This engaging middle-grade novel follows Erin Swift, an eighth-grade computer whiz determined to make this year better than the last. Readers will relate to Erin's experiences with her first boyfriend and subsequent breakup, the challenges of a new friendship with a 'bad-girl' influence, and feeling misunderstood by her overprotective mom. The story takes a poignant turn with a personal tragedy that forces Erin to grow, understand others better, and find her own strength. It's a realistic look at the ups and downs of early adolescence, perfect for readers aged 11-14.
Computer whiz Erin Swift is ready to start eighth grade. The Year of Humiliating Events (aka, seventh grade) is behind her and she's ready to rule the school. But eight grade comes with its own set of problems for Erin to navigate, including her first boyfriend, her first break-up, and the fact that her mom has been treating her more like an eight year old than an eighth grader. Even worse, there's a new girl at Molly Brown Middle School who is determined to remake Erin in her bad-girl image, and former crush Mark "Cute Boy" Sacks has been acting strange lately.But as Erin 's school year once against hurdles toward disaster, a personal tragedy forces her to realize that things, and people, aren't always as bad as they seem. Can she save what's left of eighth grade before it's too late?