Girls in Love

by Jacqueline Wilson
Girls in Love cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Young Adult (YA)
Technical:
  • ID: 1715
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • ISBN: 9781407043005
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2008-09-04
  • Formats: 5
  • Reviews: 3
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Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99
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Format • £8.54

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 · 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.

The Book Addict Blog · 2012-01-15
nostalgic 4.50

The reviewer finds the book easy to read and nostalgic, reminding them of their own teenage years. They appreciate the book's ability to evoke memories of youthful longing and friendship.

The reviewer shares that the book brought back fond memories of being a teenager and the desire to grow up quickly. They found the book easy to read and enjoyed the nostalgic feelings it evoked. The reviewer also appreciates the book's portrayal of friendship and the universal experiences of teenage life, making it a relatable and enjoyable read.

Quick quotes

    It was easy to read and made me very nostalgic for when I was 13 and desperately wanted to be 16 so that I could get a proper boyfriend.

    The book captures the essence of teenage friendship and the longing for romance.

    It's a book that brings back memories of youthful longing and the complexities of growing up.

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