Geek Girl and Model Misfit (Geek Girl books 1 and 2) (Geek Girl)

Geek Girl and its sequel, Model Misfit, were written by Holly Smale and first published in 2013 as part of a series centered on the protagonist Harriet Manners. Inspired by Smale’s own experiences as an neurodivergent teenager, the narrative was developed to offer a humorous and relatable perspective on the challenges of navigating high school while feeling like an outsider. The books were designed to appeal to middle-grade and young adult readers, blending the high-pressure world of international fashion modeling with the awkward realities of teenage social dynamics.

The series received a warm critical reception, with Smale’s witty prose and Harriet’s endearing, fact-obsessed personality earning widespread praise for its authentic voice. The character design for Harriet—often defined by her red hair, glasses, and tendency to recite obscure trivia—was intended to challenge traditional tropes of the 'geek' archetype. The success of these early volumes established a significant foothold for the franchise in the contemporary young adult market, eventually leading to a television adaptation and cementing the books' status as modern staples of the genre.