The Clique series

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Cover of The Clique, the first novel of the series, released on May 5, 2004

The Clique Series is an American young adult novel series written by Lisi Harrison and published by Little, Brown and Company, a subsidiary of the Hachette Group. The series revolves around five girls. Massie Block, Alicia Rivera, Dylan Marvil, and Kristen Gregory collectively make up The Pretty Committee, an 'A-Lister' clique at the fictional, all girls middle school, Octavian County Day. Claire Lyons is a misfit girl from Orlando who shops at TJ Maxx and tries to fit into the Pretty Committee. Massie is the head of the group, while Claire, a newcomer to the area, is initially considered an outcast due to her financial and fashion status'. As the series progresses, she slowly develops a friendship with Massie, and eventually becomes a member of the group.

The first novel, The Clique, was released on May 5, 2004. As of July 2009, eleven novels have been released in the main series.[1][2] From April to August 2008, five novellas named after the five main characters were published in a subseries called "The Clique Summer Collection." The novellas focus on each titular characters' activities during the summer between their seventh and eight grades in school.[3] On October 4, 2006, a box set called "The Clique Collection" was released containing the first three novels of the series.[4] A second set was released in November 2006 containing books four through six.[5] In 2007, Warner Brothers announced that it had partnered with publisher Alloy Entertainment to create a series of direct-to-DVD films based on the books.

A film, based on the first novel The Clique, was released on November 18, 2008.[6]

Contents

[edit] History

Alloy Entertainment, the book-packaging subdivision of Alloy Online which focuses on the young adult market, conceived the stories for its novel series, then is responsible for hiring writers and editing the novels they produced.[7][8][9] They approached Lisi Harrison, who was working as a writer for MTV, about producing a series of young adult novels. She said of this proposal, "Always being a closeted wannabe author - I jumped at the opportunity. I loved the idea."[10] Alloy's involvement in the process of writing varies from series to series;[11] Harrison said that in her case they functioned as a sounding board, but otherwise, "they left me to my own devices. It's very much my book."[10] The end result was the first novel in the series, The Clique, which was published in May 2004 by Little, Brown and Company.[12][13][14]

[edit] Characters

Main article: List of The Clique series characters
  • Massie Block is known as the alpha (leader) and founder of her 'clique', The Pretty Committee. This clique is at the head of the 'food chain' at their prestigious private school. She is very spoiled (her parents are millionaires) and is usually very snobbish, but she has a vulnerable side that reveals itself to the reader when she is under pressure. Massie never lets on to anyone that she sometimes isn't as confident as she appears. She's known for her wardrobe (designer labels), her quick wit, and her desire to shine above everyone.
  • Alicia Rivera is Massie's best friend, which gives her "beta" (second-in-command) status in the Pretty Committee , but her personality doesn't quite shine like Massie's does. Alicia is also a bit kinder in nature than Massie, but tends to be a gossip. Alicia is also known for her wardrobe (heavily influenced by Ralph Lauren), and for her exotic beauty (her mother is an internationally-known Spanish model).
  • Dylan Marvil: is the Pretty Committee's source to the showbiz world, for her mother is famous talk show host for a television show called The Daily Grind. Dylan is bubbly and talkative. Her trademarks are her fiery red hair, her brightly colored style, and her obsession with her weight. (She has tried various fad diets, but does not stick to any of them for very long).
  • Kristen Gregory is an all-star soccer player at school. However, she is by no means a tomboy. She is a fan of designer clothes, but she cannot afford them as her father, a former rich art dealer, lost his money prior to the series' inception. Kristen is highly intelligent, attending OCD on a full scholarship, and is considered to be beautiful with her long blond hair. Her trademarks are playing word games, being athletic and avoiding being caught by her parents.
  • Claire Lyons moved from Orlando, Florida to Westchester, New York. Her dad was good friends with Massie's dad in college, and the Lyons are living in Massie's guest house. Claire's family is not rich or privileged like the other girls, so she has a hard time adjusting. She becomes friends with Layne Abeley, known to the Pretty Committee as a LBR (Loser Beyond Repair). She is known for her individualism, her non-designer style, and her tenacity.

[edit] List of novels

[edit] The Clique

Title Date Length ISBN
The Clique May 5, 2004[1] 224 pp (first edition) ISBN 978-0-31670-129-7
Massie Block believes her life is perfect until her father's college friend Jay Lyons moves his family from Orlando, Florida to Westchester, New York. Her father allows Jay, along with his wife, Judi, son, Todd, and daughter, Claire, to move into their guest house while they search for a new home. The first time Massie meets Claire, she is rude to her because of her "unstylish" clothing choices. Massie doesn't believe she is "clique" material, but Claire continues to attempt to become friendly with Massie and her friends: Alicia, Dylan, and Kristen. 
Best Friends for Never October 4, 2004[15] 208 pp (first edition) ISBN 997-8-031670-131-0
After a student accidentally hurts herself cutting her clothes to make herself look more like the Pretty Committee on Halloween, Principal Burns has a new dress code: uniforms. With the stress of a new bet between Massie and Claire, plus the upcoming boy-girl Halloween party Massie and Claire are planning, they must put aside their differences and team up together to win the uniform contest. 
Revenge of the Wannabes March 2, 2005[16] 296 pp (first edition) ISBN 978-0-31670-133-4
After leading her dance class in a dance, Alicia, full of confidence, decides to throw her very own sleepover and invite a few of her own friends. But when Massie hears about this, she excludes Alicia from the Pretty Committee. So, Alicia tries to start a clique of her own, only to realize it's much, much harder than it looks. 
Invasion of the Boy Snatchers October 5, 2005[17] 256 pp (first edition) ISBN 978-0-31670-134-1
Alicia's slutty cousin Nina is in town, to spend the rest of the semester in Westchester. Massie doesn't like her from the start, but things get worse when she starts hanging out with Massie's crush, Derrick Harrington, otherwise known as "Derrington", Alicia's crush Josh Hotz, and Claires crush Cam Fisher. Only The Pretty Committee can get their boys and their 7th grade Alpha status back. 
The Pretty Committee Strikes Back March 1, 2006[18] 272 pp (first edition) ISBN 978-0-31611-500-1
The girls pack up their warmest cashmere sweaters and tiniest iPods to their class trip to Lake Placid. Uh-oh! The Briarwood boys are just cabins away! Massie has to have the nerve and kiss Derrington right in front of the MUCK girls. (Massie's Underground Clinic for Kissing) Meanwhile, Claire desperately wants Cam back after the Nina incident, and will do anything she can to win him back. 
Dial L for Loser August 23, 2006[19] 272 pp (first edition) ISBN 978-0-31611-504-9
Massie, Claire, and Alicia go to Los Angeles to audition for a part in an upcoming movie called "Dial L for Loser," but when Claire snags the lead part, Massie is far from happy for her. 
It's Not Easy Being Mean March 7, 2007[20] 224 pp (first edition) ISBN 978-0-31611-506-3
The Pretty Committee competes for access to an 8th grade oasis that will make them top of the 8th grade, but when Layne gets access first they must plot to regain power. 
Sealed with a Diss July 2, 2007[21] 272 pp (first edition) ISBN 978-0-31611-506-3
The Pretty Committee's future could not get any better now that they have the key to the 8th grade oasis, that is, until they find out they must get dates to the biggest 8th grade party of the year to keep the key. 
Bratfest at Tiffany's February 5, 2008[22] 227 pp (first edition) ISBN 978-0-31600-680-4
It's the 8th grade year at Octavian Country Day School. Massie Block decides after seeing the entire Pretty Committee being dumped at Skye's party that they need to give up on boys. Massie declares a 'boyfast,' and soon the PC is transformed into the NPC (New Pretty Committee). But with the boys at "BOCD", the NPC's popularity as they know it takes a turn for the worse. The boys are the new alphas, and Massie Block must do everything she can to maintain her 8th grade alpha status. 
P.S. I Loathe You February 10, 2009[2] 224 pp (first edition) ISBN 978-03-1600-6811
Kristen is stuck in the middle to decide whether she help Layne or Massie who wants the same guy. Massie makes her own cheerleading squad, and Alicia doesn't like how Massie rules the squad. Dylan, fell in love with Massie's ex boyfriend Derrick, and determines to get him behind Massie's back. 
Boys R Us July 7, 2009[23] 272 pp (first edition) ISBN 978-03-1600-6828
 
The Clique: Charmed and Dangerous October 10, 2009[24] 160 pp (first edition) ISBN 978-03-1605-5376
 

[edit] The Clique Summer Collection

Title Date Length ISBN
Massie April 1, 2008[25] 144 pp (first edition) ISBN 978-0-31603-210-0
Massie is kicked out of the Galwaugh riding camps and her parents aren't happy. They decide that Massie should get a summer job. Massie eventually decides she wants to work as a salesgirl for the cosmetic company Be Pretty to earn her money and the legendary purple streak, which grants priority status to any girl. 
Dylan May 6, 2008[26] 144 pp (first edition) ISBN 978-0-31603-565-1
Dylan and her mother go to Hawaii for the summer so Merri-Lee can interview the teen tennis sensation, Svetlana Slootskyia, who happens to have an uncontrollable temper. Dylan gets off on the wrong foot with Svetlana immediately. But Dylan needs Svetlana's help to learn the game of tennis in order to impress her summer crush, J.T. 
Alicia June 3, 2008[27] 144 pp (first edition) ISBN 978-0-31602-753-3
For the first time ever, Alicia will be spending her summer in Spain alone without her parents. She is determined to score a spot in a famous Spanish superstar named ¡i!'s music video. But with scheming Nina, and her hot twin cousins Isobel and Celia, can Alicia keep her dream alive? 
Kristen July 1, 2008[28] 144 pp (first edition) ISBN 978-0-31602-752-6
Kristen is stuck in Westchester while her friends are scattered all over the globe. The good thing is, she meets Dune, a hot surfer dude. The bad thing: she's tutoring his brat sister Ripple, who wants to be a tiny Massie. With the help of Kristen's secret, can she get Dune from Skye, the 8th grader Alpha? 
Claire August 5, 2008[29] 144 pp (first edition) ISBN 978-0-31602-750-2
Claire is in Florida with her friends, Sarah, Sari, and Mandy when she gets an unexpected visit from Massie. Both her friends and Massie enter the Miss Kiss beauty contest. Who will win? 

[edit] Reception

[edit] Sales

Best Friends for Never reached The New York Times bestseller list in early February 2005, four months after it was published, but remained there only one week.[30] It returned in late February for another week, reaching #7.[31] Following the release of the next volume in the series, It entered the bestseller list again in late March, where it stayed another week, then in late April, where it remained for three weeks.[32][33][34] In late March it also made an appearance on the Publishers Weekly bestseller list, coming in at #9.[35] Copies of the novel have continued to sell in large numbers: nearly 150,000 in 2005,[36] over 200,000 in 2006,[37] and over 150,000 in 2007.[38]

[edit] Critical reviews

In reviewing the first novel, The Clique, reviewers remarked on the behavior of the characters, with Publishers Weekly noting that it "takes cliquish, snobbish behavior to Hollywood extremes" and School Library Journal saying that "the cruelty of the clique [is not] redeemed with any sort of a satisfying ending."[13][39] There were also comments about the novel's use of brand names: School Library Journal said that it "has trendy references kids will love"; Booklist expounded more on the subject, saying that the novel goes into "too much detail about how the superwealthy live" but added that it "has fun with the tyranny of brand names" - although they also cautioned that "the very specifics that teens will recognize will be 'so out' before the year is over." Additionally, Booklist described the instant messaging segments as "hilarious", while School Library Journal criticised "the shallowness of the characters" and "the one-dimensional plot".[13] Spero News says "At first, it's easy to hate this book and the shallow materialism that these characters embody. On the other hand, they're so impossible to take seriously that you have to laugh at them. These girls are so 13-going-on-30." [40]

Reviewers' general descriptions of Best Friends for Never focused on its lightweight nature and entertainment value: Book Loons called it "good soap operatic fun",[41] The Virginian Pilot said it was "a fairly quick and easy read",[42] Teen Reads found it to be "another quick, fun, enjoyable read",[43] while Romantic Times thought that it was "sinful, nasty fun" and gave it three stars.[44] More negative comments that were made included The Virginian Pilot's assertion that it "lacks the sophistication and style of deeper novels".[42] On the behavior of the characters—something the first volume was criticised for[12][13]—Romantic Times said, "Good news for fans—the girls are just as catty now as they were before."[44] Book Loons added that it "does capture both the occasionally unpleasant verbal interactions and emotional vulnerability of pre-teen girls."[41] The book's cliffhanger ending was described as "perfect" by Teen Reads[43] and according to The Virginian Pilot is, along with the "mild twists", what made the novel an "interesting read."[42]

[edit] Awards

The Clique was selected as a "Quick Pick For Reluctant Young Adult Readers" by YALSA.[45] Best Friends for Never was nominated for the 2005 Quill Awards in the "Young Adult/Teen" category.[46]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b "The Clique". Hachette Group. http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/kids_books_9780316701297.htm. Retrieved on 2008-12-19. 
  2. ^ a b "Clique #10, P.S. I Loathe You". Hachette Group. http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/kids_books_9780316006811.htm. Retrieved on 2008-12-18. 
  3. ^ Volkenannt, Donna (2008). "The Clique Summer Collection Series by Lisi Harrison". Teen Reads. http://www.teenreads.com/series/series-clique-summer-titles.asp. Retrieved on 2008-12-19. 
  4. ^ "The Clique Collection". Hachette Group. http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/kids_books_9780316167055.htm. Retrieved on 2008-12-19. 
  5. ^ "The Clique: Second Collection". Hachette Group. http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/teens_books_9780316066938.htm. Retrieved on 2009-06-12. 
  6. ^ Ault, Susanne (2007-07-02). "Studios read more into DVD movies". Video Business. http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6456291.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-01. 
  7. ^ "Alloy Makes a Go of It in Hollywood". Publishers Weekly. 2007-11-19. http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6503767.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-13. 
  8. ^ "Schrank Joins 17th Street". Publishers Weekly. 2002-11-04. http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA256957.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-13. 
  9. ^ "Internet Company Buys 17th Street Productions". Publishers Weekly. 2000-01-17. http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA167866.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-13. 
  10. ^ a b "Meet the guys behind the girl book craze". Portsmouth Herald (Associated Press). 2005-07-01. http://www.myseacoastjob.com/2005news/07012005/communit/50543.htm. Retrieved on 2008-09-13. 
  11. ^ "First, Plot and Character. Then, Find an Author.". The New York Times. 2006-04-27. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/27/books/27pack.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-13. 
  12. ^ a b "Children's Notes". Publishers Weekly. 2004-11-08. http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA478269.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-07. 
  13. ^ a b c d Editorial reviews from School Library Journal and Booklist, as archived at Amazon.com
  14. ^ "ALA Book Picks 2005--Best Books for Young Adults". School Library Journal. 2005-03-01. http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA508022.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-13. 
  15. ^ "Clique #2, Best Friends for Never". Hachette Group. http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/kids_books_9780316701310.htm. Retrieved on 2008-12-19. 
  16. ^ "Clique #3, Revenge of the Wannabes". Hachette Group. http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/kids_books_9780316701334.htm. Retrieved on 2008-12-19. 
  17. ^ "Clique #4, Invasion of the Boy Snatchers". Hachette Group. http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/kids_books_9780316701341.htm. Retrieved on 2008-12-19. 
  18. ^ "Clique #5, The Pretty Committee Strikes Back". Hachette Group. http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/kids_books_9780316115001.htm. Retrieved on 2008-12-19. 
  19. ^ "Clique #6, Dial L for Loser". Hachette Group. http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/kids_books_9780316115049.htm. Retrieved on 2008-12-19. 
  20. ^ "Clique #7, It's Not Easy Being Mean". Hachette Group. http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/kids_books_9780316115056.htm. Retrieved on 2008-12-19. 
  21. ^ "Clique #8, Sealed with a Diss". Hachette Group. http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/kids_books_9780316115063.htm. Retrieved on 2008-12-19. 
  22. ^ "Clique #9, Bratfest at Tiffany's". Hachette Group. http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/kids_books_9780316006804.htm. Retrieved on 2008-12-19. 
  23. ^ "The Clique #11: Boys "R" Us". Hachette Group. http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/kids_books_9780316006828.htm. Retrieved on 2009-03-13. 
  24. ^ "The Clique: Charmed and Dangerous". Hachette Group. http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/teens_books_9780316055376.htm. Retrieved on 2009-07-04. 
  25. ^ "The Clique Summer Collection #1: Massie". Hachette Group. http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/books_9780316032100.htm. Retrieved on 2008-12-19. 
  26. ^ "The Clique Summer Collection #2: Dylan". Hachette Group. http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/teens_books_9780316035651.htm. Retrieved on 2008-12-19. 
  27. ^ "The Clique Summer Collection #3: Alicia". Hachette Group. http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/kids_books_9780316027533.htm. Retrieved on 2008-12-19. 
  28. ^ "The Clique Summer Collection #4: Kristen". Hachette Group. http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/kids_books_9780316027526.htm. Retrieved on 2008-12-19. 
  29. ^ "The Clique Summer Collection #5: Claire". Hachette Group. http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/kids_books_9780316027502.htm. Retrieved on 2008-12-19. 
  30. ^ "Best-Seller Lists - Children's Books". The New York Times. 2005-02-06. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/06/books/bestseller/0206bestchildren.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-13. 
  31. ^ "Best-Seller Lists - Children's Books". The New York Times. 2005-02-27. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/27/books/bestseller/0227bestchildren.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-13. 
  32. ^ "Best-Seller Lists - Children's Books". The New York Times. 2005-03-20. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/20/books/bestseller/0320bestchildren.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-13. 
  33. ^ "Best-Seller Lists - Children's Books". The New York Times. 2005-04-17. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/17/books/bestseller/0417bestchildren.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-13. 
  34. ^ "Best-Seller Lists - Children's Books". The New York Times. 2005-05-01. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/01/books/bestseller/0501bestchildren.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-13. 
  35. ^ "The Book Sense/NAIBA Bestseller Lists". Publishers Weekly. 2005-03-24. http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA512631.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-13. 
  36. ^ "Potter Leads the Pack". Publishers Weekly. 2006-03-27. http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6318932.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-13. 
  37. ^ "Children’s Paperback Backlist". Publishers Weekly. 2007-03-26. http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6427355.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-13. 
  38. ^ "Farewell to Harry". Publishers Weekly. 2008-03-24. http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6543965.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-13. 
  39. ^ "Children's Notes". Publishers Weekly. 2004-11-08. http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA478269.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-07. 
  40. ^ New Clique book released: It's not easy being mean
  41. ^ a b "Best Friends for Never by Lisi Harrison". BookLoons. http://www.bookloons.com/cgi-bin/Review.asp?bookid=4149. Retrieved on 2008-09-13. 
  42. ^ a b c ""Best Friends for Never" simple but has some appealing twists.". The Virginian Pilot. 2004-11-05. http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-124343685.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-13. 
  43. ^ a b "THE CLIQUE Series by Lisi Harrison". TeenReads. http://www.teenreads.com/series/series-clique-titles.asp. Retrieved on 2008-09-13. 
  44. ^ a b "Review of BEST FRIENDS FOR NEVER by Lisi Harrison". Romantic Times. http://www.romantictimes.com/books_review.php?book=23671. Retrieved on 2008-09-13. 
  45. ^ "ALA Book Picks 2005--Best Books for Young Adults". School Library Journal. 2005-03-01. http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA508022.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-07. 
  46. ^ "And the Nominees Are...". Publishers Weekly. 2005-07-18. http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA626031.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-13. 
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