Got a Problem?

Sweet Valley Jr. High #11

by Jamie Suzanne (Creator), Jamie Suzanne

Lacey wants everyone to stop asking her what her problem is. She has no problem--she has a lousy life. And her best friends think they know everything, but they don't. She just wants to be left alone.

Genres: Childrens, Young Adult, Teen, Fiction

Library Binding

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Jamie Suzanne is not a real person and does not exist.

Jamie Suzanne is the fake name that was created to represent the team of ghostwriters that wrote the Sweet Valley Twins series.

Reviews

[Dove Daniel]

I’ve really been enjoying this series, but this book is a misstep. Lacey is absolutely horrible and I think the message is damaging.

Yes, boo hoo, she has a bad home, but so what? She treats people terribly. She schemes and wheedles and manipulates her way to get Kristin to spend time with her, then just completely insults, railroads or ignores her when she gets her own way.

And for the finale of the book to be, “Yeah, but Lacey’s your best friend. And, yes, she treats you terribly, but just think how badly she treats everyone else. You’re special. Out of all of the people she treats like dirt, you’re the only one she doesn’t spit on. That’s just how magical best friendship is!”

Kristin is trapped in an abusive friendship. She puts in 100%, Lacey guilts her for not managing to put in 150% and she gets absolutely zero in return.

Hideous message.

[Cristela T · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a book in general, this would be a 2 or 3...but it was a 4 for a Sweet Valley Jr. High book. I'm finally back at reading what used to be my favourite series when I was a pre-teen. I like that this book focuses on Lacey, one of my favourite characters. No matter how obnoxious she gets, I can't bring myself to dislike her. She is so hurt and damaged! The adults in her life do not care about her and she is how she is because of that. The one thing I didn't like is that she treated Kristin like a punching bag, and Kristin ended up apologizing when she did nothing wrong.

[Winna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not too bad, but it focuses too much on Lacey, whom I don't really like.

[Sheila Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember the cover just not the story.