Why we loved it: Lizzie and her gran bonded over a shared love of dolls during a difficult time, which reminded us that everyone has something they’re passionate about, but sometimes you just have to work a little harder to find it. Rating: 💖 Why we loved it: Despite dealing with some sad and more adult themes in places, The Worry Website showed us pre-teens that everyone has their own worries, despite how they might appear to the outside world. PS…who else feels like the concept of the website was way ahead of its time? Rating: 💖
Why we loved it: We should probably dedicate this entire section to how cool the names ‘Floss’ and ‘Flora’ are TBH. Rating: 💖💖
Why we loved it: This book deserves bonus points for use of the name Violet, and for the slightly complicated yet love-filled sibling relationship between the main characters…aww. Rating: 💖💖
Why we loved it: I mean if sleepovers weren’t the pinnacle of your teen life, were you even a teenager at all? Also, can we all take a collective moment to remember the drama that ensued when someone else called your BFF their best friend? Erm, no honey. Rating: 💖💖💖
Why we loved it: Like Charlie, younger me thought history projects were boring, so I remember this one taking me a while to get into. But alongside Charlie’s musings about Lottie’s life, there’s the subplot that deals with some of the feelings that might come up when a parent falls in love with someone new. Rating: 💖💖💖
Why we loved it: Grief will affect most people during their lives, and while the younger me focussed on the friendship between the two besties, the older me appreciates how this book sensitively deals with complex emotions. Rating: 💖💖💖 Why we loved it: TBH, I’m super glad my teammate reminded me of the greatness of this book. I think most of us identified with either Pearl or Jodie growing up, and it kinda made me want a sister, I can’t lie. Rating: 💖💖💖
Why we loved it: The book’s slogan asks if anyone will be interested in a girl who has to be in by nine… Well, adult me is pleased to confirm to Ellie that I choose to be in by nine and someone has asked me to marry them….who knew?! Side note, let’s not forget remembers that Ellie’s brother was called ‘Eggs’ because of her stepmum’s pregnancy craving for eggs benedict. Rating: 💖💖💖
Why we loved it: Waiting for a new ‘Girls’ book to be released was the ’00s equivalent of shutting your laptop on a Friday evening and heading out for a wine…priceless. Rating: 💖💖💖
Why we loved it: Despite the trials and tribulations of Ellie, Magda, and Nadine, they resolve their differences and are there for one another. I like to imagine they’re out there living their best lives now maybe with babies, partners, and excelling in their careers (sobs) while maybe also meeting for a drunken night out once every few months. Rating: 💖💖💖
Why we loved it: The plot deals with a familiar situation for many teens, and who can forget Mr and Mrs Peters, the garden owners who become like family to Andy in her hour of need? I’m not crying, you are. Rating: 💖💖💖💖 Why we loved it: Another one of Jacqueline Wilson’s more thought-provoking books, Dustbin Baby has a happy ending when April meets Frankie, the boy who found her when she was abandoned. Also, who can forget the reference to Elaine the social worker? (Tracy Beaker, is that you?) Rating: 💖💖💖💖
Why we loved it: Mandy finally getting a friend after being teased at school, the two being split up, then Tanya penning a heartfelt letter to Mandy (despite finding it hard due to her dyslexia) is sure to warm your heart. Rating: 💖💖💖💖
Why we loved it: Firstly, I remember thinking how cool the names Dolphin and Star were. Secondly, I loved the realisation Dolphin has at the end that she, Star, and Marigold can still be a family despite the troubles they have. Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖
Why we loved it: Despite dealing with hard-hitting themes such as Elsa’s mum’s boyfriend “Mack the smack” (no prizes for guessing how he got that nickname), the book focuses on Elsa’s ability to stay positive in hard situations. Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 Why we loved it: The original, and IMO, the best book from the ‘Girls’ series had teenage me dreaming of sneaking into nightclubs named Seventh Heaven to meet cute boys. Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 Why we loved it: As an adult, it might be sad in places, but on a happier note, there’s the famous ‘BOG OFF Justine", the equally brilliant TV adaptation, and of course that theme tune… All-round ICONIC. Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖
