The Best Way to Read The Clique
To fully experience the drama, friendships, and status shifts of the Pretty Committee, we recommend starting with the original book that launched the phenomenon. While there is a prequel novel, reading in publication order allows you to meet the characters as they were originally introduced and avoids spoiling major plot reveals.
However, the timeline becomes slightly complicated around the summer holidays. To get the most cohesive story, you should read the series in a hybrid order that inserts the summer novellas exactly where they take place chronologically.
The Hybrid Chronological Reading Path
- The Clique (2004)
- Best Friends for Never (2004)
- Revenge of the Wannabes (2005)
- Invasion of the Boy Snatchers (2005)
- Dial L for Loser (2006)
- The Pretty Committee Strikes Back (2006)
- It's Not Easy Being Mean (2007)
- Sealed with a Diss (2007)
- The Summer Collection Novellas (2008) - Read all five novellas here, in the order of Massie, Dylan, Alicia, Kristen, and Claire. They cover the summer break between seventh and eighth grade.
- Bratfest at Tiffany's (2008)
- P.S. I Loathe You (2008)
- Boys "R" Us (2009)
- Charmed and Dangerous: The Rise of the Pretty Committee (2009) - This is the prequel showing how the core clique formed. Reading it here provides a nostalgic look back, though you can also read it first if you prefer a strict chronological timeline.
- These Boots Are Made for Stalking (2009)
- My Little Phony (2010)
- A Tale of Two Pretties (2011)
Major Series and Companion Books
The Summer Collection
Published in 2008, this five-novella subseries shifts the spotlight to each individual girl during their summer vacation. Each book is named after a member of the clique: Massie, Dylan, Alicia, Kristen, and Claire. Reading these is highly recommended before diving into Book 9 (Bratfest at Tiffany's), as the events of the summer directly set up the conflicts of the eighth-grade school year.
The Companions & Graphic Novels
- Cliquetionary: The Wit And Wisdom Of The Clique (2009): A companion glossary and guide containing fan-favorite terms, slang, and fashion tips from the series.
- The Clique: The Manga (2011): A graphic novel adaptation of the first book, featuring manga-style illustrations.
The Alphas Spin-Off Series
Set at the ultra-exclusive Alpha Academy boarding school, this four-book spin-off series follows Skye Hamilton (the popular eighth-grade "Alpha" from the main series) as she competes against other talented teens. The series consists of Alphas (2009), Movers & Shakers (2010), Belle of the Brawl (2010), and Top of the Class (2011).
The Adult Sequel: State of the Reunion
In late 2024, author Lisi Harrison and actress Ellen Marlow (who portrayed Claire Lyons in the 2008 movie adaptation) announced they are co-writing a brand-new continuation. Titled State of the Reunion, the project catches up with the Pretty Committee as 27-year-olds navigating adulthood.