A Year in Girl Hell - Crushed by Meredith Costain

Hardie Grant Egmont, 2009. ISBN 9781921502286

(Ages 10-13) Recommended. The first in a series of four books set over the first year of high school for a group of friends. Lexi, Mia and Alysha have been 'besties' throughout primary school, united by their love of all things pink. Crushed details Lexi's first term, where she is dismayed to learn Mia is in a different class, and Alysha seems to be undergoing a personality change to fit in with the school's popular group. Add to that an unrequited crush, and the fear that her parents' marriage is ending, and Lexi fears her first year of high school is going to be very lonely. Well written formula fiction, this series should appeal to girls aged 10 to 13.
Donella Reed