Francine Pascal’s death at the age of 92 last week was heartbreaking news for readers around the world. If you, like me, happen to be a millennial bookworm, you almost certainly grew up reading her abundant Sweet Valley High series and its spinoffs.
In fact, the Sweet Valley High series alone features a total of 181 titles published over the course of only 20 years. (It goes without saying that this is a truly prolific feat.)
These young adult novels were everything to a generation of readers: part soap opera, part romantic adventure, and part idealistic high school novel. Focused on identical twins Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield, they painted a sunny and sweet image of teen life in southern California.
If you’re looking to revisit (or read this series for the first time!), we’ve compiled a list of ten of our favorite titles from the Sweet Valley High series and its spinoffs to pick up.
10. Jessica’s Secret
This young adult novel is full of self-conscious teen drama, and it’s one of my favorites in the Sweet Valley High series. Twin Elizabeth gets her period, and suddenly she’s the mature one. Jessica is humiliated that she still hasn’t gotten hers, and terrified that others will find out. But in trying to convince the world she’s grown up, will she go too far?
Why we recommend it: I loved how this book treated ideas of growing up and trust.
9. The New Jessica
In this installment of the Sweet Valley High series, Jessica decides over summer break to reinvent herself and enter a new era: serious, sophisticated, and studious. But when her twin Elizabeth sees her, she worries that Jessica might have gone beyond reach.
Why we recommend it: I love how this book explores ideas of self-acceptance and insecurity, themes which were both ironically liberated and reinforced by the series.
8. Dear Sister
In Dear Sister, Elizabeth falls deep into a coma after a stunning motorcycle accident. Her boyfriend Todd is haunted by guilt because he was driving at the time. But her twin sister Jessica is even more distressed. Can she go on without her sister?
Why we recommend it: I liked the way this book explored coming-of-age and familial relationships. In fact, Francine Pascal’s honest treatment of family dynamics has been cited as one of readers’ favorite aspects of her writing.
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7. Wrong Kind Of Girl
This young adult novel is another favorite of ours in the Sweet Valley High series. Rebellious Jessica decides to sabotage the new girl at school, Annie, threatened by her bad reputation. But as Elizabeth gets to know Annie, she sees more than meets the eye. Can she convince her sister to lay off?
Why we recommend it: I like how this book explored the “new kid at school” trope.
6. Heartbreaker
Heartbreaker is a classic in the Sweet Valley High series. Jessica falls for surfer Bill Chase, whom everyone seems to be in love with. But when Jessica finally gets the guy, she loses interest, and her shy classmate DeeDee wants a chance. Will Jessica relent and let go of Bill once and for all?
Why we recommend it: I loved how this novel explored teen romance.
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5. Sweet Valley Confidential: Ten Years Later
Ten years after graduation, Jessica and Elizabeth are no longer speaking to each other. Elizabeth escaped to New York to pursue her dreams of journalism, while Jessica stayed in California to reflect on the consequences of her choices.
But even years later, Elizabeth is tired of being the good girl and decides that maybe it’s time to get revenge on her sister…
Why we recommend it: I loved how this book explored the “good girl” trope and how exhausting others’ expectations can be.
4. When Love Dies
Jessica and Elizabeth’s older brother, Steven, is going through a rough time in his relationship. His girlfriend, Tricia, hardly seems to notice him. The twins seek to remedy the situation, and Elizabeth discovers a horrifying reality about who Tricia really is.
Why we recommend it: I liked how this book explored more sibling relationships. It felt more like a young adult thriller than other Sweet Valley High books and I liked that!
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3. Power Play
Robin Wilson is determined to join the prestigious sorority at Sweet Valley High. She may not be typically attractive or well-liked, but she is kind. Elizabeth is determined to help Robin get into the sorority, but Jessica will stop at nothing to keep her out. Who will win?
Why we recommend it: I know high schools don’t have sororities, but I loved how this book treated teenage social hierarchies.
2. Playing With Fire
Jessica Wakefield always gets her way. In this installment of the Sweet Valley High books, she manages to snag the cutest boy at school: Bruce Patman. But as their relationship evolves, Jessica’s twin Elizabeth begins to wonder if it’s a healthy bond for her sister…
Why we recommend it: I liked this book’s treatment of young adult love. It’s not always pretty.
1. Double Love
This young adult novel is the first book in the Sweet Valley High series and introduces the beloved characters of Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield. The two are not only sisters but identical twins. They’re beautiful, intelligent, and incredibly popular at their high school. Despite their similarities, the girls are extremely different.
Sweet and sincere Elizabeth falls for Todd Wilkins, the star basketball player at their school. But when Jessica decides she has a crush on him too, the twins are faced with a choice: the boy, or each other?
Why we recommend it: I love the sibling and high school dynamics in this book.
There you have our ten favorite books from the Sweet Valley High series and its spinoffs.
Whether you’re looking for serial drama, teenage sleuthing, or a good old-fashioned soap opera, this series definitely has something for you.
As always, happy reading!
