Step into the drama-filled world of Making Out, where teenage hearts collide on the windswept shores of Chatham Island, Maine! This young adult series by K.A. Applegate and Michael Grant is a rollercoaster of romance, secrets, and coming-of-age moments that hooked readers in the '90s and still sparkles with nostalgic charm. With 28 books packed with authentic dialogue and messy, relatable relationships, Making Out captures the raw intensity of youth like few others.
Picture a tiny island where everyone knows your business, and every choice ripples through friendships and rivalries. That’s the magic of Making Out—a saga that dives deep into the lives of teens navigating love, betrayal, and self-discovery. Ready to explore this hidden gem of young adult literature? Let’s dive in!
How Making Out Began
In the early '90s, K.A. Applegate, already a rising star in young adult fiction, teamed up with her husband, Michael Grant, to create a series that would feel like a soap opera for teens. Originally titled Boyfriends/Girlfriends, the series launched in 1994 through HarperTeen, aiming to capture the messy beauty of teenage relationships. Inspired by the tight-knit dynamics of small-town life, Applegate set the story on the fictional Chatham Island, a place where the isolation amplifies every heartbreak and triumph. The first eight books were penned by Applegate, with ghostwriters taking over for the later 20, but the series’ heart stayed true to its roots.
The Heart of Making Out
The series kicks off with Zoey Fools Around, where Zoey Passmore, torn between her steady boyfriend Jake and the brooding Lucas, stirs up drama after Lucas returns from juvie. Secrets unravel, like Claire’s hidden role in a tragic accident, setting the stage for tangled love triangles. Jake Finds Out dives deeper, as Jake grapples with Zoey’s betrayal, while Nina Won’t Tell explores Nina’s secret crush on her sister’s ex, Benjamin. Later, Aisha Goes Wild follows Aisha’s bold journey of self-discovery, shaking up the island’s status quo.
Chatham Island itself is a character—its ferries, beaches, and stormy skies frame stories of love, loss, and resilience. The series tackles heavy themes like death, divorce, disability, and substance abuse with a raw honesty that resonates with teens. Applegate’s style blends third-person narratives with quirky, handwritten-style first-person chapters, giving readers an intimate peek into each character’s soul. From Zoey’s hopeless romanticism to Claire’s icy ambition, the diverse cast feels like friends you’ve known forever.
Why Making Out Resonates
Making Out struck a chord with '90s teens for its unflinching look at real issues wrapped in addictive drama. Fans on Goodreads rave about its nostalgic '90s vibe and authentic small-town gossip, with some rereading the series decades later for its emotional pull. Republished in 2015 as The Islanders in four omnibus editions, the series found new readers craving stories that don’t shy away from life’s complexities. Its influence lingers in modern YA, paving the way for series like Dawson’s Creek with its blend of heart and grit.
Even today, Making Out’s legacy lies in its ability to make readers feel seen. Its exploration of identity and relationships remains timeless, proving that the chaos of teenage years is universal. Whether you’re drawn to the romance or the raw emotion, this series is a testament to the power of storytelling.
- Publication Years: 1994–1998
- Number of Books: 28
- Original Publisher: HarperTeen
- Republished As: The Islanders (2015)
Grab Zoey Fools Around and sail into the stormy, swoon-worthy world of Making Out! Whether you’re a '90s kid or a new reader, Chatham Island’s drama awaits.