The Wildfire Romance series has to be without a doubt the most aggravating series to figure out – number wise. Most of you, return viewers, have probably glanced over the list on the A-Z Guide and your brow could have furrowed over some of the more, obvious number mistakes for Wildfire especially if you had a salvaged copy at home, a rare one that actually had a number on it’s spine, you could’ve cried out “Senior Class is 21 not 29 on your list!” The trouble with Wildfire is some books were numbered some weren’t and even worse was that some of the numbering made no sense – figure this One Day You’ll Go approx number 13 on the list but no number on the spine , and then there’s I’m Christy with a big smacking 2 on the spine!
Were they numbered in reprints? Who knows. Even more aggravating were the inside cover lists; when starting my ultimate page research, I had happily sat down with my towers of books, trying to organize them according to numbers, separating them between – books with numbers and books without, I then began to examine the lists. Ha! Books with numbers offered lists that didn’t quite add up -for instance in Senior Class clearly marked book 21 on the spine, it’s ranked 28 on the inside list! Say What? Exactly!
Worse, still, when I try to cross reference with non-numbered books, say, with early bird editions like Yours Truly, Love Janie it is listed AFTER the book One Day You’ll go – only in One Day You’ll Go ,Yours Truly ,Love Janie is listed two books BEFORE One Day You’ll Go. Confused yet? The trouble is I’m not sure if Wildfire published more than once-a-month hence the confusion or if the numbers came later-on when they became more established and realized teens wanted to keep track of which books they had and which they missed in order to collect them. Whatever the deal I still can’t make heads or tails of the list so when you are searching out you’re own Wildfire copy avoid using numbers stick with title and author!
Now for the series itself -Wildfire is a thematic series meaning – an unconnected collection of stories where each is different and written by a fresh, new writer. Though quite a few writers will return and write more than one story under the Wildfire logo only a handful will contain sequels or returning characters – as in the Christy series by Maud Johnson or the two part Prom series by Patricia Aks. Like it’s sister-series Wishing Star, Wildfire was fairly awkward and didn’t take up some of the established order that First Love from Silhouette had mapped out mimicking adult series of the era – until it’s end. Compare First Love from Silhouette; a logo clearly defined with numbers in the upper right hand corner creating a clear list, upcoming book advertisements, order forms, giveaways, author paragraphs. Now Wildfire with it’s lack of numbers and the logo being in the upper right hand corner ( which is normally where the numbers are put – check out any series!) , is finally switched near the end to the left hand corner but the numbers remain, as they suddenly appeared, on the spine ( Sunfire’s will follow this same route.)
The series was pretty streamlined – no contests , order forms , upcoming story info or even paragraphs about the writer. But by it’s demise had begun getting with the times and advertised Sunfires and offered order forms. The stories, however, are good , in fact some are down-right terrific! The series wasn’t as cookie-cutter as Sweet Dreams or as out-there as First Love from Silhouette but it balanced stories about love with elements that were ripe with the kind of problems most teen girls faced, with parents often becoming more integral to the story than just a cardboard opposition or shadowy support. Prose was effectively used rather than dismissed to keep the story rolling and ends could be quite bittersweet. The writers seemed to have more flexibility under the Wildfire logo always making me think of the series as the big sister of Sweet Dreams.
Sex, though to my knowledge never seemed to have appeared, in any of the stories, was thought about, worried about and talked about much more so than any Sweet Dreams novel. Characters seemed genuine, drawn rather than defined by what they did or who they went after as in Sweet Dreams where certain main characters can be pigeonholed by types as being that girl-that-went-after-the-popular-boy Or the-girl-next-door-who-suddenly-wants-to-date-boy-next-door. Some of the writers went on to create other series – Ann M. Martin, or stand alone novels Caroline B. Cooney and other became big-wig romance authors Julie Garwood.
All in all a great batch of authors, terrific stories , great photo covers! A phenomenal series that lasted from 1979 to 1986, and is definitely worth rediscovering!
1. Love Comes to Anne – Lucille S. Warner – Can it really be love at first sight? Anne never thought it would happen like this…then she sees “him” walk up the front step at school. By the time she finds out his name, she knows she’s really in love! But they come from two different worlds and he must return home in a few months. Does Anne love him enough to give up everything and everyone she’s ever known?
2. I’m Christy – Maud Johnson – Other girls know how to interest boys, how to make them laugh, how to be casual and smart. Christy never knows what to say, or how to say it when she’s with a boy. Being a new girl in town doesn’t make it any easier! Then she meets Mike, one of the cutest guys at school. Can someone like Mike really be interest in her? Is he just being kind of is it because he’s just broken up with Jill? If only there was a way to know if someone really loves you…
3. That’s My Girl – Jill Ross Klevin – Winning a place on the Olympic Figure Skating Team has always been Becky’s dream. She knows she’s sacrificed a lot–no parties, early curfew, and endless hours of training. She prays it will all be worth it. If only Jed could understand!
Jed wants a girl who cares about something other than ice skating. But if he can’t accept her dream, then he’ll have to find another girl. . . . Becky knows what is right for her, but it hurts, anyhow! Now, if only she is chosen for the team!
4. Beautiful Girl – Elizabeth Ogilvie – “Are you a real live person or just a doll? Do you have any insides or are you just beautiful outside?” April’s problem has always been her beauty. Of course people find that hard to believe, but April says: “When I’m quiet, they say I think I’m too good for them. When I’ve got a lot to say they think I’m conceited.”
Then April meets Nick, and nothing is the same! It doesn’t matter what the kids in school say about her…until Nick turns out to be just like all the others. How can she help it if he thinks too much about her, if his schoolwork is suffering, if his dream of going to the Naval Academy doesn’t come true? Is that supposed to be April’s fault too?
5. Superflirt – Helen Cavanagh – Flirting is so much fun, and Susan is good at it. She’s pretty, popular, and she has a good looking boyfriend, John, who thinks she’s the greatest. The girls in her class used to like her too, until they got sick of her always cutting in on their territory and flirting with their boyfriends.
Susan says she doesn’t mean anything by it, but that’s just the trouble! She also says she can’t help herself…until John breaks it off with her and she winds up breaking her best friend, Debbie’s
heart.
6. A Funny Girl Like Me – Jan O’Donnell – Guess who on the cover! ( Lori Loughlin, too cute, too cool! )
7. Just Sixteen – Terry Morris – Nancy can’t believe that a popular superstar like Roger could fall for her. Even though he’s dated lots of older, prettier girls, he treats Nancy like she’s something special. But Nancy’s just sixteen and Roger keeps forgetting. He always seems to expect too much and he always wants everything his way. Like planning a ski trip for Christmas vacation for just the two of them! Of course Nancy’s parents wouldn’t dream of letting her go.
Nancy’s so confused. One moment she’s sure she loves Roger more than anything, the next she thinks he’s just a spoiled, rich kid. Is this how she’s supposed to feel if she’s really in love?
8. Suzy Who – Winifred Madison – It is her first year of high school and Suzy prays that this year will be different- new friends, parties, lots of dates – not just sitting around with the other girls. She wants to be “Suzy Somebody” and maybe even fall in love. Then she meets Peter Gilbert and finds out about love…and heartbreak…and she wishes desperately that she could be “Suzy Nobody” again!
9. Dreams Can Come True – Jane Claypool Miner – Ellynne has secret dreams: She dreams of being beautiful, of being popular in her new school, of being a cheerleader. And she dreams of having a handsome boyfriend. So far her dreams are coming true. She sheds 30 pounds and gets her figure down to a perfect size 10. She meets Willie, one of Rodondo highs, most popular girls who introduces her to lots of friends, and helps her try out for cheerleading. And then she sees Kip. He’s the most gorgeous boy in the world. But he already has a girlfriend — cute, bouncy, Merri. Is it right for Ellynne to want to date him. How close are he and Merri. All Ellynne knows is that Kip is very, very special
10. I’ve Got a Crush on You – Carol Stanley -“He’s never going to notice you. And if he does, then what are you going to do? It’s just doomed from the start.” When Beth’s best friend tells her this, Beth knows it’s too late. Doomed or not, she has a heart-stopping crush on Terry Evans, who is young, green-eyed, interesting, and who also happens to be her English teacher. Beth wonders if the extra attention he is paying to her is just because he’s trying to be a good teacher. Or is it possible he feels something else? Beth is willing to risk a lot to find out, even losing Matt.
11. An April Love Story – Caroline B. Cooney –
“Today,” My father announced, “I bought a farm in North Carolina. We’re leaving the city, Marnie. We’re going back to the land.” Back to the land? Leaving the city? Marnie Macdonald can’t believe her ears, her parents must be kidding. Worse,
they’re going with the Petersons…sharing a house with them. And Marnie can’t stand their son Lucas. At first. But by April, when the MacDonalds and Peterson’s have lived and worked together for almost a year, Marnie finds herself head-over-heels in love with Lucas! Now if Lucas would only notice.
12. Dance With Me – Virginia Madison – When Jennifer spends the summer with her sophisticated cousin she leaves behind everything she loves– her family, life on the ranch and Russ…Or does she love Russ? She’s not sure. She’s even more confused when she finds herself drawn to Margo’s boyfriend, Gary. She’s afraid of hurting Margo and Russ. Besides, Gary wants so much more from her, and Jennifer doesn’t know whether she’s willing to change…for anybody.
13. One Day You’ll Go – Sheila Schwartz – Kathy knew, with a certainty from deep within, that one day she would find Chris gone…Chris just appears that summer, a dirty hitchhiker with no place to go, and Kathy’s family takes him in. During the golden days that follow, Kathy learns what love is. She and Chris take long walks in the evenings, share secrets, and always know what the other is thinking. But Chris is a drifter and Kathy’s afraid he’ll leave as unexpectedly as he arrived. Then comes the disaster that changes Kathy and Chris forever.
14. Yours Truly, Love, Janie – Ann Reit – Good Looking Cowboy, sensitive, intelligent, 21 years old wishes to correspond with equally understanding, sophisticated, city girl. Janie Downs, unsophisticated, small town, sixteen-year-old, see the magazine ad and knows it’s the “something exciting” she’s been waiting for!
She begins writing secretly to Duke McCoy and pretends she’s all the things he wants – including older. Peter, Janie’s boyfriend – goodlooking, smart, fun, and the star of the basketball team – adores Janie. But when she loses herself in her dreams of Duke, Peter gets tired of being second best…and walks away. Then Duke writes that he’s coming for a visit, and Janie panics! What will Duke think when he meets the rea Janie? And has she lost Peter forever?
15. The Summer of the Sky-Blue Bikini – Jill Ross Klevin – “I guess what it comes down to is I’ll have to choose. Guy – or Stacy and the other kids. Them or Guy. I can’t have them both.”Abby’s summer on Castle Island is a lot of fun – at first. She’s popular with the kids. They invite her to parties, and Abby is the center of attention! Then she meets Guy. He’s Abby’s dream-boy, with blond hair and a terrific smile! But the other kids don’t like him. He’s an outsider to their in-group. Abby knows she must make a choice…and it won’t be easy.
16. I Want to be Me – Dorothy Bastien – It’s hard to be the daughter of a small town’s high school principal. It’s even harder to have parents who never seem to trust you. Forbidden to go to parties and dances with her classmates. Donna spends most of her free time with Rocky, a wild pony who’s been captured and penned. Then one day she meets Tack and her life changes. She and Tack defy neighbors to rescue a wild band of horses illegally caught. Together, they face Donna’s disapproving parents. Together, they come to understand the real meanings of friendship, trust and love.
17. The Best of Friends – Jill Ross Klevin – It takes gorgeous Susannah to turn Allison’s life around. The girls agree to swap – Allison will help Susannah improve her grades, and Susannah will help Allison improve her looks…and win Bobby, the boy of her dreams. Before she knows it, Bobby asks Allison for a date, and soon they’re going steady. But her dream bubble bursts when Bobby starts mentioning a friend named Judy, and breaking dates. Miserable and confused, Allison decides to break up with Bobby…and has the surprise of her life!
18. The Voices of Julie – Joan Oppenhemier- Julie can stay out with Nick as late as she wants. She can skip homework or chores- she’s got it made! She lives with her easy going aunt Roz who lets her do anything. Her only problem is Tony, her best friend’s brother. Tony doesn’t approve of Julie. He keeps trying to get her to shape up. And he makes her so mad! Julie wishes he would stay out of her life – until the unforgettable night when she gets lost in the fog…
19. Second Best – Helen Cavanagh -Shelly Barr thinks she’s boring and plain, and always feels second best. But Ryan Gallagher thinks she’s someone special and wants to go steady with her! She’s excited and happy – until her sister fixes her up with Nick, a sophisticated college boy. Shelly tries to keep the date a secret, but Ryan finds out and angrily breaks up with her. And Shelly’s not even sure she likes Nick. Their first date was such a disaster! Shelly’s so worried. All she wants is Ryan- but can a second best girl wind up in first place?
20. A Kiss for Tomorrow – Maud Johnson -A lightening bug flew between Nick and me. Both of us reached out for it, our palms cupped. We missed the bug, but our fingers touched and somehow Nick was holding my two hands in his, and he didn’t turn them loose. The summer Edie dreaded turns out to be magic! When she leaves Chicago to visit her father in the little town he’s moved to, she doesn’t expect to meet someone like Nick – serious, sensitive, and tender. But he’s older, a college student, and already has a girlfriend. Even so, Edie’s never felt so attracted to a boy, and wonders if she’s falling in love…
21. A Place for Me – Helen Cavanagh – Jonathan is Colleen Kelly’s secret! He’s her first boyfriend – sensitive and serious, and he understands her need for privacy. Colleen doesn’t want to share Jonathan with anyone, especially her big, noisy family! So they meet alone, taking long, quiet rides on their horses. But Colleen can’t keep her secret forever. Soon the Kelly’s find out about Jonathan. They meet him, make him part of the family – and Colleen is scared. She doesn’t want their special relationship to change. Can she hold onto him? Will they still have enough time for themselves?
22. Sixteen Can Be Sweet – Maud Johnson – Jenny West is so happy! Sweet sixteen and summer on the way! But her life turns sour when her father’s illness sends the West’s off to an isolated beach for the whole summer. Jenny’s miserable until the bright morning when she looks up and finds herself face to face with Keith Ericson. The golden days stretch ahead of them – days of walking on the beach, holding hands, sharing secrets. But too soon it’s September – the summer is over and Jenny wonders how can she bear to leave Keith.
23. Take Care of my Girl – Carol Stanley –
24. Lisa – Arlene Hale – Forced to spend her summer on her grandparents farm in Iowa while her parents travel abroad, Lisa Holden is devastated that she must leave her boyfriend Brad, but her feelings begin to change after she meets Charlie.
25. Secret Love – Barbara Steiner – The first red rose arrives after Mandy sprains her ankle. The second one comes on her birthday. The cards are not signed. Who sent them? Her boyfriend, Matt? Her father? Or does she have a secret admirer? Mand hardly has time to think about it. Her sophomore year is so confusing! Matt wants to go steady – but Mandy’s not ready yet. Pris, who used to be her best friend, is only interested in dating, so she and Mandy are slowly growing apart. And Ted, her longtime friend, is acting distant and cool. The red roses remain a mystery – until a dozen arrive the day of the Christmas dance, and Mandy learns that secret love can be true love.
26. Nancy and Nick – Caroline B. Cooney – Nancy has lots of dream dates but — no real ones. She never knows what to say or how to act around boys. But with Nick it’s different. The first time they meet they laugh and talk and joke. But Nick thinks of her as just a friend and Nancy begins to wonder if all her dates will be dream dates. If only they didn’t live so far apart. They never get to see each other. Than Nancy invites Nick to the Final Fling at her school. She’s so excited! The last thing she expects is a disaster . . .
27. Wildfire Double Romance – Tori/ The Best Summer – Diane McClure Jones – Tori – Tori has a quick answer, a joke, or an insult, for everyone – except Dom, the one boy she really cares about. She never knows what to say to him and feels so confused and uncomfortable. Does he want her to change? Be more “ladylike”? Can she become someone else? The Best Summer – For Sandy, summer is rowing and swimming and picnics…and Greg. This should be her best summer ever! She and Greg have both entered the community boat race. But suddenly the race doesn’t matter to Greg anymore – and maybe Sandy doesn’t either. She feels so hurt. What went wrong? Why doesn’t he care?
28. Senior Class – Jane Claypool Miner – More than anything, Mary wishes that she could make friends, talk to boys…that she weren’t so alone. Then she meets Sandy and Jimmy, who give her warmth and friendship. And they introduce her to Whit, the most popular boy in school. Mary likes Whit right away, but she’s not sure how to let him know it. For Mary, senior year is both difficult and exciting – a year of reaching out, of trying new things, of getting hurt sometimes, of growing up, and of loving…
29. Cindy – Deborah Kent – Cindy had a hard enough time being new in a high school last year. How can she survive a year in a place as different as Mexico? But Mexico turns out to be the best thing that ever happened to her! She loves the quaint town with it’s festive holidays an makes lots of friends. And the Mexican boys are enchanted by her pretty blond hair and American accent – they all want to go out with her! Cindy feels happy and confident for the first time in her life. The only problem is Alejandro. Sensitive and serious, he hardly pays any attention to Cindy – and she likes him better than any other boy. How can she show him how she feels? She doesn’t have much time…
30. Too Young to Know – Elizabeth Ogilvie – Scotland isn’t quite what Mary Kate expected when she first heard she’d be spending the summer there with her father. Her new friends are so different – especially Robin. Mary Kate doesn’t know whether to feel bewildered by him or tender toward him. But slowly their love for each other grows – and by the time the summer is over all Mary Kate wants is to find a way to stay with Rob. She knows her father will never allow it, though. She knows he’ll say Mary Kate is not old enough to make that decision, that she’s too young to know…
31. Saturday Night Date – Maud Johnson – “Wendy,” Charlie stammered, “I really like you, but we ought to date other people. I guess I’m saying I’m not in love with you anymore.” Wendy knows she’ll never forget the hurt of those words. How could Charlie say them? She and Charlie have been going steady for over two years – she’ll always love him. But now Charlie avoids her, never calls, or speaks to her. Wendy finally starts dating again, but she compares every boy to Charlie, and not one measures up – until she meets Derek! But something is wrong. Why won’t Derek come to Wendy’s house? Or go to parties with her? Wendy must decide whether she likes Derek – or just likes having a boyfriend.
32. Junior Prom – Patricia Aks – Amy is positive she’s the only sophomore who has never had a date! She doesn’t even know any boy – except Jeff. But he’s quiet and shy and hardly knows Amy is alive. More than anything, Amy wants to go to the Junior Prom. She won’t have a chance, though, unless she does something drastic. So she launches a campaign to get a Prom invitation from a junior boy. Her plan seems to work at first. She has dates with Grant and Len and Hank. But no boy asks her out twice. What does Amy do wrong? When the prom is just ten days away, Amy loses all hope of ever being asked. But then…
33. He Loves Me Not – Caroline B. Cooney – Fifteen-year-old Alison Holland dreams of becoming a professional musician. No sacrifice is too great when it comes to her music—even if it means giving up extracurricular activities like dating and hanging out with friends. Alison is overjoyed when she gets her first professional gig. Soon, she’s playing at events all over town. But lately, she’s starting to wonder how it would feel to go to a party as someone’s girlfriend instead of the keyboard player. She’s feeling lonely and left out, especially when the night of the big dance arrives—and she doesn’t have a date.
Then, at a wedding, Alison meets Ted Mollison, a photographer. He seems to really get her—to understand her dreams and ambitions. But is he more interested in his camera than in romance? A book for anyone who has ever felt like they’re different, He Loves Me Not is about fitting in and branching out. . .and being loved for who you are
34. Goodbye, Pretty One – Lucille S. Warner – Not everyone loves a party girl. Karen thinks her life is just about perfect. Her parents dote on her, give her anything she wants. And she has Brad – handsome, serious, Brad. As far as she can see, they’re the perfect couple. So she doesn’t understand at all when Brad says,”It’s not working, Kar. Maybe when you grow up a little…” What does he mean? Over the summer, Karen finds out. She lands her first job and meets new people, including sophisticated Jason. Karen is growing up! She keeps thinking, if only Brad could see me now!
35. Just a Summer Girl – Helen Cavanagh – Summer at the beach. Every year Nina looks forward to it. Endless days in the sun, beach parties, dances, picnics. And lots of time for her painting and drawing. Nina hopes this summer will be special. And it is. She falls in love. She’s never felt as attracted to a boy as she is to Ben. But Ben doesn’t understand Nina. He wants to be a fisherman and live quietly on the island, while she is a city girl who wants to be an artist. Nina’s not
sure she can change her life…even for Ben.
36. The Impossible Love – Arlene Hale – Jenny and Pam. Sisters. Pam is gorgeous. Jenny is “interesting looking.” Pam is popular. Jenny has two close friends. Pam has one boyfriend after another. Jenny is sure no boy but faithful Thad will ever look twice at her. Until Mark comes to town, and Jenny is swept off her feet by the very sight of him. But that’s before Mark is swept off his feet by Pam. Sadly, Jenny watches them together- and dreams about herself and Mark. But it’s an impossible dream…an impossible love. Or is it?
37. Sing About Us – Winifred Madison – When Judy and her best friend, Tammie, make a foolish wish – for an exciting new boy to walk into their lives – Judy doesn’t expect it to come true. But it does! The boy is Chip, a senior and a glamorous rock star. Judy and Chip start spending every free moment together. Judy even helps Chip write songs to perform. But the night of the Halloween Dance, when Tammie arrives in a belly dancer’s costume, Chip can’t take his eyes off her. Just as fast as he fell for Judy, he falls for Tammie. Judy is crushed. She’s lost Chip and she’s angry at Tammie. She feels alone and hurt and empty. But she’s still
determined to make her senior year an exciting year.
38. The Searching Heart – Barbara Steiner – Laura has always known what she wants to do- become a veterinarian. Even before she finishes high school, she applies for an after-school job at a veterinary clinic. But then her life changes dramatically. The doctor she works for is Jed Jordan, warm, caring… and twenty-five years old. Before Laura and Jed know what’s happening, they fall in love. Laura is delighted…and frightened. Her parents don’t approve of Jed because he’s older. And Laura worries because she’s miserable when she’s apart from him. How can she go away to college now? What will become of her dreams? And what will
become of her tender relationship with Jed.
39. Write Every Day – Janet Quin-Harkin – On a camping trip Kim falls in love with Brian but worries that he will feel differently about her if he discovers she’s not athletic.
40. Christy’s Choice – Maud Johnson – (sequel to I’m Christy) – Christy and Mike are finally going steady! And Christy’s senior year promises to be extra special especially after she gets a part-time job in a gift shop. But by Thanksgiving, nothing is right. Mike gets upset every time Christy mentions her job. And Christy gets upset everytime she sees Mike with his old girlfriend. To make things even more difficult a college boy starts asking Christy out! It’s time for Christy to have a talk with Mike.
41. The Wrong Boy – Carol Stanley – Kyle Harmon was absolutely was absolutely the last boy Meg would ever have dreamed of being interested in. He did crazy things, and dressed in crazy clothes, and never went anywhere without his motorcycle. Then Meg is assigned to work on a chemistry project with him and finds that underneath his wraparound shades, and leather jacket, he’s a very special person — and Kyle thinks Meg’s pretty special too.
But as soon as they get serious about each other, their problems start. Meg’s parents think Kyle is strange, and her friends make fun of him. Worse, Kyle refuses to change, but he expects Meg to change for him. Since she can’t, Meg knows she’ll have to make some important decisions . . .
42. Make A Wish – Nancy Smiler Levinson – cover
43. The Boy for Me – Jane Claypool Miner – Maggie has been in love with Tony for almost a year – and he doesn’t even know it! Tony is her older brother’s best friend. He’s forever hanging around the house, but all he seems interested in is fixing up cars with Bob. Then Maggie begins dating other guys and suddenly Tony starts paying a lot of attention to her. But she can’t tell if he’s being protective, or if he’s actually jealous. Will Tony always think Maggie is just Bob’s little sister?
44. Class Ring – Josephine Wunsch – Jill breezes into Sherry’s life one spring day, and after that nothing is the same. Sherry is fascinated by Jill and introduces her to all her friends. So she’s shocked when Jill starts spending time with Kent. He’s Sherry’s boyfriend. They’ve been going steady for a year, and Sherry’s even wearing his class ring. But Jill is serious about Kent, and soon he stops calling Sherry or mentioning the prom. Sherry wonders if Kent ever loved her at all.
45. Phone Calls – Ann Reit – Juliet is in love with a voice! Juliet has a lot of friends who are boys, but no real boyfriend. Why can’t she be like her younger sister? Even Barbara has a boyfriend. Then comes the voice on the first phone call.
“Did my heart love till now?” asks a boys voice, quoting from Shakespeare. The caller hangs up without telling Juliet his name, but the voice sounds familiar. One week later, comes another call. And after that, another, and another. Someone really cares about her? But who? Is one of Juliet’s friends her secret Romeo?
46. Just You and Me – Ann Martin – Mollie’s been going out with Jamie for almost a year. He’s a great guy, but he never takes her seriously – and that hurts. Then Matt moves to town, and Mollie can tell how much he likes her. But she and Matt are competing for a big college scholarship, and it seems impossible for them to get along. Matt wants Mollie to be more than just a friend; Jamie won’t let go. And Mollie wants to have it all – the scholarship, good friends, and a boy who really cares for her – but how can she win at everything.
47. Homecoming Queen – Winifred Madison – Underneath the homecoming Crown is a girl in love . . .Laurie thinks she’s the luckiest girl in the world the night she’s crowned Homecoming Queen and her boyfriend, Bob, is crowned king. They have everything going for them. Then Alison moves to town, and Bob and Laurie drift apart. She feels lost and empty, so she joins the school chorus, takes up jogging, and makes new friends. Then Laurie meets Greg and falls in love with him, but she doesn’t know what she’s more afraid of – that he’ll never notice her or she’ll get hurt again . . .
48. Holly in Love – Caroline B. Cooney – If there’s one thing Holly can’t stand it’s cold weather. And, it seems, the only other person in her whole town who feels the same way is Jamie. Jamie is the first boy Holly has ever really liked, but her friends accuse her of “robbing the cradle”- for Jamie is a full year younger than Holly. Holly tries to let the teasing roll off her back, but she can’t. And one day she goes along with it too far, hurting Jamie’s feelings. Holly wants desperately o make-up with him but how?
49. Spring Love – Jennifer Sarasin – Becca’s senior year is hardly what she expected. Her mother has left home, and Becca is stuck in New York with her overprotective, critical father. She feels abandoned and alone – until she meets Mark. Mark is tender and understanding, and soon he and Becca become inseparable! But Becca’s father is always between them, putting limits on Becca and treating her like a child. Can Mark help convince Becca to stand up for herself, and to convince her father that she can be trusted?
50. No Boys? – McClure Jones – Janet has been raised by two uncles who still treat her like a baby. So when Eric starts asking her out, she doesn’t know what to do. She can’t bring him to her house, since her uncles won’t let her date “strange” boys. Finally she begins seeing him secretly – which leads to more trouble than she ever imagined…
51. Blind Date – Priscilla Maynard –Lately Kim has felt different from her friends . . . so left out. All they talk about is boys and parties, and Kim’s not interested, at least not until she meets Ted. Ted is her brother’s friend. He comes to the house a lot, is it to see Kim, or her brothers – or Beth next door? When Beth arranges a Blind Date for her Kim decides to go. She’s excited and nervous, but she never expects the date to change her whole life.
52. That Other Girl – Conrad Nowels – Donna is older, carefree, and so beautiful, but she is going off to college and plans to date other guys. Larry thinks he’ll never stop loving her – until he meets Judy. Shy and sweet, she can’t compete with Donna, but she captures Larry’s wounded heart. Then Donna returns and makes it very clear she wants Larry back. Suddenly, he isn’t so sure he’s over Donna at all…
and all three of them are caught in a crazy love triangle.
53. Little Lies – Audrey Johnson – How much can one little lie hurt? Shannon isn’t sure, but she’s afraid the truth is worse than the lie. Why would Blake, the wealthiest boy on the beach, give her a second look? She’s only a mother’s helper, but she lets him think that she’s a guest at the beach house where she works and that she’s going to an exclusive girls school in the fall. The more she loves Blake, the more she wants him to know the real story. But Shannon puts off the moment until her lies, like the waves on the beach come crashing in on her…
54. Broken Dreams – Susan Mendonca- He told her to leave him…Did he mean it? Strong, hopeful, in love…they were the perfect couple. Then Scott is injured, maybe permanently, and Kelly can’t seem to help him. The Scott who once cheered for her at swim meets now stares sullenly at her from his hospital bed, taunting her for loving him, begging her to leave him. But behind his angry words, Kelly senses something else. Could Scott love her after all? Can they go on despite their broken dreams?
55. Love Games – Deborah Aydt – Molly has always loved her mother, and her stepfather, who raised her as his own. Now she loves Sam Rutledge, too. Then the father who left her as a baby comes back, expecting Molly’s love. He’s tearing her family apart – and Sam seems to be on his side! Is that any way for the boy you love to act?
56. Call Me – Jane Claypool Miner – Michelle and Adam promise not to date other people when Adam moves away. Their phone calls are their only contact. But Michelle finds that her days are lonely and lonesome, and her parents urge her to go out with anyone. Michelle chooses good old Charlie. She doesn’t expect to have fun – but she does. She doesn’t think Charlie is handsome – but he is. She doesn’t want her life to be any more complicated – but it is. Adam is coming back.
57. Miss Perfect – Jill Ross Klevin – Super athlete, straight-A student, president of her class, editor of the school newspaper – Kim excelled at everything. That’s what her father expected of her. But her friends notice that Kim doesn’t smile much anymore, and her boyfriend Brad is afraid that Kim doesn’t have time even for him. Kim is so busy, Kim is perfect. But her achievements are beginning to demand a very high price…
58. On Your Toes – Terry Morris – Until she meets David. Even then, he understands how much time she needs to practice, to prepare for the tryout that could launch her career. They find time to date, and everything is perfect. Pam knows she’s in love. But when David is hurt in an accident, he innocently forces Pam to choose her love …or her dream.
59. Christy’s Love – Maud Johnson – (3rd sequel to I’m Christy) Christy has never been so happy. She and Mike are sure of their love for one another and bask together in it’s warmth. But their happiness is short-lived when Christy is summoned to the hospital where Mike lies, badly injured. Christy is terrified that she might lose Mike, the only boy for her. If only Christy’s love can save both of them from tragedy…
60. Nice Girls Don’t – Caroline B. Cooney –Tory Travis just wanted to play ball. But little things started to get to her. The boy’s team went by in a bus while the girls team were squished into a station wagon. The boys were budgeted for uniforms while the girls had to have a bake sale to raise money. But her mother and Kenny remind her nice girls don’t make fusses. Only Jonathon is on Tory’s side. He’s on her side when she comes up with a plan to change things. But Tory knows it she’s going to battle the school board, she risks losing the support of the ones she loves most.
61. Christy’s Senior Year – Maud Johnson – (4th sequel to I’m Christy) Christy still can’t face Sonny’s – the soda shop where she and Mike spent so much time. She wonders if there will ever be a day when she doesn’t see Mike’s shadow in everything she does…So Christy tries to throw herself into the last months of her senior year. Nina, new girl, reminds Christy of what it was like to be a stranger in town. Christy’s old friends are supportive. But it is David Webster who helps Christy realize she can, indeed, love again.
62. Kiss and Tell – Helen Cavanagh – Denise is warm and outgoing, basking in her family’s noisy love. Jason is a quiet loner, from a difficult family background. She is enchanted by his intelligence and solitary style, and he has found in her a trusted friend at last. But Denise wants to share her newfound love, while for Jason, romance is a private thing. And Denise worries that sometimes, this time, love isn’t going to be enough.
63. The Boy Next Door – Vicky Martin – Jenny and her sister Emily instantly approve of their next door neighbors, Rob and Paul. Jenny finds she can talk easily to Rob especially about her art. For all of them the summer seems to be full of promise. Yet even though Rob gives Jenny confidence he can also take it away. She has to question a relationship that could cause so much love and so much pain.
64. Angel – Helen Cavanagh – Somehow Angel had managed to tell Jody and Tania exactly the opposite of the truth about a classmate. Angel likes to tell the best stories possible, and sometimes the truth just isn’t all that exciting. But the lies, for all their drama, are also confusing, and Angel has to make up new stories just to cover her old ones. The only story she can’t make up is Jay’s – he seems to love Angel, but he confides in Jody. And with jealousy as her inspiration, Angel gets ready to tell the biggest lie of all.
65. Out of Bounds – Eileen Hehl – Only an airhead would go for a guy nicknamed “Killer.” But Tobie Tanner is no airhead. A serious, intelligent student. Tobie has most of her life planned, up to the moment she finishes her first novel. But once she interviews Lou “Killer” Keller for the school newspaper. Tobie is lost, and wonderfully in love. Off the field, Lou is bright and sweet, but Tobie can’t forget that football is a violent game. Can a peace-loving writer find happiness with a guy who has to leave his gentle ways in the locker room.
66. Senior Dreams Can Come True – Jane Claypool Miner – (sequel to Dreams Come True) After a tough school year it’s finally the summer before Ellynne’s school year. Her mother wants her to find a job, but Ellynne looks forward to spending long, lazy days relaxing on the beach. It’s time for some fun! She really misses her steady Kip who’s away working. He’s afraid she’ll find someone new – and she does. Blond easygoing Kenny is different from any boy she’s ever known. He’s free from responsibilities for the summer and just wants to have a good time. Ellynne’s sure that all work and no play makes a dull girl but what about all play?
67. Loving That O’Conner Boy – Diane Hoh – It all started with a chemistry experiment gone wrong. Fate steps in as Pam gets involved with troublemaker Bud O’Connor. Bud O’Connor with his thick dark hair and brown eyes. Bud O’Connor who may be facing suspension from school. Her parents don’t approve. Her parents don’t approve. But are they right or is Bud really a sweet person underneath his devilish ways.
68. Love Signs – M.L. Kennedy – Have the stars made a terrible mistake? The strangest things are happening to Tracy. And strangest of all is that she always knows they’re going to – her horoscope tells her. She’d been right about so many things, it’s eerie. The stars predict she’ll meet a handsome stranger and Jeff shows up. Tracy and Jeff have so much in common, everything seems wonderful at first but the stars also warn Tracy not to mistake friendship for love. Besides Pices and Libra are an impossible combination. Then Steve, star quarterback for the football team, asks Tracy for a date, and this time it’s a perfect match, according to the stars. But Tracy can’t get Jeff out of her mind and she can’t help thinking that maybe the stars are wrong.
69. My Summer Love – Elizabeth Ogilvie – Diana may have flunked all her classes but she had fun doing it. And now she’s got an exciting summer planned. But Diana’s mother has plans of her own. She ships Diana off to a broken-down farm to be tutored by an old friend. Diana is prepared for the most boring summer of her life. How will she survive it? But as soon as Diana arrives, sparks start flying. Mac and Josh Thornton, two great looking cousins, are in the middle of a fight over the farm, and Diana has to choose sides. The most boring summer of Diana’s life turns into the most exciting, but now she’s still wondering how she will survive it.
70. One Upon a Kiss – Susan Mendonca – Paula can hardly believe it’s happening. She goes to a costume ball dressed as Cinderella…she shares a special kiss with Kevin, who’s dressed as Prince Charming… she even loses her shoe at midnight! It sounds just like the fairy tale, but Paula knows fairy tales don’t come true. She’s not Cinderella, and Kevin isn’t Prince Charming. He’s too much like the boy who broke her heart. Kevin is trying to discover who the masked Cinderella really is. But Paula’s not sure she wants to be discovered.
71. Kisses For Sale – Judith Enderle – Even though Lindsay is through with Ross, she still misses him, still longs to hear his voice, still is pained when she sees him in school with a new girlfriend. But she doesn’t miss his bossiness. It’s time for her to be independent! Her best friend Blaine says being independent doesn’t mean spending all of her time alone. Why not help organize the Spring Carnival? At least it will keep her mind of Ross and who knows who she will meet? But Lindsay isn’t prepared for handsome Bill Stark – or for falling in love.
72. Crazy Crush – Stephanie Gordon Tessler – Joey Jacobs is just crazy about Link Zinc, lead singer in the town’s hottest rock band. But he doesn’t even know she’s alive! Determined to win him, she plans to audition as the band’s new drummer. Then Link will be sure to notice her! There’s just one small catch – Joey can’t read music, let alone play the drums. Handsome Todd Perlman, a musician in the school orchestra, volunteers to help her learn, and Joey’s well on her way to fulfilling her dream. So how come everything feels wrong?
73. The Boy Barrier – Jesse Dukore – “Love” means zero in tennis. That’s a score that Stacey King, the Number One player on the girls’ tennis team, never earns on the court. Off the court, it’s another story. There her love life score a big fat zero! Stacey was always too busy playing tennis to learn how to talk to boys. Now that she’s like the chance to change all that – especially since she’s met Keith Flowers, the Number One player one the boys’ team. But the boy barrier is harder to break than Stacey realized. It gets even harder when the coach of the boys’ team asks Stacey to join. If she accepts, will she become “just one of the boys”? Can Stacey be Number One in Keith’s heart if she takes his place as Number One on the team?
74. The Yes Girl – Kathryn Makris – Gwen’s favorite word is yes. She says yes to Susan who asks for free math tutoring, yes to any friend who needs help . . . even a yes to nice but boring Mitch who asks her for dates. Gwen doesn’t have a minute to herself. Unfortunately, she hardly has any time for Phil, either. Phil is funny, handsome, and definitely not boring. And Gwen likes him a lot. When he asks her out Gwen says yes . . . with delight. But she is still saying yes to Mitch, too. Phil soon becomes tired of being
Gwen’s second choice, and tells her so angrily. Now Gwen is torn. If she starts saying no, she may lose her friends. If she can’t stop saying yes, she’ll lose Phil.
75. Love to the Rescue – Deborah Kent – Lifeguards have all the fun. That’s what Laurie Cavanaugh used to think before she became one. Now she knows there’s more to the job than looking great in a bathing suit. It’s demanding work and a big responsibility. But there would be some time for fun in the sun if Andy Hawthorne, the head lifeguard, wasn’t such a creep. He watches every move Laurie makes and criticizes her constantly. Why does he have to be the cutest boy she has ever seen? Laurie is confused, but she’s sure of one thing. Being a lifeguard may not be fun, but it’s never boring either!
76. Senior Prom – Patricia Aks – (sequel to Junior Prom) – Last year Amy thought she found Mr. Right, but Jeff turned out to be oh-so-wrong. With her new found confidence, Amy realizes she doesn’t need just one boyfriend – she’s ready to play the field. Even if she doesn’t have much in common with the boys she dates, she loves being popular. Best of all Amy doesn’t have to worry about a date for the senior prom. This year her biggest worry is deciding which of her three invitations to accept. Then Amy sees Jeff with another girl and the stab in her heart tells her what she knew all along: she still loves Jeff. What good are a million dates to the prom when you can’t have the one you want?
77. Dating Blues – Maud Johnson – For Beth-Ann Hughes ‘Dating Blues’ used to mean no dates. But after great-looking Kenny and upperclassman Curtis start asking her out Beth-Ann knows that having lots of dates – with the wrong guys – can be worse. Her best friend tells her she’s too picky; there’s no such thing as a perfect boy. Then Beth-Ann meets Tony and she knows that isn’t true. Tony is perfect – but does he care for Beth-Ann as much as she does for him? Beth-Ann is finally in love and everything should be wonderful. So why is she still feeling those dating blues?
78. Brian’s Girl – Diane Hoh – Kate Ryan is Brian Donahue’s girl. Or at least she thought she was. When Brian comes home from college for a visit, he devastates Kate by telling her he’s in love with someone else. But Kate isn’t down for long. She launches an all out campaign to win him back. Adam Tranter, a new guy at school, is attracted to Kate, and he fits right into her plan. She needs someone to make Brian jealous, and it doesn’t hurt that Adam is cute and fun to be with. Kate doesn’t like using Adam, but she has no choice. This is war! Suddenly everything is upside down. Brian isn’t the boy on her mind – Adam it – but he’s not even speaking to her anymore. Has Kate let her obsessive love for Brian ruin her chance for a romance with Adam?
79. A Girl Named Summer – Julie Garwood – A little lie never hurt anyone. That’s what Summer Matthews thought when she met David Marshall and fell in love. Summer would do anything for David, including letting him believe something about herself that isn’t true. When Summer finds out that David admires girl athletes, she decides to compete in a six-mile race to impress him, even though she’s never raced before. Behind David’s back, she begins a rigorous training schedule, and two months later, her plan seems to be working. She’s ready for the big race. But then David tells Summer the only thing he can’t stand is being lied to. What will happen if he finds out about Summer’s lie? Will all her hard work have been for nothing?
80. Recipe For Romance – Terri Fields – Holly Hanson wants to be a great chef one day. Her part-time job as an assistant cook in a fraternity house is giving her a head start on her career – but it’s setting her love life back a long way! Holly’s job should be a great way to meet guys, but her boss has one strict rule: no dating the frat men. Holly doesn’t want to lose her job, so when Greg, a cute, funny guy, asks her out, she turns him down. But Greg comes up with a plan… If his recipe for romance flops, Holly will be out of a job and out of love.
81. The Ten Cupcake Romance – M.L. Kennedy – Every time Amy Miller falls in love she eats her heart out – literally. Her latest craze is cupcakes, but when her friend Sharon finds Amy devouring a whole box of them, she knows Amy needs to find a hobby. Why not become a romance novelist? Amy thinks it’s a great idea, and Simon Adams, a cute English guy at school, fits right into the plot. In fact, he’s the main character! Amy goes out with Simon to gather “data” for her book. It’s a good thing she’s sworn off boys. She’d hate to let her feelings interfere with her work. But what about Simon’s feelings…?
82. The Wrong Love – Kathryn Makris – When Carl Jensen first moved to the Texas border town where Sarita Valdez lives, he didn’t know what a taco was. Sarita thought that was funny. She liked Carl’s sweetness and his warm blue eyes, too. Sarita offers to show him around and finds out that tacos aren’t the only thing Carl knows nothing about. Her friends prejudice against ‘Snowbirds’ or Anglos from the North, is very real. Sarita never expected to fall in love with Carl, but now that she has, she’s afraid her friends won’t accept him, or – worse yet – that they’ll expect her to break up with him. How can Sarita’s first love feel so right when everyone tells her its so wrong?
CLIQUEY PIZZA 2: more 80's teen book series & pop culture 