Aanchal Varshney
Francine Pascal, the acclaimed creator of the beloved Sweet Valley High book series and TV show, passed away at age 92 from lymphoma. Brittany and Cynthia Daniel, who starred as Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield in the TV adaptation, fondly remember Pascal’s influence and love.
Pascal’s Legacy in Young Adult Literature
Francine Pascal was a trailblazer in young adult literature. Her Sweet Valley High series, which started in the 1980s, captivated millions of teenage readers with its relatable and entertaining portrayal of teenage life. Pascal’s books sold over 200 million copies and inspired numerous spin-offs, including Sweet Valley Twins, Sweet Valley Kids, and Sweet Valley Junior High.
The Daniel twins, now 48, starred in the TV adaptation of Sweet Valley High from 1994 to 1998. They remember Pascal not just as a creator but as a beloved figure who made them feel appreciated and loved. “She touched the hearts and minds of so many with her entertaining and relatable portrayals of teenage life,” they said in a statement to PEOPLE. “We always felt loved and appreciated by Francine. She’ll be greatly missed.”
Early Life and Career of Francine Pascal
Born in Manhattan on May 13, 1932, Pascal grew up in Jamaica, Queens. She studied journalism at New York University and worked as a freelance writer, contributing to magazines like True Confessions, Modern Screen, Cosmopolitan, and Ladies’ Home Journal. Pascal’s journey into young-adult novels began with Hangin’ Out With Cici in 1977, followed by My First Love and Other Disasters and The Hand-Me-Down Kid.
Creating the World of Sweet Valley High
In the 1980s, Pascal created Sweet Valley High, which she envisioned as a teenage version of the hit CBS series Dallas. The series followed the lives of twin sisters Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield, capturing the essence of high school life. Pascal’s goal was to create readers out of non-readers, which she achieved by engaging young girls who previously had little interest in reading.
Pascal’s Other Works and Impact
While Pascal penned the first 12 books of the Sweet Valley High series, she later handed off writing duties to a team she oversaw, providing outlines and character descriptions. She also wrote books for adults, including a nonfiction account of the Patty Hearst trial and several novels. Her impact on young adult literature and her ability to create compelling stories that resonated with readers of all ages cemented her legacy.
Francine Pascal’s contributions to literature, especially young adult fiction, have left an indelible mark on readers and the entertainment industry. As Brittany and Cynthia Daniel reflect on their time with Pascal, her legacy continues to live on through the stories she created and the lives she touched.
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