignant) trials and tribulations that early adolescence has to offer. An overbearing, overprotective mother makes Erin chomp at the bit for freedom and adulthood. A first boyfriend (who she doesn't really like very much) and a breakup leave her confused about her tastes and judgment. A wild, intriguing new girl at school challenges her ideas about fun and friendship. Finally, a tragedy introduces the teen to loss, grief, and regret. Added to the mix are Erin's tech-savvy humor and matter-of-fact inner dialogue. Although some of the tech terms may soon be outdated, it is fun to read about a computer- and gadget-loving girl protagonist."Nora G. Murphy, Los Angeles Academy Middle School"

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