The series has been mostly well received among Brian's fanbase, while critical response has generally ranged from positive to mixed. After covering the first book, a review for "Publishers Weekly" stated that readers would "no doubt eagerly await the next installment," but also cited issues with characterization in the series opening. Comments in this regard have normally claimed that Reed is the only character who is initially well-developed, with "Publishers Weekly" remarking that "the Billings Girls themselves are stereotypical, but Reed is more complex than most of this genre's narrators." This matter remained under scrutiny as the series moved on, with a review from "School Library Journal" being generally neutral, claiming that the continued series includes "characters and situations that are interesting yet familiar." "Children's Literature" praised Brian's writing style for presenting "a very easy read, broken up into small chapters that allow the quick pace to carry the reader through."