Girls in Love

by Jacqueline Wilson
Girls in Love cover
Good Books rating 3.58
Young Adult (YA)
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Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99
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Format • £8.54
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Technical
  • ID: 1715
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • ISBN: 9781407043005
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2008-09-04
  • Formats: 16
  • Reviews: 4

Ellie, Nadine, and Magda are three best friends who couldn't be more different. As they enter Year Nine, their lives start to change, especially when Nadine and Magda both get boyfriends, leaving Ellie feeling left out. Determined to keep up, Ellie spins a web of lies that quickly spirals out of control. Girls in Love is a funny and frank exploration of friendship, problems, and heartaches, perfect for readers aged 12 and up. This is the first book in the beloved Girls series by bestselling author Jacqueline Wilson, offering a relatable and engaging look at the complexities of teenage life. From the author of beloved classics like The Story of Tracy Beaker, Girls in Love captures the essence of growing up with humor and heart. Follow Ellie, Nadine, and Magda through their adventures in this series that has resonated with readers for generations. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Jacqueline Wilson's work, this book is a must-read for anyone who has ever navigated the tumultuous waters of friendship and first love.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2025-11-19
nostalgic 4.20

The book evokes a nostalgic vibe reminiscent of classic teen literature. The plot is fun and engaging, making it a enjoyable read.

This book brings back a sense of nostalgia that many will find comforting and familiar. The plot is engaging and fun, making it a enjoyable read for those who appreciate stories about teenage life and friendship. The characters are well-developed, and their experiences are portrayed in a way that feels both authentic and entertaining. The book's ability to capture the essence of teenage friendships and the challenges that come with them makes it a standout read. It's a great choice for anyone looking for a lighthearted and nostalgic story.

Quick quotes

    It gave me the nostalgic, Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging type of vibe.

    I thought the plot was quite fun as well.

    Of course the book is a bit dated, but that adds to its charm.

Goodreads · 2025-11-19
cute 3.60

The book is cute and relatable, though one character can be irritating. The protagonist's self-deprecating humor adds charm to the story.

This book is a delightful read that captures the essence of teenage friendships with humor and heart. The characters are well-crafted, and their experiences are relatable, making it easy to connect with the story. However, one character might be a bit annoying at times, which can be a minor drawback. The protagonist's self-deprecating humor is a standout feature, adding a layer of charm and authenticity to the narrative. Overall, it's a charming book that will resonate with readers who enjoy stories about friendship and growing up.

Quick quotes

    The book was very cute, and all the girls were relatable.

    Elly is adorably self-deprecating without it being over the top.

    Magda got on my nerves a bit.

The Storygraph · wordsofclover · 2025-10-08
problematic 2.50

The reviewer criticizes the book for its portrayal of body image issues and the main character's constant self-criticism. They find the fatphobic elements problematic and detract from the overall story.

The reviewer points out that the book contains significant fatphobic elements, particularly through the main character's constant worry about her weight and self-criticism. They find these aspects problematic and believe they detract from the positive themes of friendship and growing up. While the reviewer acknowledges the book's strengths in portraying teenage experiences, they feel that the negative portrayal of body image is a major flaw.

Quick quotes

    There is a lot of fatphobia in this book due to the main character Ellie always worrying about her weight.

    Ellie's constant self-criticism and finding new ways to criticise herself is a recurring theme.

    These fatphobic elements are a significant drawback and detract from the overall story.

Motherbooker Blog · 2020-04-29
heartwarming 4.00

The reviewer appreciates the non-judgmental portrayal of the girls' experiences and their focus on friendship and crushes. They highlight the authenticity of the characters' emotions and daily lives.

The reviewer enjoys how the book captures the essence of teenage friendships and the girls' shared experiences without passing judgment. The characters' daydreams, gossip, and crushes are portrayed in a relatable and engaging way. The reviewer also commends the book for its honest depiction of the girls' problems and heartaches, making it a realistic and heartwarming read for young readers.

Quick quotes

    There is never any sense of judgement within these pages.

    The girls fawn over attractive men, gossip, daydream, and care about being cool.

    It's a book that captures the essence of teenage friendships and the shared experiences of growing up.

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