clique Books

Educational Role of the Museum, is a book filled with articles about museums theory. Each article is written by a different person and this variety of perspective is nice to have in one volume. Generally a good book, dry at times, but that is to be expected. I anticipate using this book for years to come, especially when I need to refresh myself on certain museum related topics.

"In or out" by Claudia Gabel displays the many ups and downs of High School in her first young adult novel. Marnie and Nola have always been the best of friends until High School comes along and everything changes! Marnie is getting in with the popular crowd such as Dane, Lizzette Levin, etc. While Nola is being left in the shadows she makes some friends of her own. Matt Heatherly is Nola's most valued friend these days. He's kind and considerate, and Nola is beggining to think about more and more! Could a possible crush be developing? Dive deep with Marnie and Nola into the many adventures of High School, read "In or out"!

In or Out by CLaudia Gabel is a heart grabbing book, which involves real problems between teenaged girls. Girls talk behind each others back, sabotage each other, and ruin each other friendships,(and it's not right at all in my opinoin.) 5-star book for it's realistic format, and heart-touching words. Any person who enjoyed The Clique series or Gossip Girl series will definetly enjoy In or Out. Lets just say that Nola and Marnie have a big journey full of surprise ahead of them. Two girls entering high school with a promise thinkin high school won't destroy it. Both girls fall for different guys, but only one befriends the populars. This book is a big journey for these two silly girls who are awaiting the moment they become women. This book is full of adventure and surprise.

This book shows how hard high school is in the beginning. When you go to a new school, such as elemntary school to midde school or middle school to high school, sometimes you change. Well, what happens when you and the person who has been your best friend since, well forever, go completly different ways? That's what happens to Marnie and Nola. Marnie is a more confident, popular and really out there girl. On the other hand, Nola is a shy, quiet girl who never really says the right thing. The two friends have lots of desicions to make. Is their friendship really strong enough to keep them together? Nola is in the loser crowd. She didnt make a good impression on the "in" crowd and now they want nothing to do with her. However, Marnie is completly excepted in the to popular crowd. How can Marnie hang out with Nola and still be popular and hang out with her new friends? I liked this story because it is very realistic. All the situations were things that really happen everyday. They also used not only dialogue but they talked throught text messages and instant messages sometimes. I thought the story had a good plot and good characters. I disliked how it was sort of hard to follow. Sometmes i felt lost and didnt know where they were and who they were talking about. I ended up having to read some parts over again. Over all, i think it was a good book.

I totally loved this book. I'm an only in sixth grade but this is already happening to me. My best friend, Gabby, is Marnie and I am stuck like Nola. Lizette is my enemy, Sara.

Nola James and Marnie Fitzpatrick have been best friends since forever; almost like sisters. But it's freshman year and that's all about to change. The girls were praying to be put in the same homeroom or have at least one class togethere but that didn't happen. Marnie was the cool girl and it was really effortless for her to make friends. Nola, on the other hand, was a klutz and always found some way to embarrass herself. Well, when Nola is put into homeroom with Lizette Levin, the coolest girl in school, she accidentally steps on her foot which sends her straight to the "OUT CROWD." Marnie, however, rides on her older sister's coattails straight to the "IN CROWD." Could one girl (Lizette) tear apart the best friendship both of them have ever known? She has done a good jop with that so far, but what will happen in the next book of the In or Out series, "Loves Me, Loves Me Not"?

i have a best friend so I know whats its like when your best friend lets you down. people think that they are not going to be ley down by someone they are close to. In or Out by Claudia Gabel, follows two best friends who have different point of views on what they want to be in high school and who they want to be remembered as. Her best friend lets her down and the guy she likes has a girlfriend. Will Nola and Marnies friendshipsurvive? This book demonstrates thgat in life you make decisions that can change your life. This means that you have think wisely and carefully. Marnie learns that every decision matters.

When you read this book, at first you think it is just another teen drama book. Hazel wants to be more popular and be part of the pretty little devils, a popular group. hazel does eventually become a part of that group and she also gets the guy she wants. But there is more drama that is out of the ordinary. all the PLD's (pretty little devil's) begin recieving creepy, threatening texts. Not long after murders began to take place. the PLD's must find out who is behind it all befor they too are killed. once you start reading this book, it is hard to stop and what you find out will shock you.

I just finsihed it and whoa, it's amazing. I bought it thinking it would be like the clique or gossip girls but it's more of a murder mystery/ thriller / definately suspenseful. I started it yesterday and finished it this morning. I stayed up till midnight reading it and then I had to sleep with a night light! lol
I definately recommend this book. It starts off weird but once you get to know the characters you won't be able to put it down.

This book was wonderful. I would recommend it to anyone that wants a good book to read. I was on a cruise when I read it and Pretty Little Devils made me want to stay in my room the entire day reading it. This page turner caught me by surprise in the ending, and I know anyone who reads it will love it.

I think this book was an excellent one. At times, it was filled with many different emotions and it got me on the edge of my seat. I would recommend this book to anyone who was looking for a great all-around book. Many people could relate to the events that occur to them and apply then to their own individual life. The four Pretty Little Devils were the most popular girls in school. Little do they know someone is out to get them; but who? This book was definitely a cliff-hanger. In conclusion, this book was suspenseful, dramatic and nevertheless, entertaining.

I don't usually write reviews unless the book is unusually good or unusually bad. In this case, it was amazing.

Pretty Little Devils starts out as the typical teen/high school drama of a girl who is brought into the in-crowd.

The novel soon shifts, and it becames a dangerous game, and three people will die.

I loved the book. I couldn't put it down. It was interesting, and kept me guessing the whole time. I would love to see a sequel to this book.

Urgh. I think if I tried to write down all my thoughts in a single paragraph it would be both long, boring, and completely confusing. So for just this review I'm categorizing my thoughts into good and bad.

Good: TONS of description. For example, the first sentence reads as so; Outside the black window of the country club, moonlight glazes tiger lilies, dripping off the petals like cream. Doesn't that sound completely delicious? And their are many other sentences in the book that are as warm and sparkling as that one. I think I would've read the book just to be able to read nice sentences like that one. The story also has a nice and zippy plotline. Nothing ever stops for long and there's twist after twist to keep you coming back for more. There is also a character that I liked a lot who I think deserves a spot in the good category and that would be Nikki and Laine's woods instructor. I can't remember his name off the top of my head, but I liked him a lot.

Bad: And now we get to the juicy stuff. First of all, the characters were horrible. They were not developed at all and I really couldn't tell one person apart from the next, especially the boys and the parents. They just all blended together which makes a story completely suck. Also, Nikki and a guy supposedly had this relationship going on, but I really didn't see that. Sure they hook up in random scenes, but there was no dialog, no interaction, no chemistry, nothing to indicate that they actually liked each other. And characters without chemistry? Yuck. Also, the zippy plot was in the good category, but it should also be in the bad, because you could barely get your bearings before everything was mixed up again, making the whole entire book confusing and unorganized.

So I guess for the most part, Upper Class was a pretty bad book. I really liked the imagery, but other than that, it stunk. I don't think I'll be reading the next book. I have better things to do with my time.

As an avid reader of all books like Gossip Girl, I was super excited when I stumbled upon a new series with a Barnes and Noble gift card burning a hole in my pocket. In my opinion, the Upper Class is in no way close to being comparable to the fast-paced, enjoyable wealthy kids at school books I have previously read. The only book that comes to mind is Prep, a boring, drawn out joke.

THE UPPER CLASS
HOBSON BROWN, TAYLOR MATERNE AND CAROLINE SAYS


Rating: 3.5 Enchantments

Life at the exclusive Wellington isn't always what it's cracked up to be-especially for newcomers Laine Hunt and Nikki Olivetti, two girls who couldn't be more different if they tried, a fact that comes very obvious when the two are forced to become roommates. Laine comes from Greenwich, old money and a family name to live up to. Nikki on the other hand, is Long Island bred and from `new' money.

At times, Laine and Nikki seem like polar opposites and the reader is left wondering if the girls will ever even really get along. The one scene that sticks out in my mind is when Laine is hanging out with a senior girl in her room and is shown the secretive Who Won't Make It Book and discovers Nikki's face inside. I think that was one of the big turning points in the novel, when Laine sees Nikki as more than her annoying roommate, but a girl who might not last the year at Wellington.

At times, I wasn't too fond of Nikki. There were times when I found her to be fairly abrasive, but I think it was ramped up to show the contrast between the two girls.

The series has definite potential. I look forward to seeing what happens next!

Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
May 2008

I had high hope for this, being a fan of the Gossip Girl series, but I was very disappointed upon reading it. The main characters Nikki and Laine are both annoying and bland, to the point that I had no emotional involvement in the lot either. I can't recommend this as a teen read, because, althoug Gossip Girl and It Girl also involve sex, drugs and swear words, they seem harsher and uglier here. This novel wasn't at all as light and fun to read as I had hoped, and I should add, as a former student of a boarding school not too long ago, this is hardly the normal way everything goes.

I'm not usually the type of person that likes reading about drama and catty people. Which is probably why I've never picked up a book of Gossip Girl or an It Girl Novel, but I always like to expand my reading horizon, so when Caroline asked if I would like to read her series, I quickly accepted. Now that I'm finished with the book, I have to say I'm truly impressed. Not only with the collaboration by three authors, Hobson Brown, Taylor Materne, and of course Caroline Says, but also the intense tale of two completely different girls thrown into the same world. Wellington isn't a watered down version of a private school, it is real and raw, with drugs, sexual suggestions, alcohol, and of course drama. So, if you find that kind of thing offense, I wouldn't suggest picking up this book. But if you are one of those people that find those elements can make a story that much more real, than this is your kind of novel. I enjoyed the insight from two different perspectives of these very different, yet original characters. I had a hard time putting this book down! I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

In The Upper Class, we were introduced to Laine Hunt and Nikki Olivetti. Now it's time to meet Parker Cole and Chase Dobbs.

Parker had established herself to be somewhat of a loner at Wellington. With basically just one true friend, Parker's outfit choices and the way she interacts with the world definitely make her stand out. Now that summer is over, Parker wants to create a new image to go along with her new year at Wellington.

Chase is on the brink of being sent to military school, which he would be easily accepted into since his father is on the board. It's his father who threatens Chase with military school, after he received numerous calls and complaints about Chase's behavior at Wellington. All Chase has to do to avoid this drastic measure is to act more mature and get good grades -- basically, straighten up. This doesn't prove to be too easy though, since all of his friends can easily encourage Chase to get off track.

In the first day of Limnology 101, Parker and Chase get paired up to be lab partners. Both do not approve of this match, since they see one another in a very bad light. Ironically, Parker and Chase sort of need each other, if they want to accomplish their goals. If only they could get along first.

The perfect follow-up to the first in the series, MISS EDUCATED isn't only smart but also hilarious. Boarding school never looked so good.

Reviewed by: Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen

I bought this book as a Christmas gift for my 12 yr old niece. What a mistake! The sexual content in this book is so not appropriate for this age level. I wonder why there is no grading system for books like there is for movies, video games, and music CDs. I don't believe this is the norm for most kids and I feel very badly for anyone whose life is this devoid of healthy family involvement. The back cover synopsis didn't give me a clue to the raunchy content. Normal 12 yr olds don't even know or understand the content described in this book. It shouldn't be for young girls...it should only be for adults.

Being "West Coast" by nature, my initial thoughts of the series were biased. Miss Educated has proven me right once again. I found the read enjoyably unrelatable. The mystique and intrigue of the "East Coast" kept me turing page after page. I am definitely looking forward to the next and the next and the next in this series.

Welcome Back to Wellington! It's time for the spring semester. Nikki and Laine take a backseat and Parker and Chase take their places in the spotlight.

Parker Cole weird girl extraodinaire. She marches to the beat of her own drum and simply doesn't care what other people think.

Chase Dobbs one strike away from military school. This semester he has to get his butt into gear! Still hung up on the elusive Laine and it seems that his semester will dampen even further without her presence on campus.

This unlikely pair is forced upon each other in their Limnology class. The duo's first assignment leads them to the discovery of a dead body, and the two can't help but bond from there. Parker finds herself crushing on Chase although she isn't sure why, and Chase tries to deny anything he might be feeling for Parker. Partly because he is still hung up on Laine and mainly because he is worried about what other people will think if they see the pair together.

Add that to; Chase's overlooked ADD, drug dealings and takings, spring break in Costa Rica, and the return of Laine and you have a drama-filled semester!

I didn't enjoy Miss Educated as much as I did the first novel, The Upper Class. While reading The Upper Class, I found myself wanting to know more about Chase and now that I do, I have to say I'm not impressed with his character at all. While his struggles were realistic and meant to be sympathetic, I found myself genuinely annoyed. Parker was an enjoyable character, but even though she was a huge part of the story, I still feel like I know almost nothing about her. I'm not sure exactly why Laine ended up coming back to Wellington either. It was apparent in the first book that the girl had some major issues and I don't exactly see how coming back was going to help in her road to recovery. Nikki remains to be a real and raw character, although her presence in the book is minimal. If you like the first book The Upper Class I would recommend reading Miss Educated, but don't expect too much. Even though I was disappointed with Miss Educated still plan on reading the rest of the series.

Surviving high school is one of the most challenging things in a teenager's life. And when you're a part of the society scene, trying to make a name for yourself in a part of the upper class, things are even more difficult. Not only do you have to dress and look the part, but you have to please everyone around you; which can be pretty difficult when you're competing against the glamorous student body at the prestigious Wellington Academy.

Parker Cole is an outsider. Sure, she's got the money. Sure she's got the name. Heck, she even has the platinum card. The one thing she doesn't have is a set place at Wellington's hierarchy table; and she's not sure if she actually wants one. Parker isn't your typical upper-crust girl. She's offbeat. Weird, if you will. Her wardrobe consists of wacky cowboy hats, flowing capes - even when the weather is warm - and a perfume mixture of violets that is certainly most displeasing to the senses. Especially the senses of those wearing Chanel No. 5. Luckily, Parker knows exactly what people think about her, and takes it in stride - agreeing with their beliefs. Even better, Parker has something else under her belt, the fact that she actually survived first semester at Wellington, and is determined to make it through second semester, and the rest of high school at the same institute of higher learning. But to do that, she'll have to let the "true" Parker come out. The one who wants to be recognized by a special guy.

Enter Chase Dobbs. Even after getting placed on academic probation, Southern gentleman, Chase, managed to make it through his first semester at Wellington, and return for the second. If he doesn't make it off of academic probation, however, he's going to be shipped off to military school - stat! As much as he'd love to misbehave for the next few years, the thought of military school is enough to straighten him up, and get him thinking straight. But now that he's back at Wellington, Chase keeps finding himself at the center of controversy, with a series of distractions and mini-disasters that always happen to take place when he's around. One of the biggest distractions, however, is his new lab partner, Parker. Aloof, strange, and totally absorbed in getting Wellington done and over with, Chase finds something extremely unique and refreshing about her, and would love to get to know her better. A few well-placed, unexpected events may just help him get his wish.

So many book series manage to start off with a bang, then slowly slip downhill, taking your interest away with them. The same cannot be said for Hobson Brown, Taylor Materne, and Caroline Says' MISS EDUCATED. Once again, these three authors have told the story of the rich and beautiful. The ones striving for perfection to please their parents, teachers, and even their friends. The ones determined to make it out of Wellington, diploma in hand, alive. And they've done a wonderful job of it. I adore how Brown, Materne, and Says turned the tables, and focused on two new characters - one of which being a boy - bringing some fresh blood to the storyline, and providing someone new to root for. Parker is a breath of fresh air, with her offbeat ways, and aloof persona; while Chase is the irresistible bad boy attempting to turn good, whom you can't help but fall head over heels for. This sequel sizzles!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

Seven McKnight has strutted on the scene with a lil extra junk in her trunk, a `tude that will make a dude move, and a style that will leave you panting for more. Seven has a crew of home girls that are always bickering because jealousy is always in the midst of their gathering whether it be at school or at the dance. Seven is always styling the latest fashion, and with it being a size 14, she's working what her Mama gave her for all it's worth in hopes of getting the attention of her secret crush, Josiah.

Family madness abounds in this read as she tries to assist her fraternal twin sister Toi in deceiving their two job working mom while Toi spends nights with her drug dealing boyfriend. Then she has to deal with ludicrous cousin Shake and the hilarious antics that he and baby brother, Man-Man are constantly tormenting her with on a daily basis. Whether it be at school, dodging Melvin `Big Country' trying to Mack Daddy on her gorgeous self, or playing hard to get with Josiah and his undercover flirting, this teen has a lot going on in this magnificent debut novel.

NiNi Simone has mos def laid it down in an unforgettable stylistic piece deemed Shortie Like Mine that is mesmeric as well as entertaining. Once again, my girl has conquered yet another venue in the literary field as she enthralls her loyal fan base with more laughs, love, and real life challenges!! I love the chapter highlights with the songs, different and very commendable! A very good teen read that actually encompasses the emotions and drama that a lot of teens face in today's dysfunctional society yet she manages to lighten it up with hilarious scenes. Exciting, exhilarating, and just down right enjoyable!!!! Major kudo's to you Ms. NiNi Simone!!!!

In the heart of Camden, New Jersey lives Seven McKnight, her twin sister Toi and their hard working mother. SHORTIE LIKE MINE by Ni-Ni Simone examines the affects of a divorcee working two jobs while the girls, along with a younger brother, are tended to by a live-in cousin.

Although plagued with weight issues, Seven is described as a beautiful, full-figured teenager with self-esteem issues, that she shields with a slick mouth. Physically she is the opposite of her slim twin but mentally and on the surface, Seven has street sense, common sense and book sense. When the rising star of the boy's basketball team takes an interest, Seven's loyalty is tested. Toi, on the other hand, is sneaking and living the thug life with a twenty year old drug dealer. When the girls' issues come to light, all hell breaks loose and their mother is on the war path.

Ni-Ni Simone's characterizations are live and in living color, in other words, stereotypical, exaggerated and oftentimes humorous. By book's end, all realize the errors of their ways and must deal with the consequences of them. Simone has presented issues, that I'm sure many teens face on a daily basis and the messages are plenty, as this is a worthy read full lessons to be learned.

Reviewed by Dawn R. Reeves
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

I didn't think I was going to feel as strongly as I did about SHORTIE LIKE MINE. I usually don't read novels for teens, especially because in my opinion the few that I've read weren't from a teen's aspect, or they didn't provide consequences for the actions taken and I didn't approve of that. In SHORTIE LIKE MINE, Ni-Ni Simone had me hollering back at the book! This is hilarious. The characters are real, dealing with everyday issues and you hate to see the story end.

Reviewed by: Taye

Ni-Ni introduces Seven, a plus sized, outgoing and popular teenager who has her eyes on her girlfriend's popular boyfriend, Josiah.

Although, dressing in the latest fashions and enjoying life are vital, Seven has loads of headaches to deal with. One, preventing her single mom from discovering that her sister, Toi is shacking up with a petty dealer. Then there's the annoying, unwarranted antics of her crazy, older relative, Cousin Shake who insists on stepping in her deadbeat dad's shoes. If that isn't enough, she has a stalker on her hands: Melvin a/k/a BIG COUNTRY all the way from Murfreesboro, NC. Holla!!!!!

"Shortie Like Mine" is a witty coming of age tale filled with life learned lessons as well as humor. I'm certainly not ashamed to say that it kept me in stitches. LOL

My 15 year old son read it and loved it too. It was refreshing discussing it with him. I'll pass it onto my 16 year old nephew next.

Shortie Like Mine, written by Ni-Ni Simone, is a hood-fabulous teen tale about Seven McKnight. While Seven may be the thickest chick in her clique, she's always fly, and those dimples of hers are magnetic. Seven is feeling it for Josiah Whitaker, a senior star basketball player. Unfortunately for her, Josiah appears to be taken by Deeyah, her friend/enemy. Luckily Deeyah plays foul, which leaves Josiah open for the pass. Will it be a win-win, or is Seven playin' herself?

In the middle of squabbling back and forth with her girls, Seven is disappointed to learn that her twin, Toi, has decided that it's okay to be wifey to a thug. With her mother working double shifts, her dad in with his new family, Seven has adjusted her situation and when it's not suitable, she runs. Will Seven learn to open up?

I'm going to have to keep it funky; Shortie Like Mine is the ish! You know it's a serious read anytime you're on the highway praying for traffic so you can stop and read the book! OMG...I laughed so hard tears came out of my eyes. I enjoyed each and every one of the characters, but Cousin Shake and his sidekick Man-Man. Real Live! Ni-Ni Simone, I do hope that this is just the beginning of this teen series. Shortie Like Mine is an easily relatable read that focuses on real issues and consequences. I would definitely recommend this for all teens and lovers of teen novels.

Reviewed by Nardsbaby
for Urban Reviews