CLIQUE

Clique...I haven't ready any Gossip Girls books but I would picture Clique to be a junior version of that series...I was pretty impressed. All the emotions that come with being a middle school girl are brought to life in Claire Lyons who is living in the guesthouse (along with her family) of a very rich family with a very popular, very "in control" middle school girl. I thought it was interesting that the author also creates and develops shows for MTV. These books seem like Laguna Beach for a younger generation without the promiscuity. It's nice to have a book where the girls have crushes and are only worried about kissing and nothing more...After all it is middle school!

In the Mood to Cry a Few Tears...or Be Encouraged?

Whenever recommending Lurlene McDaniel's books I always start with the One Last Wish Series…The following books were our favorites when passing them along to friends:
One Last Wish: Let Him Live
One Last Wish: The Legacy: Making Wishes Come True
One Last Wish: Sixteen and Dying (This book deals with the topic of HIV. The main character finds out she is HIV positive at 16, after receiving a blood transfusion as a child.)

These books are some of my personal favorites, all of these are some of her more current selections:
A Rose for Melinda
Don't Die, My Love
Journey of Hope (This is actually two books combined: Angel of Mercy & Angel of Hope. These two books are about two girls who are impacted by a mission oriented organization called The Mercy Ship. This organization is real although the story is fictional. It’s both touching and compelling. The publisher has combined both books into one and I’ve read that a third is on its way (and I hope so!).)
The Angels Trilogy (This is another series the publisher chose to combine. The original three books were: Angels Watching Over Me; Lifted Up by Angels, and Until Angels Close My Eyes. These books introduce readers to the Amish lifestyle from both outsiders looking in and insiders looking out. This is a great story line that will open readers to another way of life.)


I began reading the books of Lurlene McDaniel in the 7th or 8th grade. I don’t remember how I came across them, but once I did I went through all of them. Not only did I go through all of them, but I began to share them with my friends.

Lurlene McDaniel writes stories about teenagers faced with extraordinary circumstances. Many of her lead characters are suffering from chronic or terminal illnesses. They make you cry, that’s not a lie, but they are also encouraging. Many who have read these books find themselves wanting to volunteer at hospitals or wanting to help others in some manner. These books also bring up the importance of organ donation.

As I’ve read these books I’ve noticed one thing that I find especially exciting…Although these books deal with death they rarely touched on what happens after one dies. This is a sensitive topic and I felt that Christian bookstores neglected to add her books due to the fact that she didn’t talk much about God…There were some other issues that McDaniel brings into her books that might cause them to question whether the books should be in a Christian environment, however I found as I followed her through the years that she has either become a Christian, or maybe always was one. I have not read anything to confirm this fact so this is strictly my own observation.

Over the years McDaniel has begun to slowly add scripture to the first page of each of her books. She still doesn’t share more of her faith inside of the book, but it’s like a little clue has been left behind…That is until she began to write her Angel books. They are two different series, but each one puts a little more faith into the story. I found out that her son is a youth minister at a church at one point in time, but I don’t know if he still holds that occupation or what type of effect it has had on her writing…All I can say is McDaniels books are great for anyone to read…just be sure to have some Kleenex around!

Must Read Series!

Diary of a Teenage Girl
Melody Carlson

This series is one that crams a ton of good information for teens in a way that is non-threatening. I think teens will agree that Carlson knows her teen audience well. The main character of this book, Caitlin O’Connor, experiences all the emotions of a teenager through a series of situations. She goes from being a seemingly self-involved teenager to a young woman over four books, and then her influence is spread to a friend’s young sister who continues the series. I believe this is a must read for any teenage girl.

Book One: Becoming Me
Book Two: It's My Life
Book Three: Who I Am
Book Four: On My Own
Book Five: My Name Is Chloe
Book Six: Sold Out
Book Seven: Road Trip
Book Eight: Face The Music
Book Nine: I Do!


Flagpole Girls
Nancy Rue

This is a series I enjoyed reading as well. The Flagpole Girls series follows a group of girls (and a few boys) who meet for the first time at their school flag pole one morning for pray. They are not sure what will happen at the first meeting, but eventually form a tight bond. The flagpole is just the beginning as these girls face and learn to deal with eating disorders, harassment, abuse and racism. These issues force them to find answers to questions about themselves and their faith. If you read these with your teens you will definitely have an avenue for some great conversations.

Don't Count On Homecoming Queen
When Is Perfect, Perfect Enough?
I Only Binge On Holy Hungers
Friends Don't Let Friends Date Jason
Do I Have To Paint You A Picture?