Books like The Clique

A fierce, fashion-forward dive into the cutthroat social politics of an exclusive middle school. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with The Clique.

gossipy
high-stakes
fashion-obsessed
tense

01
Best Friends for Never
Lisi Harrison
A deliciously catty, brand-obsessed plunge into the cutthroat social warfare of wealthy middle schoolers.
Shares:
- gossipy
- dramatic
- snarky
- social hierarchy
02
Bratfest at Tiffany's
Lisi Harrison
A glossy, brand-obsessed dive into the cutthroat social warfare of elite middle schoolers where a single fashion misstep or forbidden crush can ruin your life.
Shares:
- gossipy
- high-stakes
- dramatic
- snarky
03
How to Be Popular
Meg Cabot
A bubbly, laugh-out-loud exploration of high school social climbing that proves the best version of yourself is usually the one you left behind.
Feels:
- lighthearted
- nostalgic
- bubbly
04
Awkward
Svetlana Chmakova
A warm, deeply relatable dive into the chaotic, anxiety-inducing, and ultimately rewarding world of middle school friendships.
Feels:
- warm
- bustling
- lighthearted
05
Making friends
Kristen Gudsnuk
A chaotic, colorful, and deeply relatable magical romp through the awkward transitions of middle school.
Feels:
- energetic
- whimsical
- angsty-but-warm
06
Gossip Girl
Cecily von Ziegesar
A deliciously toxic, brand-name-dropping plunge into the scandalous lives of Manhattan's teenage elite.
Shares:
- gossipy
- snarky
- social hierarchy
07
Crush
Svetlana Chmakova
A sweet, funny, and deeply relatable exploration of the butterflies and blunders that come with a first middle-school crush.
Feels:
- warm
- lighthearted
- awkward
08
All's faire in middle school
Victoria Jamieson
A warm, visually engaging exploration of the awkward clash between a quirky, theatrical family life and the harsh realities of public middle school.
Shares:
- navigating new environments
09
The Carrie diaries
Candace Bushnell
A youthful, observant journey through the social labyrinth of high school and the spark of creative ambition.
Feels:
- formative
- energetic
- nostalgic
10
The Truth About Stacey
Raina Telgemeier
A warm, energetic exploration of middle school friendships and the quiet courage it takes to own your truth.
Feels:
- cozy
- supportive
- energetic
11
Flipped
Wendelin Van Draanen
A charming, he-said-she-said exploration of first love and the messy, beautiful process of learning to see people for who they truly are.
Feels:
- sun-warmed
- tender
- nostalgic
12
Hating Alison Ashley
Robin Klein · 2004
A lively, competitive dive into the fierce and familiar world of classroom rivalry.
Shares:
- competitive

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