Francine Pascal, the legendary creator of the beloved Sweet Valley High series, passed away on July 28 at the age of 92. Known for her captivating tales of teenage life, Pascal touched the hearts of millions with her relatable portrayals of adolescence. The twin sisters, Brittany and Cynthia Daniel, who portrayed Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield in the TV adaptation of Sweet Valley High, fondly remember their time working with Pascal. They expressed their gratitude for her love and appreciation, stating that she will be greatly missed. Pascal’s death marks the end of an era for fans who grew up with her stories, which became a staple of young adult literature.
Born in Manhattan on May 13, 1932, Francine Pascal was raised in Jamaica, Queens. From a young age, she had a passion for storytelling, which she nurtured through her studies in journalism at New York University. Pascal began her career as a freelance writer, contributing to popular magazines such as True Confessions, Modern Screen, Cosmopolitan, and Ladies’ Home Journal. In the late 1970s, Pascal made her debut in young adult literature with Hangin’ Out With Cici, a story that would later inspire a sequel and a television special. Her talent for capturing the teenage experience was evident in her subsequent novels, such as My First Love and Other Disasters and The Hand-Me-Down Kid.
However, it was in the 1980s that Pascal achieved widespread recognition with the launch of the Sweet Valley High series. Describing Sweet Valley as the essence of high school, Pascal tapped into the romantic ideals that teenagers believe in before the realities of adulthood set in. The series followed the lives of identical twins Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield, who Pascal described as the most adorable and dazzling 16-year-old girls imaginable. The Sweet Valley High books became a global phenomenon, selling over 200 million copies worldwide. The success of the franchise led to the creation of spin-offs like Sweet Valley Twins, Sweet Valley Kids, and Sweet Valley Junior High, further solidifying Pascal’s legacy in young adult fiction.
Francine Pascal’s contributions to literature and her ability to capture the essence of teenage life have left a lasting impact on readers of all ages. Her stories continue to resonate with audiences around the world, and her characters have become iconic figures in the realm of young adult fiction. Pascal’s passion for storytelling and her talent for creating relatable and engaging narratives will be remembered for generations to come. As fans mourn the loss of a literary icon, they can take comfort in the legacy that Francine Pascal has left behind.