Access Denied

As a middle school teacher, I always enjoy a good young adult novel, especially if it takes place in a middle school, which is exactly what I got with Access Denied (and other eighth grade error messages) by Denise Vega. This funny and very real follow=up to Click Here: To Find Out How I Survived Seventh Grade, captured my interest enough to read it straight through for several hours, something that does not often happen to me with YA novels.

Athlete and computer wiz Erin Swift survived the Year of Humiliating Events (YOHE), aka 7th grade, and has had a great summer shooting hoops and going to computer camp. She's looking forward to 8th grade, working on the school web site, and having all of her friendships back on the right track. Eighth grade does have its problems including first boyfriends, kisses, and breakups, making a new friend, and fights with best friends, but only one humiliating event.
I enjoyed reading Erin's tales of achievement and woe, foolishness and frustrations. She has an older brother Chris, who solidifies my childhood wish for an older brother, and parents who can sometimes be over protective. Written in the first person, Erin's voice is true to a girl of her age. At the end of each chapter her personal journal entries are even more interesting than her telling of events, because here she questions herself, expresses regret, and works through the decision making process.
I am excited to pass Access Denied (and other eighth grade error messages) on to my niece who is entering middle school this year. It is spot-on with middle school activities and feelings, without strong language or other things that might bring it into a more PG-13 range. She already has Click Here: To Find Out How I Survived Seventh Grade from the library and then she'll dive into this one!