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The Clique #13

My Little Phony

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Sugar, spice, and everything lice.

Massie Block: The holidays are just around the corner, and the only thing Massie doesn't want for Christmas is a lip-kiss from her ninth-grade crush, Landon. Not that she'd ever admit it, but she's nervous! To distract herself, Massie focuses on getting revenge on Claire for ditching the Pretty Committee. But when the plan to bug her ex-BFF backfires big-time, she may find herself headed for a Merry Kissmass-whether she likes it or not.

Alicia Rivera: Promised her parents she wouldn't shop at awl between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Her reward? An all-expenses-paid trip to the Spanish Riviera. But what happens when she sees the cuh-yutest pair of Ralph Lauren sunglasses? No pain, no Spain.

Dylan Marvil: After going overboard at the Westchester Mall, Dylan isn't worried about the size of her clothes . . . but she is worried about the size of her clothing budget. Cuh-redit denied!

Kristen Gregory: Is sick of being the only poor girl in Westchester. But misery loves company, and maybe, just maybe, she won't be the only broke member of the Pretty Committee for long. . . .

Claire Lyons: When Massie scares off her new drama friends with a fake-lice scare, Claire decides she's done letting Massie bully her. The alpha may have exterminated Claire's social life, but what goes around comes around. The raid is on, and it won't be over until the fat ladybug sings.

The Clique . . . the only thing harder than getting in is staying in.

198 pages, Paperback

First published July 3, 2010

97 people are currently reading
3061 people want to read

About the author

Lisi Harrison

95 books2,843 followers
Lisi Harrison is the author of the #1 New York Times best-selling series "The Clique", "Alphas", "Monster High," Pretenders," and her first adult novel: "The Dirty Book Club" out 10.10.17. Lisi was born in Toronto, Canada, and lived in NYC for 15 years while she worked at MTV. She now lives in Laguna Beach, CA and is a member or her own Dirty Book Club.



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5 stars
1,558 (34%)
4 stars
1,278 (27%)
3 stars
1,237 (27%)
2 stars
374 (8%)
1 star
128 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
Profile Image for Carly.
398 reviews4 followers
August 1, 2010
So I just read this book and my mind is still reeling from what happened. All I have to say is the ending shocked me. I. WAS. SHOCKED...Wow. Lisi Harrison definitely knows how to keep the action going, and I love how she can make up all of this (such as the comebacks/and sayings the characters say in the book). I am a bit sad to know that the next book will be the last in the Clique series but thankfully I will still have the Alpha series & her new series Monster High to look forward to!
Loved this book, and I cannot wait for the last one!
Profile Image for Kelsey.
240 reviews31 followers
June 25, 2018
Again, I hate when Claire and TPC are fighting, especially because Claire and Massie truly love each other so much. However, I'm so glad that Massie finally had a mature conversation with a boy she's crushing on. It made everything so easier!

Now that Massie is poor, though, the one thing I wish we got in this series was a starter book of The Pretty Committee, before Claire came into the picture. We know that TPC had their golden days a year before Claire moved in, but it would have been nice to actually read it, than having to read about it. I would have liked to see how Massie, Dylan, Alicia, and Kristin operated as a team, before all this drama went down, to get a real picture of how perfect their lives were. I would have loved to see them hang out together, go shopping together, get their hair and nails done together, etc. before Claire, so I could really appreciate all the changes they went through within the two years the series spans.

Oh well. Onto the last book!
Profile Image for Ben Swanson.
126 reviews3 followers
April 7, 2020
Had to read for a trashy book club. Absolute garbage.
208 reviews
May 16, 2025
The overall scene is so inspiring. Massie is so mean but you cannot deny the girl has charisma and resilience
Profile Image for Maria Gjieli.
29 reviews
September 13, 2010
Woowww- Claire and Massie aren't friends anymore because Claire felt that Massie was so bossy to her and kept pushing her around. Massie wanted revenge on Claire for ditching her but Claire refused Massie to treat her like a child. Claire pulled a huge prank on Massie for revenge so she put 'bed bugs' on her bed and then they had to get her whole house locked out for days to remove the 'bed bugs'.Landon and Massie kissed but his grandparents saw and thought she was fast?! but it was nothing because Landon was her boyfriend and he had understood.And uh-oh, horrible news , MASSIE.IS.POOR?! It's so true! Her parents are now struggling with the crisis. How could she maintain her Alpha status anymore. She just couldn't tell her friends. But Claire forgave her and atleast Claire was by her side(she was the only one who knew). She.was.stuck. I don't know what she'll do next but I can't wait until the last book of the series 'A tale of two pretties' comes out to find out what happens!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for theperksofbeingmarissa ;).
462 reviews8 followers
April 12, 2025
I'm so glad Claire stood up for herself in this book!! I'm embarrassingly disappointed she was so nice to Massie at the end. 🤷🏾‍♀️
Profile Image for Maggie.
205 reviews
February 27, 2025
first mention of Rupaul in a clique book. also, terrible that dylan/alicia/kristen are reduced to one dimensional stereotypes. love to see maggie experiencing real conflict. i hate layne
90 reviews
November 28, 2025
Really trying to power through these before the end of the year. This one was fine, nothing special
Profile Image for Emily Sklaver.
30 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2023
Well, I’m almost at the end, ladies and gentlemen. Hang tight.

The story starts with mean pranks and revenge. Dear God. Like I said in my rant-review that I posted for the first book, I understand why Claire and Layne did what they did with the bugs, after all those times Massie “smacked them down” as the wording in the book said, but again, imagine the influence that has on young readers! Side note: approximately half of the bullying incidents in Claire’s list of “Massie-caused grievances” (book’s wording again) did not appear in the previous books. I’m not going to put them here because they count as a spoiler to me.

I probably should have mentioned this a hell of a lot sooner, but you know what they say: Better late than never. Anyhoo, I learned that Massie acts as a bully because her quote-unquote “insecurities” are about appearing “perfect.” But just know that it doesn’t excuse the behavior by ANY stretch of the imagination. BTW, there is no such thing as a “valid” excuse for bullying, but you get my point.

There’s one other big thing that I have to full-on rant about. It’s when Claire and Layne start a movement with the bullying victims, where they can do their “dorky” things without persecution, including—but not limited to—astronomy, theater, chess, and math. On Monday at lunchtime, everyone is wearing comfy sweats and UGGs, and eating junk food, and one of them even aces her algebra test that morning because Massie is not there to call her “alge-boob.” (I’m not making this up.) I’m not ranting about the actual movement; I think it’s awesome that Claire and Layne took a stand in favor of human rights. The problem is when Massie puts a stop to it upon her return to school the next day, wearing a pair of beautiful overalls, and holding out a gloved hand and a fan to every spritz attack, and even making Math Girl’s “GPA take a dive.” Book’s wording. Again, I’m not making this up. Here’s a quote from the book that solidified my agony: “She managed to reclaim the school by first period, an impressive feat, even for an alpha.” Let me repeat: “She managed to RECLAIM the school…” Does that tell you something? All it told ME was “It’s time to flush my head down the toilet.”

Now that that’s off my chest, I’m going to briefly rant about one more thing: The way Massie treats Claire, after Claire goes over to console her when she gets the news about (ahhhh, spoiler). Massie rudely shuts Claire out with “Go away. When I want advice, I watch Dr. Phil. And the rumor isn’t true, so don’t go spreading it. And don’t come here to gloat…” That brings me to the second-to-last book ending with Massie realizing that she took her inexplicable wealth for granted. You don’t realize what you have until you don’t have it anymore. Great way to wrap things up, wouldn’t you say? If that’s the moral of the story, it was poorly explained, if you asked me.
Profile Image for Courtney.
461 reviews105 followers
August 15, 2011
More reviews at Rondo of a Possible World: YA Book Reviews

Nearing the end of The Clique series saddens me. I've spent years with these high-horse girls and it's upsetting to know that no more books will be made after the next novel.

My Little Phony was enjoyable to watch Claire stand up against Massie. I'll say this now, Massie has her moments where I adore her but through out most of the series I just wanted karma to mess her up. Claire happened to do that for most of the novel and I applaud her on such success. But like the phoenix that is Massie Block, she always rises from the ashes.

With such realistic outcomes such as bullying and finical difficulties in this book, there are people that can relate (and some who know every brand name that Lisi happens to jot down). I live near the Hamptons, so I know snooty rich folks that are like Massie Block and Co. Thus I was able to relate in a way with Claire, and even know what places there were and some of the fashion extravaganzas that Massie's closet withholds.
Profile Image for Lefty Kalaitzis.
67 reviews
January 20, 2011
This is one of the many book I have read from the Clique Series By: Lisi Harrison, her books are amazing and you just can't stop reading once you start.
In this book My Little Phony, is action packed, you will not be able to put it , down once I started reading I got hooked, the author adds so much details , and it feels like you're right there. Massie Block is a rich girl living her luxurious lifestyle in the wealthy part of Westchester,NY and she has it all money, fashion, popularity , friends etc. But in this book she begins to lose it all , what everyone never thought would happen in their wildest dreams, and the only person she is trusting with this precious secret is her former friend.enemy and now Best Friend Forever Claire Lyons because Claire is used to the simple lifestyle and is possibly the only one who can help her through this. This book was a shocker, and I'm like amazed how the author cleverly twisted this book, now I can't wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Melodie.
5 reviews
April 10, 2015
I give this book 2 out of five stars. This book is kinda bad. The author had never talked to a teenager before because they all sound like they don't even go to a PUBLIC school.Yet they all go to a private school. Here are some quotes from the story;

"Ehmagawd.What if Landon wants to kiss you en francais?"

"Ehmagawd I'm so sorry!"

Also the use of similes and metaphors was an overkill.

These girls First world problems were crazy. For example, when Massie Found out that her parents were going broke she acted like how any normal person would react to hearing that a family member died. Lisi didn't even care about the other four girls problems only Massie's and Claire's. Which makes no sense because she puts all of the girls' problem in the book.Overall this book stunk but I like how the girls kinda stood up for themselves against the PC.
Profile Image for Nicole.
151 reviews
August 19, 2010

This was not a good book at all. It wasn't really much like a clique book. In the book, Claire and Massie aren't friends anymore. Massie drives away Claire's friends and Claire tries to pull pranks on Massie. Are you rolling your eyes yet?

THEN, the single most cliche thing happens. The mean girl goes broke. That's right, Massie's dad loses all his money and Claire and Massie make up because of it. Oh, and all throughout the book, Massie is stressing over kissing her boyfriend. Sigh. I'm honestly surprised I ever liked this series. Let's just say that I WON'T be reading the next one. The one thing I liked about these books before was that they weren't cliche. Now they're becoming just that.

Sorry, Lisi Harrison. You just didn't write a very good book this time.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kristin.
1,187 reviews36 followers
December 27, 2012
It's been many years since I have read one of these books, but decided since I have so many students back into them this year, and I hadn't finished the series, I should know what they're reading. Ugh. Why do middle school girls like these books? I get it, many have real-life situations with friends, boys, school, and family, but who can relate to middle schoolers who live in mansions, have their own credit cards, drivers, maids, and massage therapists? And I'm tired of Claire allowing herself to get stomped on by Massie over and over and over again. Where is the message on standing up for what you believe in?
Profile Image for Maddie.
35 reviews
January 30, 2011
Eh...tough to say since the other books were really dumb, but this book was really different. Yeah--the ending REALLY freaking surprised me!

*******SPOILER!!!!!!! DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU'VE READ THE BOOK!*******

Okaaayyy.....so Massie goes POOR? The whole bedbug thing really threw me off. That's not a Claire/Layne thing that would have happened in an earlier book. I can't believe that plan really went through.

This book was creepily different. I don't remember any of the books being like this, so I think I'm going to read the last one just to see what happens.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
19 reviews
Want to read
May 8, 2010
OMG this is a must read. Lisi Harrisons new book, My little phony. Lisi Harrison is one of my favorite authors and to me her books are a must read. Can't wait to get my hands on this.
Profile Image for Savita.
466 reviews19 followers
March 19, 2011
Wait--what? There's only one more book left? As of when?! It doesn't seem right for the story to be ending...Huh.
Profile Image for Bridgit.
428 reviews238 followers
October 17, 2016
Surprisingly, the best Clique book yet. These books are addicting!
Profile Image for Laura.
29 reviews
August 24, 2010
i cant believe i have to wait five months to read the last book...
Profile Image for Tiffany Spencer.
1,974 reviews19 followers
December 16, 2018
My Little Phony
The Plot: After the last book Massie is out to get revenge on Claire because how dare she have a life of her own that doesn’t involve her and the Snitty Committee. So, she casually invites Todd over, tells him he’ll look hot bald, and shaves off all his hair. (Okaaay). Then she spreads the word to Layne and Claire’s new high school (drama) girlfriend’s and they bounce on her. (Some friends). Layne of course stays because she knows Massie’s a bitch. Claire decides not to take this laying down and she and Layne go to the bed store and bed-bomb Massie’s pretty lavender sheets with insects (I’m hoping roaches). And of course (as it would me) freaks Massie out. The next thing you know there’s a tent up and she’s kicked out of the house will her parent’s mysteriously take off to the Bahama’s. Of course, Massie is unprepared for this and only has one outfit. Oh and did I mention she not only homeless but crush less because she decided to get bold and kiss Landon only .. He’s Skyping his GRANDMOTHER. So now she has to move in with Claire. Meanwhile Claire gets fed up with Massie and starts a revolution at school. Which basically fee’s the girls of Massie’s dominance but only for a hot minute until she comes back. The book ends with the crushing news that Blocks have lost a lot of their money and are basically now the thing that Massie has frowned down on Claire for. SWEET JUSTICE!

My Thoughts: Maybe... Just Maybe. It was TOO MUCH to put roaches in Massie’s bed. And trust me I’m ALL FOR this spoiled twit getting dealt with. But seeing as how I’ve had some instances myself that just thinking about them with bugs make my skin crawl and I wouldn’t wish those on ANY body on second thought Claire *might* have went too far with this prank. And she put a BUNCH of them in her bed. ONE would have been bad enough but to wake up to that feeling of having bugs crawl all over you . HOWEVER, I was not sad about Massie losing all her money! GOOD FOR HER! And I call that justice! She’s turned her noise up over and OVER and OVER at these girls from her school (as we all saw and read about) so now how can we feel bad that the tables are being turned and she’s realizing what not having a big walk in closet and designer this and that and a limo is like. BOO HOO! CRY ME A RIVER! It feels WELL DESERVED if you ask me! But I won’t get too happy too quick because by the next book she’ll have it all back. Nothing ever sticks with this brat. She’ll probably be even richer. I did like the idea of the Claira (era). But I just shook my head that the girls at this school are just as pathetic as the Pretty Committee. And I really don’t get it! Are the Blocks the mob and Massie the Godfather? They see she’s nothing without the power she gives them yet they (everyone) bends to her like they NEED her. They really don’t! Well just 1 more book of this non-sense..

Rating: 7 Because what goes around comes right back around as Beyonce said.
Profile Image for Allie.
34 reviews
March 29, 2021
This book was... interesting. I kept needing to keep reminding myself that it's a book geared toward middle schoolers but even then it felt very out of touch. The whole war between Massie and Claire was built on a misunderstanding and everything falls apart but only for a moment. Claire literally starts a revolution in the school, ushers in her new "Claire-A" where people didn't feel as though they had to live up to a certain expectation. I think this is great but it was frustrating because as soon as Massie returns to school everyone just melts back into their old behavior, falling to their knees and worshipping her. I was really hoping to see a change in the status quo at OCD but I should have known better. Claire really deserves new friends but I appreciate how she stands by her friends, no matter how poorly they treat her. Her fatal flaw really seems to be loyalty. Anyway, it was interesting and kept me entertained despite being cringey and problematic at times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for michelle.
135 reviews18 followers
June 13, 2018
massie’s family being hit by the recession is so funny

the sort of disconnect from what this series looked like it could have been is really evident here, particularly in layne and the way she suddenly speaks in massie-isms— i’m left wondering how much of it was the publishing company wanting harrison to push the wealth porn angle
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Devon Elizabeth.
170 reviews
Read
December 17, 2023
Book where Massie moves into Claire’s house and Claire starts an anti-bullying movement. Massie’s moment w Claire at the end legitimately moved me. I thought the Claire vs. Massie war was gonna be more intense :( this drama wasn’t great kept thinking it would be more, so kinda boring but that ending had one of the few moments that legit touch my heart
Profile Image for Alicia Rose Robbins.
101 reviews
September 21, 2024
This one is also pretty mid. It’s dumb that Claire’s new friends immediately ditch her because of some dumb prank by Massie that they could easily figure out wasn’t true. Also don’t understand why Claire always runs back to Massie when she’s a terrible friend. I liked that Massie had the plot twist of losing all of her money, I was hopeful that it would aid in her character development.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews

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