Francine Pascal, Creator of Sweet Valley High, Dies at 92

Francine Pascal, the creator of the iconic Sweet Valley High book series, passed away on Sunday, July 28, at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan. She was 92 years old and succumbed to lymphoma, as reported by her daughter Laurie Wenk-Pascal

Born in Manhattan on May 13, 1932, Pascal grew up in Jamaica, Queens. She pursued journalism at New York University and initially worked as a freelance writer for various publications, including True Confessions, Modern Screen, Cosmopolitan, and Ladies’ Home Journal.

Creation of Sweet Valley High

Pascal’s most notable contribution to literature came in 1983 when she launched the Sweet Valley High series. The series, which consisted of 181 books, began with Pascal writing the first 12 books before a team of writers continued the stories of identical twins Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield in the fictional Los Angeles suburb of Sweet Valley. 

The series captured the essence of high school life and resonated with teenage girls worldwide.

A Remarkable Impact

In an interview with PEOPLE in 1988, Pascal reflected on the series’ success: “Sweet Valley is the essence of high school. It’s that moment before reality hits, when you really do believe in the romantic values — sacrifice, love, loyalty, friendship — before you get jaded and slip off into adulthood.”

The Sweet Valley series, which ended in 2003 but was revived in 2011 with Sweet Valley Confidential, sold 200 million copies and inspired numerous spinoffs, including Sweet Valley Twins, Sweet Valley Kids, and Sweet Valley Junior High.

Beyond Sweet Valley High

Before her success with young adult fiction, Pascal worked on the soap opera The Young Marrieds, which jumpstarted her writing career. She also authored several books for adults, including The Strange Case of Patty Hearst (1974), Save Johanna! (1981), and If Wishes Were Horses (1994), a fictionalized memoir about her life with her late husband, John Pascal.

Pascal’s work not only created a new generation of readers but also left an indelible mark on young adult literature. She is survived by her two daughters, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Her influence and stories will continue to inspire readers for generations to come.

 Remembering Francine Pascal Francine Pascal’s death marks the end of an era for fans of the Sweet Valley High series. Her contributions to young adult literature have been profound, creating beloved characters and stories that have stood the test of time. As we remember her legacy, we celebrate the joy and inspiration she brought to countless readers around the world.

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