Step into the glitzy, drama-filled world of The Clique, where middle school is a battlefield of designer bags and sharp-witted comebacks! Lisi Harrison’s bestselling young adult series follows the Pretty Committee, a group of five girls navigating the elite halls of Octavian Country Day School (OCD) in Westchester, New York. With its irresistible blend of humor, heart, and high-stakes social maneuvering, The Clique captures the rollercoaster of teenage friendship and identity, making it a beloved staple for YA readers.
From its debut in 2004, this series has hooked millions with its vivid characters and relatable struggles, wrapped in a glossy package of fashion and fun. Whether you’re Team Massie or rooting for underdog Claire, The Clique invites you to explore the messy, thrilling world of adolescence.
How The Clique Began
Lisi Harrison, a former MTV Senior Director of Development, crafted The Clique after being approached by Alloy Entertainment to create a teen-focused franchise. Drawing on her knack for capturing youth culture, Harrison penned the series as a playful yet pointed look at bullying and elitism. She named the school 'OCD' as a cheeky nod to the obsessive social dynamics of middle school. The first novel, The Clique, hit shelves in May 2004, launching a cultural phenomenon that would span 21 books, including novellas and a prequel.
The Heart of The Clique
The series centers on Massie Block, the queen bee of the Pretty Committee, and her clique: Alicia Rivera, Dylan Marvil, Kristen Gregory, and newcomer Claire Lyons. In *The Clique*, Claire moves from Florida to Massie’s guesthouse, sparking a rivalry as she fights to join the exclusive group. *Best Friends for Never* escalates the drama with betrayals and shifting alliances, while *Revenge of the Wannabes* sees Alicia plotting to dethrone Massie. *Charmed and Dangerous: The Rise of the Pretty Committee*, a prequel, reveals how the clique formed.
Harrison’s storytelling shines through witty dialogue and a fast-paced style that mirrors the girls’ chaotic lives. Set in the affluent, fashion-obsessed world of Westchester, the series tackles themes of friendship, self-worth, and the pressure to conform. While the girls’ designer-clad antics can feel extravagant, their insecurities and desire for acceptance resonate universally. The Clique doesn’t shy away from the darker sides of popularity, like bullying, but it also celebrates growth and loyalty.
The series’ vivid setting and ‘teen speak’—complete with a *Cliquetionary* guide—immerse readers in a world where status is everything, yet vulnerability lurks beneath the surface. It’s Mean Girls meets middle school, with a heart that keeps readers coming back.
Why The Clique Resonates
The Clique’s impact lies in its unapologetic dive into the complexities of teenage girlhood. Its sharp take on social hierarchies struck a chord, selling over 8 million copies and inspiring a 2008 direct-to-DVD film. Fans, now in their 20s and 30s, still cherish the series, as evidenced by the excitement for a new book announced in 2024, co-written by Harrison and actress Ellen Marlow, exploring the Pretty Committee as adults. The series’ blend of escapism and raw emotion has made it a touchstone for YA literature, influencing countless stories about friendship and identity.
By portraying both the glamour and flaws of its characters, The Clique offers a mirror for readers navigating their own social worlds. Its legacy endures as a reminder that even the most popular girls face battles within.
- First Published: May 2004
- Total Books: 21, including 14 main novels, 5 Summer Collection novellas, a prequel, and a Cliquetionary
- Awards: *Best Friends for Never* nominated for the 2005 Quill Awards (Young Adult/Teen)
- Adaptations: 2008 film, graphic novels, and a video game
Ready to dive into the dazzling drama of The Clique? Grab *The Clique* and join Massie, Claire, and the Pretty Committee for a wild ride through middle school’s social jungle!