My Little Phony by Lisi Harrison

Summary: In this installment of the Clique series, Claire has finally broken free from Massie's hold, forming her own group of friends and introducing a new "Clair-a" where people are free to be themselves.


My thoughts: This may be my favorite Clique book so far. I have always seen the underlining theme in the series: that girls in a clique are just like regular girls and are probably even more insecure. This book had that idea come full circle as Massie finally realizes what it's like to be on the outside looking in and what real friendship is. I'm looking forward to the last book in the series.


This series is a good read for middle school girls. It opens a dialogue about fitting in and what lengths girls will go to be popular.

Lisi Harrison's Books

On the surface level, Lisi Harrison's books appear superficial and petty. The Clique series is about a group of popular girls and the lengths they will go to stay popular. The girls focus on boys, designer brands, and getting even with girls who cross them. In the Alpha series, the girls are competing for a number one spot in a prestigious school. Some of them will stop at nothing to get to the top. While some parents and even readers may be concerned that the books focus on beauty, fashion, and doing anything to get ahead, the books actually point out that girls are the same: they all want acceptance.

I used The Clique in literature circle a few years ago, and the group of girls who read the book had some amazing discussions about fitting in, what people do to fit in, and how mean girls are to one another. These are topics middle school girls need to discuss.

I recommend these books for middle school girls. It is a great book to read and then discuss as middle school girls face some tough decisions when they try to fit in or become popular.