Whatever

Sweet Valley Jr. High #17

by Francine Pascal (Creator), Jamie Suzanne

Lacey

I know my mom--my real mom --cares about me.

So what if she never writes or calls?  She's probably really busy.

But it will be so cool having her visit.  We can go shopping and talk and...I don't know... bond or something.

Right?

Genres: Young Adult, Childrens, Fiction, Teen, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary

160 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2000

About the author

Francine Paula Pascal was an American author best known for her Sweet Valley series of young adult novels. Sweet Valley High, the backbone of the collection, was made into a television series, which led to several spin-offs, including The Unicorn Club and Sweet Valley University. Although most of these books were published in the 1980s and 1990s, they remained so popular that several titles were re-released decades later.

Reviews

[Dove Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I absolutely cannot stand Lacey. She’s a terrible person.

I’m sick of the narrative pushing the unhealthy idea that Kristin has to not only accept the terrible way she’s treated, but take it as a compliment. Lacey is a brat and a bully. One that is, admittedly, not in an ideal situation at home, but she just inflicts her misery on her only friend, Kristin.

Something disappointing happens to Lacey and she punishes Kristin. And Kristin is so massively broken by this, she’s like, yes, that is totally my fault. I’m her best friend. I should just do exactly what she wants, even when it’s completely self-centred and irrational and hurts people that I care about.

I grew up with a narcissist for a parent. Ask me how healthy it is to grow up this way.

I hate Lacey. I hope she dies so that Kristin can be free from this horrible toxicity and particularly the message that she needs to be grateful for it.

[Cristela T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this one just like I love all of the SVJH books that focus on Lacey. She’s by far my favourite character. So her mom is another lousy adult in the long list of lousy adults in Lacey’s short life. I think that the authors unintentionally managed to make the series bully the most well rounded, relatable, interesting and complex character.

[Winna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Repeating Got a Problem, so it bothers me a bit :)

[Smerris]

I have not read this book yet, but I am sure that girls in the 4th grade and up would enjoy reading it! I loved these stories years ago and I am sure I still would.

[Mona · Rating 3 out of 5]

i read it 3 or 4 years ago.. what i remember is that it was not bad..

[Sheila Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember the cover just not the story.