No, no, not the Kpop group from the 2000s Wonder Girls. I’m talking about the early 2000s book series from Scholastic by Jillian Brooks. It’s generic as it’s all about four girls and their ups and downs in the ever complicated girl world of friendship but it’s a solid series I believe like a disney sitcom. Predictable but entertaining enough with good lessons.

1. And the Winner Is. . .: Amanda is running for class president despite her fears of public speaking. But that’s okay because she has her friends by her side and a solid campaign platform until a major rift forms when the school suggests cutting the arts funding for soccer. Now, it’s friends vs friends and the whole thing becomes a popularity contest. This one comes first because I enjoy Amanda’s character the most and I found her platform and her speech to be very well written. And though I found her friends were being harsh when they turned against her for missing a few meetups to work, I once again found it to be a reasonable rift, highlighting the series’ focus on realism.
2. Perfect Harmony: Traci and Felicia head to the Chicago with the rest of the orchestra for the state semi finales, a competition Traci is dreading since she still hasn’t been able to master the piece. That is, until a cool boy from a rival orchestra teaches her a technique. . . and he may have a crush on her?! Problem is, cool boy is bad news but Traci can’t seem to see it. There is a bit of romance in this book, but in a slow burn sort of way since everyone is in sixth grade but I enjoyed the sweet build up between Ryan and Traci. Yes, there was another friendship conflict (a fact thankfully acknowledged by Traci who accidentally adds to the fire in her attempts not to fight) but doesn’t come across as overwrought or annoying. It even has some mother-daughter bonding.
3. The Makeover: When Felicia feels bummed over her dad’s new girlfriend, Arielle decides to help her with a makeover, beauty wise and confidence-wise. But then Felicia supplants Arielle as the most popular girl in school! Arielle is a decent friend in this book which is great as the previous ones displayed her selfishness and toxicity in full force. Arielle actually tries to be nice, and though her flaws (selfishness, vainity, pride) still get in the way, it comes across less harshly as it did before. Plus the reunion between Arielle and Felicia was super heartwarming.
4. Growing Pains: The debate over the arts vs sports budget continues and Amanda makes a stand for the non-funded arts program to show the school board (and her friends) why the arts are necessary. Still relatable to today’s world, Amanda’s book is once again a favorite and I enjoyed the continued progression of everyone’s characters. Can’t say more because of spoilers but it’s good.
5. New Girl: The first book in the series introduces Traci, the titular new girl, to Wonder Lake, IL where she’s excited to now be with her summer friend, Felicia all year round. But Felicia seems more interested in being popular and being friends with Amanda and Arielle. The latter whom Traci clashes right away on the soccer field. Predictable but a good beginning in establishing all the characters’ personalities, relationships and setting up continuing themes.
6. Birthday Blues: Felicia’s one wish for her birthday is for her parents to get back together and when her dad seemingly breaking up with his girlfriend, her wish may just come true. Yes, it was glaringly obvious that it wouldn’t, but I think it would be relatable for kids of divorce to still wish for a reunion especially as Felicia sees how amicable her parents are; so her desperate desires did seem realistic as they used selective clues.
7. Troublemaker: Felicia’s first book reveals she’s more than a former shy girl, showing her anxieties and insecurities as she tries to maintain her new circle. And ends up getting everyone in trouble when they help her try to break up her dad and girlfriend. This gets last place because I just felt the girls were so irrational snide to the girlfriend. I get that they’re only twelve but I found it mean-spirited.
8. Team Player: This book comes last because it shows Arielle at her worst, and most selfish, and she doesn’t even learn as she continues to excuse herself and her attempts to become unselfish are still rooted in making herself look good so it’s more performative than selfless. So yeah, I guess it’s only good because you can admire the progression from here to The Makeover.