Picture a Canadian storyteller who turned the drama of teen cliques into literary gold—meet Lisi Harrison! Born in Toronto in 1970, Harrison transformed her sharp insights from a 12-year stint at MTV into the blockbuster young adult series The Clique, which has sold over 9 million copies. Her witty, razor-sharp tales of social hierarchies and friendships have captivated teens and adults alike, cementing her as a powerhouse in young adult fiction.
With a knack for capturing the highs and lows of adolescence, Harrison’s books, including Monster High and The Dirty Book Club, blend humor, heart, and a touch of sass. Let’s dive into her journey, from Toronto’s streets to the top of the bestseller lists!
The Making of Lisi Harrison
Elyse E. 'Lisi' Harrison (née Gottlieb) grew up in Toronto, Ontario, with her parents, Ken and Shaila, and two siblings. She attended a Hebrew elementary school before moving to Forest Hill Collegiate Institute. Initially a film major at McGill University, Harrison switched gears after two years, transferring to Emerson College in Boston to pursue a BFA in creative writing. Her big break came at MTV in New York, where she climbed from writer to Senior Director of Development, shaping shows like Laguna Beach. This immersion in teen culture sparked the ideas that would fuel her writing career.
Lisi Harrison’s Unforgettable Stories
Harrison’s debut, The Clique (2004), launched a 21-book series that follows the Pretty Committee, a group of wealthy, status-obsessed middle school girls at Octavian Country Day. With sharp dialogue and a keen eye for social dynamics, the series explores friendship, rivalry, and identity, resonating with teens navigating their own social jungles. Its success, including a spot on the New York Times bestseller list for over 200 weeks, led to spin-offs like the Cliquetionary and a Summer Collection.
Harrison’s Monster High series (2010–2012) reimagines classic monsters as trendy teens, blending spooky fun with themes of acceptance. The four-book Alphas series (2009–2011) amps up the drama at an elite boarding school, while Pretenders (2013–2014) tackles identity through diary-style storytelling. In 2017, Harrison ventured into adult fiction with The Dirty Book Club, a cheeky tale of friendship and secrets, inspired by her own Laguna Beach book club. Her recent middle-grade series, like Girl Stuff and Graveyard Girls (co-written with Daniel Kraus), show her versatility, blending humor and heart for younger readers.
Known for her playful prose and relatable characters, Harrison’s style mirrors the fast-paced, status-driven world of teens, yet her stories carry a deeper message: popularity isn’t everything, and true friendship matters. Her time at MTV honed her ability to hook readers, making her books both addictive and thought-provoking.
Why Lisi Harrison Matters
Lisi Harrison’s impact on young adult fiction is undeniable. The Clique series, with its unflinching look at teen social structures, gave voice to the complexities of adolescence, earning praise as a YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers. Her books have inspired millions, offering both escapism and lessons on self-worth. By tackling themes like bullying and belonging, Harrison has shaped how young readers view their world, while her foray into adult fiction and middle-grade series broadens her influence.
Now living in Laguna Beach, California, Harrison continues to write and lead Drama Free Friend workshops, teaching kids and parents how to foster healthy friendships. With a new Clique book in the works, set to follow the Pretty Committee in their 20s, her legacy as a storyteller who gets teens is stronger than ever.
About Lisi Harrison
- Born: July 29, 1970, in Toronto, Canada
- Key Works: The Clique, Monster High, Alphas, The Dirty Book Club
- Notable Achievement: The Clique sold over 9 million copies and was a New York Times bestseller for over 200 weeks
- Current Home: Laguna Beach, California
Ready to dive into the glitz and drama of Lisi Harrison’s world? Snag The Clique or Monster High and get lost in her sassy, heartfelt stories!