Francine Pascal, the creative mind behind the iconic Sweet Valley High series, has passed away at the age of 92.
Her daughter confirmed that Pascal died from lymphoma in New York. The news has sent waves of nostalgia through the many fans of her beloved books.
FRANCINE PASCAL AND SWEET VALLEY HIGH
Born in Manhattan and raised in Queens, Pascal was a true New Yorker, according to Remind Magazine.
She studied journalism at New York University and began her career as a freelance writer.
She published her first young adult novel, Hangin’ Out With Cici, in 1977, and later adapted it into a TV special titled My Mother Was Never a Kid.
However, it was in 1983 that Pascal truly made her mark with Sweet Valley High.
The Sweet Valley High series became a phenomenon.
It centres on the lives of identical twins Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield, who navigate high school life in Los Angeles.
The series captivated readers with its engaging storylines and relatable characters, according to The Guardian.
Pascal’s creation led to the publication of an astounding 181 books.
After the initial twelve books, Pascal handed over the reins to a team of ghostwriters to continue the series.
SWEET VALLEY HIGH: THE BEGINNING
Reflecting on the creation of the series, Pascal revealed in a 2019 interview, “A friend of mine had lunch with a [book] editor, a man, who said, ‘Why isn’t there a Dallas for young people?’
I thought about it, and I actually had a book [proposal] due. There are a lot of twins in my life.
People are always fascinated by twins. You’ll never be alone.” She continued.
“I thought about it, and this other soap opera thing was in my head, the one that I couldn’t sell.
I sat down and I wrote a [character] bible and the first 12 stories. It went quickly because it was such a fertile idea.
SWEET VALLEY HIGH THE PHENOMENONBantam Books loved it. They ordered all 12.”
TV ADAPTATION
The success of Sweet Valley High led to a TV adaptation featuring twins Brittany Daniel and Cynthia Daniel, according to the New York Times.
Pascal’s creative influence extended beyond Sweet Valley High.
She penned several other novels, including If Wishes Were Horses, The Ruling Class, and the Fearless book series.
Her talents were not limited to novels; she also wrote scripts for the soap opera The Young Marrieds.
She wrote these alongside her husband John, who passed away in 1981.
LITERARY WORKS
Pascal’s legacy is profound. Her stories touched the lives of many young readers, offering them a glimpse into the glamorous, sometimes tumultuous lives of the Wakefield twins.
The Sweet Valley High books are remembered fondly by fans who grew up with them.
In addition to her literary achievements, Pascal is remembered for her dedication to her craft.
She meticulously detailed every aspect of her characters’ lives, ensuring that her ghostwriters followed her vision closely.
FAMILY
As she once described, “The story outlines weren’t chapter by chapter, more like acts.
Don’t forget, they already had the bible, where I had written deeply into the lives of the twins and their backgrounds.”
Francine Pascal is survived by her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Her passing marks the end of an era for many who cherished her books and the world she created.
A LEGACY
As fans and readers reflect on her contributions, the impact of her work remains clear.
The Sweet Valley High series will forever be a testament to Pascal’s imagination and storytelling prowess.
Her work continues to inspire and entertain, a legacy that will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.