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SWEET DREAMS
While boys collected bubble gum cards girls collected and traded Sweet Dreams novels – they were everywhere! You could spin any wire book-rack in any library, you could go into any shop, browse any girlie white hutch over a desk and find at least two or three selections to add to your cache. They were the Grand-daddy of all teen romance, more popular than First Love From Silhouette, certainly longer lasting but the fad of thematic romances didn’t stem from them – they were following the likes of Wishing Star and Wildfire. Similarly they featured covers with pretty teens posing like fashion models in colorful clothes, most often alone but on a few rare covers paired up with a boy or another girl to add some visual interest. The stories ran from 1981 – 1995 and featured a bevy of wonderful reoccurring authors. The romances were lightweight, usually featuring — dances, picnics, first kisses and nothing more problematic than the heroine trying to get a boy (she admired) to notice her and/or keep him interested. The stories featured average girl heroines in interesting settings and themes: a wilderness camp, Australia, Hawaii, a luxury cruise ship, England, dude ranch, an exclusive country club, a hospital, a hockey arena. Plots included: mock marriages for school, computer pen pals, sharing a locker with a dream boy, posing as a fake twin for popularity, and a whole whack of 80’s working girl themes: girls – starting their own thrift store, becoming a construction worker, starting a catering business, etc. There were also the timeless themes which included: the quest for popularity, the heroine trying to choose between two very different boys, and whether to throw a game, contest or competition for her man. The series offered vibrant, predicable, but often fun romances. Never mean-spirited. The authors maintained a tone that was always upbeat and often funny. Well worth reading. Put out by Bantam in 1981 and folded by 1995.
1. P.S. I Love You – Barbara Conklin – 1981
2. The Popularity Plan – Rosemary Vernon – 1981
3. Laurie’s Song – Suzanne Rand – 1981
4. Princess Amy – Melinda Pollowitz – 1981
5. Little Sister – Yvonne Greene – 1981
6. California Girl – Janet Quin-Harkin – 1981
7. Green Eyes – Suzanne Rand – 1981
8. The Thoroughbred – Joanna Campbell – 1981
9. Cover Girl – Yvonne Green- 1982
10. Love Match – Janet Quin-Harkin – 1982
11. The Problem with Love – Rosemary Vernon- 1982
12. The Night of the Prom – Debra Spector – 1982
13. The Summer Jenny Fell in Love – Barbara Conklin – 1982
14. Dance of Love – Jocelyn Saal- 1982
15. Thinking of You – Jeanette Noble- 1982
16. How Do You Say Goodbye – Margaret Burman- 1982
17. Ask Annie – Suzanne Rand- 1982
18. Ten-Boy Summer – Janet Quin-Harkin – 1982
19. Love Song – Anne Park – 1982
20. The Popularity Summer – Rosemary Harkin – 1982
21. All’s Fair in Love – Jeanne Andrews – 1982
22. Secret Identity – Joanna Campbell – 1982
23. Falling in Love Again – Barbara Conklin – 1982
24. The Trouble with Charlie – Jaye Ellen- 1982
25. Her Secret Self – Rhondi Vilott- 1982
26. It Must Be Magic – Marian Woodruff – 1982
27. Too Young for Love – Gailanne Maravel- 1982
28. Trusting Hearts – Jocelyn Saal- 1982
29. Never Love a Cowboy – Jesse DuKore- 1982
30. Little White Lies – Lois I. Fisher – 1982
31. Too Close for Comfort – Debra Spector – 1982
32. Daydreamer – Janet Quin-Harkin – 1983
33. Dear Amanda – Rosemary Vernon – 1983
34. Country Girl – Melinda Pollowitz – 1983
35. Forbidden Love – Marian Woodruff – 1983
36. Summer Dreams – Barbara Conklin – 1983
37. Portrait of Love – Jeanette Noble – 1983
38. Running Mates – Jocelyn Saal – 1983
39. First Love – Debra Spector – 1983
40. Secrets – Anna Aaron – 1983
41. The Truth about Me and Bobby V. – Janetta Johnson – 1983
42. The Perfect Match – Marian Woodruff – 1983
43. Tender Loving Care – Anne Park – 1983
44. Long Distance Love – Jesse DuKore – 1983
45. Dream Prom – Margaret Burman – 1983
46. On Thin Ice – Jocelyn Saal -1983
47. Te Amo Means I Love You – Deborah Kent – 1983
48. Dial L for Love – Marian Woodruff – 1983
49. Too Much to Lose – Suzanne Rand – 1983
50. Lights, Camera, Love – Gailanne Maravel – 1983
51. Magic Moments – Debra Spector – 1983
52. Love Notes – Joanna Campbell- 1984
53. Ghost of a Chance – Janet Quin-Harkin – 1984
54. I Can’t Forget You – Lois I. Fisher – 1984
55. Spotlight on Love – Nancy Pines – 1984
56. Campfire Nights – Dale Cowan – 1984
57. On Her Own – Suzanne Rand – 1984
58. Rhythm of Love – Stephanie Foster – 1984
59. Please Say Yes – Alice Owen Crawford – 1984
60. Summer Breezes – Susan Blake – 1984
61. Exchange of Hearts – Janet Quin-Harkin – 1984
62. Just Like the Movies – Suzanne Rand – 1984
63. Kiss Me, Creep – Marian Woodruff – 1984
64. Love in the Fast Lane – Rosemary Vernon – 1984
65. The Two of Us – Janet Quin-Harkin – 1984
66. Love Times Two – Stephanie Foster – 1984
67. I Believe in You – Barbara Conklin – 1984
68. Lovebirds – Janet Quin-Harkin – 1984
69. Call Me Beautiful – Shannon Blair – 1984
70. Special Someone – Terri Fields – 1984
71. Too Many Boys – Celia Dickenson – 1984
72. Goodbye Forever – Barbara Conklin – 1984
73. Language of Love – Rosemary Vernon – 1984
74. Don’t Forget Me – Diana Gregory – 1984
75. First Summer Love – Stephanie Foster – 1984
76. Three Cheers for Love – Suzanne Rand – 1984
77. Ten-Speed Summer – Deborah Kent – 1984
78. Never Say No – Jean Capron – 1984
79. Star Struck! – Shannon Blair – 1985
80. A Shot at Love – Jill Jarnow – 1985
81. Secret Admireer – Debra Spector- 1985
82. Hey, Good Looking! – Jane Polcovar- 1985
83. Love By the Book – Anne Park – 1985
84. The Last Word – Susan Blake- 1985
85. The Boy She Left Behind – Suzanne Rand- 1985
86. Questions of Love – Rosemany Vernon- 1985
87. Programmed for Love – Marion Crane – 1985
88. Wrong Kind of Boy – Shannon Blair- 1985
89. 101 Ways to Meet Mr. Right – Janet Quin-Harkin- 1985
90. Two’s a Crowd – Diana Gregory- 1985
91. The Love Hunt – Yvonne Green – 1985
92. Kiss and Tell – Shannon Blair – 1985
93. The Great Boy Chase – Janet Quin-Harkin – 1985
94. Second Chances – Nancy Levinson -1985
95. No Strings Attached – Eileen Hehl- 1985
96. First, Last, and Always – Barbara P. Conklin – 1985
97. Dancing in the Dark – Carolyn Ross -1985
98. Love Is in the Air – Diana Gregory – 1985
99. One Boy Too Many – Marian Caudell – 1985
100. Follow That Boy – Janet Quin-Harkin – 1985
101. Wrong for Each Other – Debra Spector – 1985
102. Hearts Don’t Lie – Terri Fields- 1985
103. Cross My Heart – Diana Gregory – 1986
104. Playing for Keeps – Janice Stevens – 1986
105. The Perfect Boy – Elizabeth Reynolds – 1986
106. Mission: Love – Kathryn Makris – 1986
107. If You Love Me – Barbara Steiner – 1986
108. One of the Boys – Jill Jarnow – 1986
109. No More Boys – Charlotte White – 1986
110. Playing Games – Eileen Hehl – 1986
111. Stolen Kisses – Elizabeth Reynolds – 1986
112. Listen to Your Heart – Marian Caudell – 1986
113. Private Eyes – Julia Winfield – 1986
114. Just the Way You Are – Janice Boies – 1986
115. Promise Me Love – Jane Redish – 1986
116. Heartbreak Hill – Carol MacBain – 1987
117. The Other Me – Terri Fields -1987
118. Heart to Heart – Stephanie Curtis – 1987
119. Star-Crossed Love – Sharon Cadwallader – 1987
120. Mr. Wonderful – Fran Michaels – 1987
121. Only Make-Believe – Julia Winfield – 1987
122. Stars in her Eyes – Dee Dailey – 1987
123. Love in the Wings – Virginia Smiley – 1987
124. More than Friends – Janice Boies – 1987
125. Parade of Hearts – Jahanna Beecham – 1987
126. Here’s My Heart – Stephanie Curtis – 1987
127. My Best Enemy – Janet Quin-Harkin – 1987
128. One Boy at a Time – Diana Gregory – 1987
129. A Vote for Love – Terri Fields – 1987
130. Dance with Me – Jahanna Beecham – 1987
131. Hand-Me-Down Heart – Mary Schultz – 1987
132. Winner Takes All – Laurie Lykken – 1987
133. Playing the Field – Eileen Hehl – 1987
134. Past Perfect – Fran Michaels – 1987
135. Geared for Romance – Shan Finney – 1987
136. Stand by for Love – Carol MacBain – 1987
137. Rocky Romance – Sharon D. Wyeth – 1988
138. Heart and Soul – Janice Boies – 1988
139. The Right Combination – Jahanna Beecham – 1988
140. Love Detour – Stephanie Curtis – 1988
141. Winter Dreams – Barbara Conklin – 1988
142. Lifeguard Summer – Jill Jarnow -1988
143. Crazy for You – Judy Baer – 1988
144. Priceless Love – Laurie Lykken – 1988
145. This Time for Real – Susan Gorman – 1988
146. Gifts from the Heart – Joanne Simbal – 1988
147. Trust in Love – Shan Finney – 1988
148. Riddles of Love – Judy Baer – 1988
149. Practice Makes Perfect – Jahanna Beecham – 1988
150. Summer Secrets – Susan Blake – 1988
151. Fortunes of Love – Mary Schultz – 1988
152. Cross-Country Match – Ann Richards -1988
153. The Perfect Catch – Laurie Lykken – 1988
154. Love Lines – Frances Hurley Grimes – 1988
155. The Game of Love – Susan Gorman – 1988
156. Two Boys Too Many – Janet Adele Bloss – 1988
157. Mr. Perfect – Stephanie Curtis – 1988
158. Crossed Signals – Janice Boies – 1988
159. Long Shot – Joanne Simbal – 1988
160. Blue Ribbon Romance- Virginia Smiley – 1988
161. My Perfect Valentine – Judy Baer- 1988
162. Trading Hearts – Susan Blake – 1989
163. My Dream Guy – Carla Bracale – 1989
164. Playing to Win – Janice Boies – 1989
165. A Brush with Love – Stephanie St. Pierre – 1989
166. Three’s a Crowd – Alison Dale – 1989
167. Working at Love – Judy Baer – 1989
168. Dream Date – Carla Bracale – 1989
169. Golden Girl – Jane Ballard – 1989
170. Rock ‘N Roll Sweetheart – Laurie Lykken – 1990
171. Acting on Impulse – Susan Jo Wallach – 1990
172. Sun Kissed – Stephanie St. Pierre – 1990
173. Music from the Heart – Pamela Laskin – 1990
174. Love on Strike – Janice Boies – 1990
175. Puppy Love – Carla Bracale – 1990
176. Wrong-Way Romance – Sherri Cobb Smith – 1991
177. The Truth about Love – Laurie Lykken – 1991
178. Project Boyfriend – Stephanie St. Pierre – 1991
179. Racing Hearts – Susan Sloate – 1991
180. Opposites Attract – Linda Joy Singleton – 1991
181. Time Out for Love – June O’Connell – 1991
182. Down With Love – Carla Bracale – 1991
183. The Real Thing – Elisabet McHugh – 1991
184. Too Good To Be True – Susan E. Kirby – 1991
185. Focus On Love – Mandy Anson – 1991
186. That Certain Feeling – Sheri Cobb South – 1991
187. Fair- Weather Love – Carla Brascale – 1991
188. Play Me A Love Song – Bette R. Headapohl – 1992
189. Cheating Heart – Laurie Lykken – 1992
190. Almost Perfect – Linda Joy Singleton – 1992
191. Backstage Romance – Kelly Kroeger – 1992
192. The Cinderella Game – Sheri Cobb South – 1992
193. Love on the Upbeat – June O’Connell – 1992
194. Lucky in Love – Eileen Hehl – 1992
195. Comedy of Errors – Diane Michele Crawford – 1992
196. Clashing Hearts – Caryn Jenner – 1992
197. The News is Love – Lauren M. Phelps – 1992
198. Partners in Love – Susan Kirby – 1993
199.Wings of Love – Anne Herron Wolfe – 1993
200. Love to Spare – Linda Joy Singleton – 1993
201. His and Hers – June O’Connell – 1993
202. Love on Wheels – Sandy Jones – 1993
203. Lessons in Love – Bette Headapohl – 1993
204. Picture Perfect Romance – J.B. Cooper – 1993
205. Cowboy Kisses – Diane Michelle – 1993
206. Moonlight Melody – Alicyn Watts – 1993
207. My Secret Heart – Susan Kirby – 1993
208. Romance on the Run – Catt Hastings – 1993
209. Weekend Romance – Peggy Teeters – 1993
210. Oh , Promise Me – Laurie Lykken – 1994
211. Dreamskate – Angela Cash – 1994
212. Highland Hearts – Maggie Mayes – 1994
213. Finders Keepers – Jan Washburn – 1994
214. Don’t Bet on Love – Sheri Cobb – 1994
215. Deep in My Heart – Linda Joy Singleton – 1994
216. Careless Whispers – Sydell Voelier – 1994
217. Head Over Heels – Susan Sloate – 1994
218. Face up to Love – Nikki Danner – 1994
219. Heartstrings – Barbara Wilson – 1994
220. My Funny Guy – Helen Santori – 1994
221. A Little More to Love – Arlene Erlbach – 1995
222. Fool For Love – Sandy Jones – 1995
223. Heartthrob – Betty Jo Schuler – 1995
224. Boyfriend Blues – Lauren Phelps – 1995
225. Recipe For Love – Kate Emberg – 1995
226. Aloha Love – Marcie Kremer – 1995
227. Dreamboat – Linda Joy Singleton – 1995
228. Blame It on Love – Sheri Cobb – 1995
229. Rich in Romance – Angela Cash – 1995
230. Happily Ever After – Eileen Hehl – 1995
231. Love Notes – Janet Maxwell – 1995
232. The Love Line – Kelly Kroeger – 1995
SPECIALS
1. My Secret Love – Janet Quin-Harkin – 1986
2. A Change of Heart – Susan Blake – 1986
3. Searching for Love – Andre Warren – 1987
4. Taking the Lead – Deborah Kent – 1987
5. Never Say Goodbye – Janet Quin-Harkin – 1987
6. A Chance to Love – Stephanie Foster – 1988
SWEET DREAMS NON FICTION BOOKS
( Note – This list may be inaccurate as they were never numbered, nor were they authored by anyone from the series. If I find more I will add them to the list. ) The Sweet Dreams logo offered these self help books for their readers near the boon of the series high point 1983. They were very much like teen magazine advice articles showing you how to style your hair, mix and match your wardrobe and exude confidence. Light advice in breezy lingo.
*Sweet Dreams beautiful hair book: a Guide to hair Care , cuts and Styles -1983 – Courtney Dewitt
* The Sweet Dreams Body Book – 1983 – Julie Davis
* Sweet Dreams How to Talk To Boys and other Important People – 1983 – Catherine Winters
* Sweet Dreams fashion book – looking hot without spending a lot – 1983 – Patricia Bozic * The Sweet Dreams Love Book – 1983 – Alan J Schneider, Deirdre Laiken
* Sweet Dreams Makeup Work book – 1983 – Patricia Bozic
* The Sweet Dreams Personality Quiz book: answer the questions and meet the real you – 1985 – Fran Manushkin
SWEET VALLEY HIGH
The big kahuna, one of-if not-the most known, popular, spoofed, remembered teen 80’s series ever. Created by Francine Pascal, written by a collage of writers under the collective pseudonym of Kate William, it stands as both worthy leader and groan worthy clown. The series revolved around the mythical dream town of Sweet Valley California in which there is no McDonalds but a typical teen hangout called the Dairi Burger, and the main characters are identical twins Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield. Blonde, white, beautiful, zit-free – totally relatable to about 3% percent of the masses but the kind of fantasy ideal surging in the same loving vein as Barbie. Elizabeth was all good, trustworthy, kindhearted, considerate, loyal, hardworking and striving to be an investigative reporter. She was also devoted to her handsome basketball-star boyfriend, Todd. Her twin was her inward-opposite – envious, flighty, conniving, manipulative, destructive, totally self centered and only saved by being a complete sociopath by her ability to laugh, finally, at herself when her goofy attempts to, once again, garnish some spark of limelight, a mere two-second throb of fame, backfires.
The series helped springboard the ingredients of plot formation, linking books, character ,ahem, lack-of-development and such which became the basic formula for many following series. Part Colorforms (remember those things? Little rubber place matt scenes with little rubber figures, a basic graduation from paper dolls) and part megalomania, the series patted itself on the back even though knowing it was pretty standard stuff. And their love for ceaseless continuity (a never-ending junior year), which was not rejected but, actually became a source of comfort to their fans and following series. As their popularity rose to super-heights they branched off;; spin-offs spawned spinoffs, boardgames were released, fan clubs offered Sweet Valley High memorabilia, a lackluster TV series sprang up, summoning the clumsy ghosts of Clueless and Saved By the Bell (but lacking eithers charm), contests and promotional events like Reader of the Month with your very own picture on an inside cover of a SVH pb prompted even advertisers to reconsider and then dub items – The World of Sweet Valley (suggesting that indeed things had gotten out of hand.)
But are the books any good? They sure are; hapless, shlocky pleasures! Written with a sure hand – the sensationalistic plots (echoing night soap themes): comas, death by cocaine, kidnappings, paralyzing accidents, always have a page-turning quality but the series owes its heart to nostalgia – Archie comics, Andy Hardy, Gidget and The Patty Duke show. Family hearth is a sturdy backdrop – their ranch style home with copper fridge and attractive parents -Alice, an interior designer whom we are told as token – she resembles the girls older sister) and Ned (nod to Nancy Drew) is their lawyer father, always on hand for often tossed-out advice over breakfast eggs. Steven, their handsome older brother, though in his first year at college spends a lot of time at home entangled in his sisters plots. But the core setting is the highschool of course – a character all its own complete with supportive teacher (Robert Redford look-a-like) Roger Collins, a principal who gives a nod to Archie comics by nick name – Chrome Dome, and a whirlwind of activities sprouting up as though each book hovered near a date requiring some major event. Liz is a reporter for the Eyes and Ears gossip column at school but often longs to do feature reports and editing (which she manages mores in the thriller editions), while Jessica is a cheerleader and active member of the sorority Phi Beta Kappa. Liz has a loyal but vague best friend Enid, while Jess’s best friend/enemy/competitor is the more interesting Lila Fowler, a rich, egotistic, haughty girl whose ambitions for glory belly those of Jessica’s. Familiar characters when not featured in their own story breeze by in following pages like walk-on’s giving the reader a hello wave though most have that cut-out cardboard quality: Ken – the football player, Winston – the clown, Bill – the surfer, Caroline – the gossip, Cara – the cheerleader, and the perfect foil, the Reggie incarnate – arrogant, rich, Porsche-driving creep – the insufferable, Bruce Patman. While plots focus on typical events like a greatest-party-ever-that-happens-every-weekend at Lila’s, Jessica’s scramble to snare a new hunk, switching places sometimes without Liz’s knowledge or permission all with the typical romantic snafus that plague most teen series. But it’s Liz & her doppelganger Jess that make the series worthwhile and such a hit.
P.S. – The series got especially tedious towards the end as the writers pull out all the stops and start scrambling to resemble popular trends of the moment (like Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and have Jessica dating of all things – a vampire?!
1. Double Love – 1983
2. Secrets – 1983
3. Playing with Fire – 1983
4. Power Play – 1983
5. All Night Long – 1984
6. Dangerous Love – 1984
7. Dear Sister – 1984
8. Heartbreaker – 198
9. Racing Hearts – 1984
10. Wrong Kind of Girl – 1984
11. Too Good To Be True – 1984
12. When Love Dies – 1984
13. Kidnapped! – 1984
14. Deceptions – 1984
15. Promises – 1984
16. Rags To Riches – 1985
17. Love Letters – 1985
18. Head over Heels – 1985
19. Showdown – 1985
20. Crash Landing! – 1985
21. Runaway – 1985
22. Too Much in Love – 1985
23. Say Goodbye – 1985
24. Memories – 1985
25. Nowhere To Run – 1985
26. Hostage! – 1986
27. Lovestruck- 1986
28. Alone in the Crowd – 1986
29. Bitter Rivals – 1986
30. Jealous Lies – 1986
31. Taking Sides – 1986
32. The New Jessica – 1986
33. Starting Over – 1986
34. Forbidden Love – 1986
35. Out of Control – 1987
36. Last Chance – 1987
37. Rumors – 1987
38. Leaving Home- 1987
39. Secret Admirer – 1987
40. On the Edge- 1987
41. Outcast – 1987
42. Caught in the Middle – 1987
43. Hard Choices – 1988
44. Pretenses – 1988
45. Family Secrets- 1988
46. Decisions – 1988
47. Troublemaker – 1988
48. Slambook Fever – 1988
49. Playing for Keeps – 1988
50. Out of Reach – 1988
51. Against the Odds – 1988
52. White Lies – 1989
53. Second Chance – 1989
54. Two-Boy Weekend- 1989
55. Perfect Shot – 1989
56. Lost at Sea – 1989
57. Teacher Crush – 1989
58. Brokenhearted – 1989
59. In Love Again – 1989
60. That Fatal Night – 1989
61. Boy Trouble- 1990
62. Who’s Who – 1990
63. The New Elizabeth -1990
64. The Ghost of Tricia Martin – 1990
65. Trouble at Home – 1990
66. Who’s to Blame – 1990
67. The Parent Plot – 1990
68. The Love Bet – 1990
69. Friend Against Friend – 1990
70. Ms. Quarterback – 1990
71. Starring Jessica! – 1990
72. Rock Star’s Girl – 1991
73. Regina’s Legacy – 1991
74. The Perfect Girl – 1991
75. Amy’s True Love- 1991
76. Miss Teen Sweet Valley – 1991
77. Cheating to Win – 1991
78. The Dating Game – 1991
79. The Long Lost Brother – 1991
80. The Girl They Both Loved – 1991
81. Rosa’s Lie – 1991
82. Kidnaped by the Cult – 1991
83. Steven’s Bride – 1992
84. The Stolen Diary – 1992
85. Soap Star – 1992
86. Jessica Against Bruce – 1992
87. My Best Friends Boyfriend – 1992
88. Love Letters for Sale – 1992
89. Elizabeth Betrayed – 1992
90. Don’t Go Home with John – 1992
91. In Love with a Prince – 1992
92. She’s Not What She Seems – 1992
93. Stepsisters – 1992
94. Are We in Love – 1993
95. The Morning After – 1993
96. The Arrest – 1993
97. The Verdict – 1993
98. The Wedding – 1993
99. Beware the Babysitter – 1993
100. The Evil Twin – 1993
101. The Boyfriend War – 1993
102. Almost Married – 1994
103. Operation Love Match – 1994
104. Love and Death in London – 1994
105. A Date with a Werewolf – 1994
106. Beware the Wolfman – 1994
107. Jessica’s Secret Love – 1994
108. Left at the Alter – 1994
109. Double Crossed – 1994
110. Death Threat – 1994
111. A Deadly Christmas – 1994
112. Jessica Quits the Squad – 1995
113. The Pom Pom Wars – 1995
114. ‘V’ for Victory – 1995
115. The Treasure of Death Valley – 1995
116. Nightmare in Death Valley – 1995
117. Jessica the Genius – 1995
118.College Weekend – 1995
119. Jessica’s Older Guy – 1995
120. In Love with the Enemy – 1995
121. The High School War – 1996
122. A Kiss Before Dying – 1996
123. Elizabeth’s Rival – 1996
124. Meet Me at Midnight – 1996
125. Camp Killer – 1996
126. Tall , Dark and Deadly – 1996
127. Dance of Death – 1996
128. Kiss of a Killer – 1996
129. Cover Girls – 1997
130.A Model Flirt – 1997
131. Fashion Victim- 1997
132. Once Upon a Time – 1997
133. To Catch A Thief – 1997
134. Happily Ever After – 1997
135. Lila’s New Flame – 1997
136. Too Hot to Handle – 1998
137. Fight Fire With Fire – 1998
138. What Jessica Wants – 1998
139. Elizabeth is Mine – 1998
140. Please Forgive Me – 1998
141. A Picture- Perfect Prom? – 1999
142. The Big Night – 1999
143. Party Weekend – 1999
Super Editions
1. Perfect Summer 1985
2. Special Christmas 1985
3. Spring Break 1986
4. Malibu Summer 1986
5. Winter Carnival 1986
6. Spring Fever 1987
7. Falling For Lucas
8. Jessica Takes Manhattan
9. Last Wish
10. Mystery Date
11. Earthquake
12. Aftershock
Super Thrillers
1. Double Jeopardy 1987
2. On the Run 1988
3. No Place to Hide 1988
4. Deadly Summer 1989
5. Murder on the Line
6. Beware the Wolfman
7. A Deadly Christmas
8. Murder in Paradise
9. A Stranger in the House
10. A Killer on Board
11. ‘R’ for Revenge
Super Stars
1. Lila’s Story 1989
2. Bruce’s Story 1990
3. Enid’s Story 1990
4. Olivia’s Story
5. Todd’s Story
Specials
1. The Wakefield’s of Sweet Valley
2. The Wakefield Legacy : the Untold Story
3. A Night to Remember
4. The Evil Twin ( book 100 )
5. Elizabeth’s Secret Diary
6. Jessica’s Secret Diary
7. Return of the Evil Twin
8. Elizabeth’s Secret Diary 2
9. Jessica’s Secret Diary 2
10. Elizabeth’s Secret Diary 3
11. Jessica’s Secret Diary 3
12. The Fowler’s of Sweet Valley
13. The Patman’s of Sweet Valley
– For more Spin off series check out the Sweet Valley High Website.
SWEET VALLEY TWINS Spin off of Sweet Valley High for the teen pin-up magazine set. Those of us pouring over centerfolds of Johnny Depp showing off his tattoo in Big Bopper & Tiger Beat. Jessica & Elizabeth are now twelve years old and just weeks into sixth grade. And much of what made Sweet Valley a hit remains in tact; Elizabeth is still the understanding pushover who loves to write, Jessica is still manipulative and selfish. The scene has moved from high school to middle school with a not so understanding teacher Mrs. Arnette dubbed the Hairnet, and the twins growing apart as their interests change. Elizabeth wants to start a sixth grade newspaper which she does – called the Sixers, while Jessica thinks bo-ring! and pledges an exclusive club called the Unicorns. The Unicorns is a welcome and much needed addition to the series allowing Jessica to revel in her madcap humor. The club though merely social, takes itself so seriously! and is full of vain, self-centere , fame-obsessed girls who have decided to drape themselves in purple (the color of royalty) and adorn themselves with unicorns (cause they’re special). They even take over a table in the cafeteria which they dub, get this – the Unicorner! Old characters such as Todd, Winston, Maria, Lila, Bruce remain in tact – others such as Amy Sutton, Ken Matthews, Aaron Dallas are given slightly new images – Amy is tomboyish and clumsy and Elizabeth’s new best friend (gone is the silly vain, manipulative girl from SVH , and Enid – as we are told in Sweet Valley High didn’t meet Liz until eighth grade is no where to be seen), Aaron becomes Jessica’s main squeeze and dubbed the most handsome boy in sixth grade while Ken Matthews is demoted to shrimp. New characters arrive to flesh out the series such as Janet, the reigning, bossy leader of the Unicorns, Ellen, a slightly dim Unicorn, and give then ages of the characters they are even given a ‘fake’ star to drool over; Johnny Buck. The plots bounce along at a zesty pace full of the typical preteen angst: sneaking out to a rock concert, joining ballet, taking riding lessons, giving make-overs, dealing with prejudiced teachers, babysittin , school assignments, sabotaging irritating new kids and even puberty. Likable spawn of Sweet Valley High with many well written books. Put out of course by Bantam.
*However towards the end of the series the books became congested with characters and repeated themes, and then like its papa – Sweet Valley High – tried to take inspiration from Buffy the Vampire slayer offering up violence and horror.
1. Best Friends – 1986
2. Teacher’s Pet – 1986
3. The Haunted House – 1986
4. Choosing Sides – 1986
5. Sneaking Out – 1986
6. The New Girl – 1987
7. Three’s a Crowd – 1987
8. First Place – 1987
9. Against the Rules – 1987
10. One of the Gang – 1987
11. Buried Treasure – 1987
12. Keeping Secrets – 1987
13. Stretching the Truth – 1987
14. Tug of War – 1987
15. The Older Boy – 1987
16. Second Best – 1988
17. Boys Against Girls – 1988
18. Center of Attention – 1988
19. The Bully – 1988
20. Playing Hooky – 1988
21. Left Behind – 1988
22. Out of Place – 1988
23. Claim to Fame – 1988
24. Jumping to Conclusions – 1988
25. Standing Out – 1988
26. Taking Charge – 1989
27. Teamwork – 1989
28. April Fool! – 1989
29. Jessica and the Brat Attack – 1989
30. Princess Elizabeth – 1989
31. Jessica’s Bad Idea – 1989
32. Jessica on Stage – 1989
33. Elizabeth’s New Hero – 1989
34. Jessica, the Rock Star – 1989
35. Amy’s Pen Pal – 1990
36. Mary Is Missing – 1990
37. The War Between the Twins – 1990
38. Lois Strikes Back – 1990
39. Jessica and the Money Mix-Up – 1990
40. Danny Means Trouble – 1990
41. The Twins Get Caught – 1990
42. Jessica’s Secret – 1990
43. Elizabeth’s First Kiss – 1990
44. Amy Moves In – 1990
45. Lucy Takes the Reins – 1991
46. Mademoiselle Jessica – 1991
47. Jessica’s New Look – 1991
48. Mandy Miller Fights Back – 1991
49. Twins’ Little Sister – 1991
50. Jessica and the Secret Star- 1991
51. Elizabeth the impossible – 1991
52. Booster boycott – 1991
53. The Slime that Ate Sweet Valley – 1991
54. The Big Party Weekend – 1991
55. Brooke and her Rock Star Mom – 1991
56. The Wakefield’s Strike it Rich – 1992
57. Big Brother’s in Love – 1992
58. Elizabeth and the Orphans – 1992
59. Barnyard Battle – 1992
60. Ciao ‘ Sweet Valley – 1992
61. Jessica the Nerd – 1992
62. Sarah’s Dad and Sophia’s Mom – 1992
63. Poor Lila! – 1992
64. The Charm School Mystery – 1992
65. Patti’s Last dance – 1992
66. The Great Boyfriend Switch – 1993
67. Jessica the Thief – 1993
68. The Middle School Gets Married – 1993
69. Won’t someone Help Anna – 1993
70. Psychic Sisters – 1993
72. The Love Potion – 1993
73. Lila’s Music Video – 1993
74. Elizabeth the Hero – 1993
75. Jessica and the Earthquake – 1994
76. Your’s for a Day – 1994
77. Todd Runs away – 1994
78. Steven The Zombie – 1994
79. Jessica’s Blind Date – 1994
80. The Gossip War – 1994
81. Robbery at the mall – 1994
82. Steven’s enemy – 1994
83. Amy’s Secret Sister – 1995
84. Romeo and 2 Juliet’s – 1995
85. Elizabeth the Seventh Grader – 1995
86. It Can’t Happen Here – 1995
87. The Mother Daughter Switch – 1995
88. Steven Gets Even – 1995
89. Jessica’s Cookie Disaster – 1995
90. The Cousin War – 1995
91. Deadly Voyage – 1995
92. Escape from Terror Island – 1995
93. The Incredible Madame Jessica – 1995
94. Don’t Talk to Brian – 1996
95. The Battle of the Cheerleaders – 1996
96. Elizabeth the Spy – 1996
97. Too Scared too Sleep – 1996
98. The Beast is Watching You – 1996
99. The Beast must die – 1996
100. If I die before I Wake – 1996
101. Twins in Love – 1996
102. The Mysterious Dr. Q – 1996
103. Elizabeth Solves in All – 1996
104. Big Brother in Love Again – 1997
105. Jessica’s Lucky Millions – 1997
106. Breakfast of Enemies – 1997
107. The Twins Hit Hollywood – 1997
108. Cammi’s Crush – 1997
109. Don’t Go in the Basem*nt – 1997
110. Pumpkin Fever – 1997
111. Sisters at War – 1997
112. If Looks could Kill – 1998
113. The Boyfriend Game – 1998
114. The Boyfriend Mess – 1998
115. Happy Mother’s Day , Lila – 1998
116. Jessica Takes Charge – 1998
117. Down With Queen Janet – 1998
118. No Escape – 1998
SUPER CHILLERS
1. The Christmas Ghost 1989
2. The Ghost in the Graveyard 1990
3. The Carnival Ghost 1990
4. The Ghost in the Belltower
5. The Curse of the Ruby Necklace
6. The Curse of the Golden Heart
7. The Haunted Burial Ground
8. The Secret of the Magic Pen
9. Evil Elizabeth
SUPER EDITION
1. The Class Trip 1988
2. Holiday Mischief 1988
3. The Big Camp Secret 1989
4. The Unicorn’s Go Hawaiian
5. Lila’s Secret Valentine
6. The Twins Take Paris
7. Jessica’s Animal Instincts
8. Jessica’s First Kiss
9. The Twins Go to College
10. The Year without Christmas
11. Jessica’s No Angel
12. Good-Bye , Middle School: Countdown to Junior High
13. Jessica : Next Stop Junior High
14. Elizabeth: Next Stop Junior High
Magna Editions
1. The Magic Christmas
2. A Christmas without Elizabeth
3. BIG for Christmas
4. If I die before I Wake
SWEPT AWAY
Avon Flare offered up this spunky series created by Eileen Goudge that was part Sunfire, part Back to the Future. Taking a nod from historical romances who dipped into the fun-fantasy realm of time-travel with 80’s women thrust back in time to face pirates, swordsmen and the wild west all armed with the knowledge and savvy of woman’s lib, pantyhose and contraceptives to butt heads with the stubborn, sexy men of yesteryear Swept Away did just that. (which of course no sex mainly flirting) Each heroine is a girl attending O Henry High high school who mutually meet or are friends with Ashley Calhoun, a wizard with computers (obviously), who has created a computer program that has allowed her to travel back in time. While taking amazing jaunts herself (she has even meet Cleopatra!) She allows her friends to dart back for an adventure. Fortunately time does a little bending for Ashley – 2 minutes our time equals two days of the past. Too bad this series couldn’t have lasted it was fun and had absolutely terrific covers!
1. Gone with the Wish – Eileen Goudge – 1986
2. Woodstock Magic – Fran Lantz – 1986
3. Love on the Range – Louise E. Powers – 1986
4. Star Struck – Fran Lantz – 1987
5. Spellbound – Jennifer Rabin -1987
6. Once Upon a Kiss – Mar Garrido – 1987
7. Pirate Moon – Merrilee Steiner- 1987
8. All Shook Up – Fran Lantz – 1987
TAFFY SINCLAIR
-Betsy Haynes had a hit with The Against Taffy Sinclair Club – it was controversial, hilarious and lively. Not to mention popular. After an eight year hiatus the characters returned for a sequel that echoed out new stories almost every year till it eventually spawned an evolution; The Fabulous Five. Put out at first by Nelson before switching to Skylark this non-numbered series featured a lot of exuberant ideas that were rather like Judy Blume – puberty, hostility towards a fellow classmate and less than perfect friends. The difference between the Fabulous Five and The Taffy books is the tone. The Taffy Books are told in the first person point of view. Jana is the I of the story and it’s her thoughts, opinions, and worries we see the most. As the protagonist, Jana is borderline neurotic – self-pejorative, fault-finding, excitable – over all a worry-wart. Her nemesis is Taffy Sinclair who in the first book only seems to be total victim – they hate her cause she’s beautiful. She is all luscious butterscotch locks and candy-blue eyes. But as if to lessen some of the evil tidings of Jana and her friends, Taffy is eventually exposed as a worthy villain – snobby, snide, a girl who encourages bulimia and eventually takes opportunity to blackmail Jana into becoming her personal slave. Jana’s friends eventually disband the Against Taffy Sinclair club and form the Fabulous Five in an effort to improve themselves; for Melanie it means giving up her mom’s delectable fudge brownies. The plots centered around Jana and her friends – Beth, Katie, Christie and Melanie’s attempts to stay center of attention in their sixth grade class and usurp Taffy every chance they got. Meanwhile Jana had to battle with the fact that her alcoholic father was probably out of her life for good, something she was never quite willing to accept. Well written series with interesting tid-bits like Jana having made a poster of her dream-boy, class mate Randy Kirwin with his 1000 watt smile, and kept it hidden under her Miss Piggy poster.
1. The Against Taffy Sinclair Club – 1976
2. Taffy Sinclair Strikes Again – 1984
3. Taffy Sinclair, Queen of the Soaps – 1985
4. Taffy Sinclair and the Romance Machine Disaster – 1987
5. Blackmailed by Taffy Sinclair – 1987
6. Taffy Sinclair, Baby Ashley, and Me – 1987
7. Taffy Sinclair and the Secret Admirer Epidemic – 1988
8. Taffy Sinclair and the Melanie Make-Over – 1988
9. The Truth about Taffy Sinclair – 1988
10. Taffy Sinclair Goes to Hollywood – 1990
11. Nobody Likes Taffy Sinclair – 1991
*See also The Fabulous Five
TEEN WITCH
Put out by Scholastic in 1988 & written by Megan Barnes this series was extremely short lived – just four books and was of a genre that always struggled. Inappropriate themes often kick-started by movies seeped into teen fiction and were usually short lived but not always. The 80s lightweight high school setting were followed by edgier college shenanigans, and later on the more successful Goosebumps and Point Horrors – serving up vampires and ghouls for the junior set. As usual the authors attempt to whitewash black magic and witchcraft by making it basically a footnote (if mentioned at all ) with the darkness lightened into something that’s easier to swallow even if sacrificing a readers believability-see also the series Abracadabra. Taking in every dream-fantasy of who wouldn’t want to snap their fingers and make their worst enemy disappear and the writer’s got a reader hooked for at least one novel but that’s the problem – what keeps them reading? There are plenty of moments for humorous mayhem as 13 yr old Sarah Collins is eager to try out her powers – which mainly are used to get her own way, achieve popularity and help her friends, and often finds herself in plot forming predicaments – such as being able to see only in black and white – right before a basketball game and is unable to discern her opponents. Or seeing how it would feel to walk in her older sister shoes for the weekend, literally. We are told she is a descendent of witches and that her beloved Aunt Pam is a witch to, who is often trying to get Sarah to curb her rash decisions but is around mainly to bail her out of her many disasters. The books start off better than they continue with little character development and more focus on the calamity that Sarah inadvertently sparks than anything else.
1. Lucky 13 – 1988
2. Be Careful What You Wish For – 1988
3. Gone With the Witch – 1989
4. Witch Switch – 1989
TREEHOUSE TIMES
Put out by Avon Camelot in 1989 along with Camp Sunnyside Friends. Both of which had the most audaciously brilliant covers, jampacked in a framework of dayglo-bright symbols. The series was written by Page McBrier and centered around a group of twelve year olds who decide to start their own neighborhood paper which they dub The Treehouse Times after setting up shop in their treehouse. Amy Evans is their intelligent, creative, kind and unusually-responsible leader. Robin Ryan is plump, pretty but flaky with a penchant for munching and getting the easy assignment. Erin Valdez is the energetic one, sporty and friendly, while Leah Fox is tall, pretty and artistic and though she doesn’t like drawing attention to herself her creative ways often do. A cut above the usual series mainly because the heroine has a good head on her shoulders and is determined to put out a good product (she makes Liz from Sweet Valley Twins and her newspaper seem downright amateurish! ) And this has the girls actually looking to adults for guidance. The stories are lively and often funny with solutions that are believable not necessarily the happily ever after, winner take all, endings that plague most series novels. Plots include; drumming up stories, restaurant reviewing and wrangling for sponsors. Definitely worth a read.
1. Under Twelve Not Allowed – 1989
2. The Kickball Crisis – 1989
3. Spaghetti Breath – 1989
4. First Course: Trouble – 1990
5. Daphne Takes Charge – 1990
6. The Press Mess – 1990
7. Rats! – 1990
8. The Great Rip Off – 1990
9. Stinky Business – 1991
THREE OF A KIND
Harper fiction put out this short lived series on the cusp of a new decade – the 90’s, and with a big star splash on the cover declaring – From the best selling author of Camp Sunnyside Friends – it should have been something of a hit. Unfortunately the timing was all wrong. Girls fiction was beginning to decay like bright fallen leaves, cold autumn had crept in and swept all but the strongest away. Surging in the new indomitable genre – teen horror. Three of a kind however, had a good premise for preteens – three 13 year old girls in Willoughby Orphanage who don’t get along, suddenly find themselves adopted by the same couple. This happens after a rather backfiring scheme to stay within the ‘safe’ confines of the orphanage after they hear some horrifying adoption stories.
Thinking the couple won’t adopt all of them they declare that they will not be parted. They get their wish. The girls are the typical set of round Robin opposites. Cat is arrogant and fashion obsessed , Becka is brainy but goofy and Josie is gruff and tomboyish. Their new parents weren’t the typical homebodies but ex New Yorkers who decide to pack it in for the quiet town of Green Falls, Vermont to open a health food store. Annie Morgan can’t cook , and Ben Morgan is trying to keep their modest store afloat. The stories revolve around the three girls adapting to rules, their new family, seeing each other as sisters and trying to fit in at their new school. The books were fresh and funny and had believable characters. However, at thirteen Cat was already a contender for a night soap queen as she battles with fellow school narcissist, the popular Heather Beaumont, and makes a tug-o-war pawn out of dim, quarterback Todd accelerating the level of bad-girl to not-your-typical-series eighth graders. Written by Marilyn Kaye who also wrote a non numbered series called Sisters (not to be mistaken with Sisters by Jennifer Cole.)
1. With Friends Like These, Who Needs Enemies – 1990
2. Home’s a Nice Place to Visit, But I Wouldn’t Want To Live There – 1990
3. Will the Real Becka Morgan Please Stand Up – 1991
4. Two’s Company , Four’s a Crowd – 1991
5. Cat Morgan , Working Girl – 1991
6. 101 Way’s to Win Homecoming Queen – 1991
TWO BY TWO
Put out by Warner pb this gimmicky thematic series was short lived but had an interesting twist. One half of the paperback gave the girls side of the romance then you could flip the book over and read the boys side of the romance. A kindof he-said /she-said. To keep them separate the boys side was usually printed upside down requiring the flip. Photo covers of the hero and heroine graced both front and back covers so that other than a bar code it was hard to tell which was the front and which was the back. There was no real book description just a short, sassy blurb the kind usually printed in ads in the back of the books to list whats up and coming. Not a bad series in fact it’s neat how the writers explored both sides to every romance – it would’ve been a terrific gimmick, if say, the other series had adopted it for one of their Super Specials. The stories were the typical romances with lots of terrific 80’s moments like a girl missing her families fireplace Christmas fondue dinners, to a boy worrying that a girl is looking at him like he was a baboon on the loose!
1. Cassie & Chris – Sara Casey – 1983
2. Jed and Jesse – Abby Connell – 1983
3. Change of Heart – Patricia Aks – 1983
4. Only a Dream Away – Kathryn Makris – 1983
5. One Special Summer – Janice Harrell – 1984
6. Handle with Care – Lucy Malone – 1984
7. In-Between Love – Kim Kennedy – 1984
8. Falling in Love again – Peter Filichia – 1984
9. Weekend for Us – Kathryn Makris – 1984
10. Just the Way you Are – Lisa Norby – 1984
11. A Kiss for Good Luck – Carol Ellis – 1984
TWO HEARTS
I was unsure whether or not to put this small thematic series by Pacer on my list simply because I’m still not sure if this is a thematic series or rather, just an
elaborate heading, a division separating certain books from others. For
instance if you’re an 80’s book aficionado like me, you’ll recall Dell publishing a ‘series’ of books under a locket logo called Young Love ( but were they series books? Even thematic series books? That, therein is the question )
Two Hearts by Pacer fiction has an elaborate logo; two gold hearts linked by a ribbon, over which the series title scrawls. And in the back of their books it’s advertised rather like a series with the blurb – We can’t promise you a
date on Saturday Night, but we can promise you a good time when
you curl up with a Two Hearts romance! However, it only published, to my knowledge, only four titles under this logo. The stories were
good, typical romances , one of which was written by the terrific C.S. Adler, and the others were no slouches to 80’s teen fiction either.
1. In the Middle of A Rainbow – Barbara Girion
2. Lover’s Games – Barbara Cohen
3. Roadside Valentine – C.S. Adler
4. Vacation Fever – Wendy Andrews
VICTORIA
Actually written by Francine Pascal before her overwhelming success with creating Sweet Valley High. These were written mostly in the seventies and reprinted after her fame forced them back onto the market. The books give a better character portrait than Sweet Valley High with a trouble making protagonist; the self-absorbed Victoria who is aged 13, 15, and 16 in the trio series. The first book is a clever fantasy about Victoria, who has driven her mother to the end of her rope when she is caught passing a joint at her cousins birthday party. Sent home early Victoria hits her head on the train and is thrust back via -daydreaming/time -travel to the year 1944 and meets up with her mother then age 13 and discovers her mother had even more outrageous schemes than her! The second book has Victoria as a mother’s helper on Fire Island and turning a blissfully blind eye to the fact that her vacation, job and romance are less than perfect while in the last book Victoria is tricked into a grueling job as a waitress at a sleep away camp with her best friend Steffi whose boyfriend she has gone ga-ga for. The books are bold, brash, tart and hilarious with dialogue that fairly smacks of teen lingo – Everything to Victoria – is grungy, gross, fabulous, terrific, excellent, horrendous -and all that blah blah blah. Put out by Viking and later Dell.
1. Hanging Out with Cici – 1977
2. My First Love , and Other Disasters – 1979
3. Love and Betrayal and Hold the Mayo! – 1985
THE WHITNEY COUSINS
Totally fun , heartwarming series put out all in the same month of May in the new decade of 1990 by Avon Flare. Written by Jean Thesman who creates three very different but lovable characters Amelia , Heather & Erin. Heather is outgoing, out spoken and in her story moves into her new stepfather’s house and must adapt to their kind but stiff and humorless atmosphere along with a smug, irritable housekeeper. Fortunately, Heather manages to find her zany outlet by driving the cafeteria cooks up the wall with her & Paige’s constant pranks which take digs at their inedible cooking. Amelia is feisty and likeable but denies her inner warnings about a new boy who tries to attack her setting off a horrible game of he said / she said. Erin is a ferociously aloof orphan who after driving her grandparents up the wall moves in with cousin Amelia and her wild, big family. But will her offbeat and abrasive manner keep her from finding happiness? Love the thrift store descriptions in Erin’s story – lots of glowing visions – earrings made from nail-polish painted macaroni , black satin slippers, an oversized jacket with Kip’s Karate Klub stenciled on the back. Overall; memorable.
1. Heather
2. Amelia
3. Erin
4. Triple Trouble
WILDFIRE
One of the major competitors for Sweet Dreams! This was a terrific thematic romance series specializing in stories that had no timeline boundaries – whereas Sweet Dreams usually stayed within the confines of a one to two month timespan (like Sweet Valley High their stories usually hinged on an event, a special dance or school activity) Wildfire romances could actually span years filling in backgrounds of characters -for example in Beautiful Girl the protagonist’s crucial event with a classmate, back in first grade, kicks off their hostilities that carry on into high school. With this freedom the stories took their time, built on events, symbolism and tended to have some maturity in a genre that often overlooked the art of simplicity for sellable. They were well-written and engrossing but featured the same typical storylines as all the other series; make-overs , friendship, yearning for the popular boy or maybe just popularity. And like their other contender First Love From Silhouette they had a series within a series – the Christy books which featured four books- volumes – 7, 3, 58 and 60. Wildfire also featured bright photo covers with some of the most dazzling lettering ever for series titles; from blocky letters to swirly to the very gothic lettering for the masquerade-themed Once Upon a Time. Lots of great authors.
1. Sixteen Can Be Sweet – Maud Johnson – 1978
2. Love Comes to Anne – Lucille S. Warner – 1979
3. Take Care of My Girl – Carol Stanley – 1979
4. The Voices of Julie – Joan Oppenheimer- 1979
6. That’s My Girl – Jill Ross Klevin – 1980
7. I’m Christy – Maud Johnson – 1980
8. Beautiful Girl – Elisabeth Ogilvie – 1980
9. Superflirt – Helen Cavanagh – 1980
10. Just Sixteen – Terry Morris – 1980
11. Wildfire Diary – 1980
12. A Funny Girl Like Me – Jan O’Donnell – 1980
13. I’ve Got a Crush on You – Carol Stanley – 1981
14. Dreams Can Come True – Jane Claypool Miner – 1981
15. An April Love Story – Caroline B. Cooney – 1981
16. Yours Truly, Love, Janie – Ann Reit – 1981
17. The Summer of the Sky-Blue Bikini – Jill Ross Klevin – 1981
18. The Best of Friends – Jill Ross Klevin – 1981
19. Second Best – Helen Cavanagh- 1981
20. A Kiss for Tomorrow – Maud Johnson – 1981
21. A Place for Me – Helen Cavanagh – 1981
22. Dance with Me – Winifred Madison – 1981
23. Suzy Who? – Winifred Madison – 1981
24. One Day You’ll Go – Sheila Schwartz – 1981
25. Lisa – Arlene Hale – 1981
26. Make a Wish – Nancy Smiler Levinson – 1982
27. Secret Love – Barbara Steiner – 1982
28. Nancy & Nick – Caroline B. Cooney – 1982
29. Senior Class – Jane Claypool Miner – 1982
30. Too Young to Know – Elisabeth Ogilvie – 1982
31. Junior Prom – Patricia Aks – 1982
32. He Loves Me Not – Caroline B. Cooney – 1982
33. Good-bye, Pretty One – Lucille S. Warner – 1982
34. Just a Summer Girl – Helen Cavanagh – 1982
35. Write Every Day – Janet Quin-Harkin – 1982
36. Christy’s Choice – Maud Johnson – 1982
37. The Wrong Boy – Carol Stanley – 1982
38. Just You and Me – Ann Martin – 1982
39. The Searching Heart – Barbara Steiner – 1982
40. Sing about Us – Winifred Madison – 1982
41. Saturday Night Date – Maud Johnson – 1982
42. Cindy – Deborah Kent – 1982
43. The Impossible Love – Arlene Hale – 1982
44. The Boy For Me – Jane Claypool Miner – 1983
45. Class Ring – Josephine Wunsch – 1983
46. Phone Calls – Ann Reit – 1983
47. Homecoming Queen – Winifred Madison – 1983
48. Holly in Love – Caroline B. Cooney – 1983
49. Spring Love – Jennifer Sarasin – 1983
50. No Boys? – McClure Jones – 1983
51. Blind Date – Priscilla Maynard – 1983
52. That Other Girl – Conrad Nowels – 1983
53. Little Lies – Audrey Johnson – 1984
54. Broken Dreams – Susan Mendonca – 1984
55. Love Games – Deborah Aydt – 1984
56. On Your Toes – Terry Morris – 1984
57. Miss Perfect – Jill Ross Klevin – 1984
58. Christy’s Love – Maud Johnson – 1984
59. Nice Girls Don’t Tell – Caroline B. Cooney – 1984
60. Christy’s Senior Year – Maud Johnson – 1984
61. Kiss and Tell – Helen Cavanagh – 1984
62. The Boy Next Door – Vicky Martin – 1984
63. Angel – Helen Cavanagh – 1984
64. Call Me – Jane Claypool Miner – 1984
65. Senior Dreams Can Come True – Jane Claypool Miner – 1985
66. Loving that O’Connor Boy – Diane Hoh – 1985
67. Love Signs – M. L. Kennedy – 1985
68. My Summer Love – Elisabeth Ogilvie – 1985
69. Once Upon a Kiss – Susan Mendonca- 1985
70. Kisses for Sale – Judith Enderle- 1985
71. Crazy Crush – Stephanie Gordon Tessler – 1985
72. Breaking the Boy Barrier – Jesse DuKore – 1985
73. The Boy Barrier – Jesse DuKore- 1985
74. The Yes Girl – Kathryn Makris – 1985
75. Love to the Rescue – Deborah Kent – 1985
76. A Girl Named Summer – Julie Garwood – 1986
77. Dating Blues – Maud Johnson – 1986
78. The Wrong Love – Kathryn Makris – 1986
79. I Want To Be Me – Dorothy Bastien – 1986
80. Wildfire Double Romance – McClure Jones – 1986
81. Out of Bounds – Eileen Hehl – 1986
WINDSWEPT
While all the other thematic romances dealt with love struck school girls in plots that usually hinged on a school dance this series offered a refreshing alternate – like Swept Away, Windswept had a gimmick – it too mimicked the varied offerings of woman’s romance by going gothic. Part spooky
mystery, part romance it tapped into that 70’s fad of gothic fiction whose covers featured eerily drawn woman in flowing gowns, sprinting away on a moor with a crumbling mansion looming behind them. With
a handful of writers who would go on to write mystery and horror fiction for young adults, they created some wonderfully creepy romances to cuddle up with on a stormy, Windswept night. They included the typical gothic trappings of murder, ghostly apparitions, fog wrapped manors in Maine , atmospheric tension, hauntings from the past and mysterious suspects. Short lived but by no means boring.
1. Don’t Walk Alone – Mary Bringle – 1981
2. Someone Is Out There – Carole Standish – 1982
3. Girl in the Shadows – Miriam Lynch – 1982
4. The House of Three Sisters – Virginia Nielsen – 1982
5. Yesterday’s Girl – Madeleine Sunshine – 1982
6. The Snow’s Secret – Carole Standish – 1982
7. The Red Room – Kaye Dobkin – 1982
8. The Silvery Past – Candice F. Ransom – 1982
9. Dreams and Memories – Lavinia Harris – 1982
10. The Ghost of Graydon Place – Dorothy Francis – 1982
11. A Forgotten Girl – Elisabeth Ogilvie – 1982
12. The Silent Witness – Meredith Hill – 1983
13. The Empty Attic – Jean Francis Webb – 1983
14. Murder by Moonlight – Dorothy Woolfolk – 1983
15. The Girl Cried Murder – Dorothy Woolfolk – 1974
[Note: Originally published as Murder. My Dear!l
16. House of Fear – Willo Davis Roberts – 1983
17. Mirror, Mirror – Virginia Nielson – 1983
18. The Missing Sunrise – Joan Oppenheimer – 1983
19. Dark Magic – Miriam Lynch – 1983
20. Mysterious Summer – Marion Schultz – 1983
21. Phantom Light – Susan Dix – 1983
22. The Lost Holiday – Elizabeth Olsen – 1983
23. A Date with Danger – Edward Hunsberger – 1983
24. The Burned Letter – Conrad Nowels – 1984
25. The Secret – Carol Beach York -1984
26. The Castle Murder – Vivian Schurfranz – 1984
27. Mystery Cruise – Carole Standish – 1984
28. Girl in the Shadows – Miriam Lynch – 1982
29. The Disappearing Teacher – Conrad Nowels – 1984
30. Weekend of Fear – Virginia Nielson – 1984
31. Secret of the Dark – Barbara Steiner – 1984
32. The Accident – Jesse Osburn – 1984
33. The Hidden Room – Jennifer Sarasin – 1984
34. The Warning – Dorothy Brenner Francis – 1984
WISHING STAR
Put out by Scholastic this is the oldest of the thematic series – by only a whisper. Though it fell into place with the same typical teen romances with subjects like jealousy, moving to a new place, battling stepsisters, making over a drab girl only to do, too good a job and dealing with a parents impending divorce, the series also rose above type to deal with slightly controversial topics that other series like Sweet Dreams and Wildfire wouldn’t touch with a ten foot pole. Wishing Star kicks off with The Lost Summer (nod to the vintage classic movie – the Lost Weekend) about a young girl whose life of the party attitude suddenly topples into alcoholism as she begins carrying a thermos of vodka and orange juice everywhere she goes. Other books have a girl dealing with an alcoholic mother, while another has a headstrong heroine who must face up to the fact that drugs are everywhere in her school and what, as someone running for student body president, is she gonna do about it – even when the subject hits close to home as her best friend starts dating one of the biggest drug dealers around. Edgy well written stories, some of which were used for ABC Afterschool specials. Too bad they couldn’t have lasted a little longer but by the time they folded too many thematic romances were probably cannibalizing one another. Wishing Star was probably sacrificed to ensure Wildfire lasted. * On an interesting note – some of these books were published by Scholastic prior to being under the heading of the Wishing Star symbol.
1. The Lost Summer – Joan Oppenheimer
2. The Girl who wanted Out – Bianca Bradbury
3. Blind Sunday – Jessica Evans
4. The Two Worlds of Jill – Patricia Aks
5. Francesca Baby – Joan Oppenheimer
6. Too Much in Love – Patti Brisco
7. Don’t Look Back – Audrey P. Johnson
8. Katie – Deborah Aydt
9. I Don’t Want to Be your Shadow – Deborah Aydt
10. Remember To Love – Dorothy Bastien
11.Honey – Helen Cavanagh
12. The Great Lakeside High Experiment – Neil R. Seldon
13. The Night Skiers – Dorothy Bastien
14. Jealousy – Sheila Schwartz
15. The Loving Year – Bianca Bradbury
16. Walk Beside me , Be my Friend – Joan Oppenheimer
17. A Summer to Remember – Priscilla Maynard
18. Secrets – Patricia Aks
19. Sisters – Audrey Johnson
20. Why did you leave me? Jane Claypool Miner
21. But this Girl is different – Arnold Madison
22. Second Chance – Joan Oppenheimer
23. What about me – Pat Lawler
24. Who needs a Stepsister – Patricia Aks
25. Far From Home – Jill Ross Klevin
ZODIAC CLUB
To stop the summer doldrums Abby Martin, headstrong, untamed and armed with her newfound interest in astrology, creates the Zodiac club with a group of girls hoping to beat the love game by finding themselves their perfect match. Each character is the series is created to be totally in sync with the expectation of the Zodiac symbol’s personality chart. Abby is Aries and therefore whimsical, Mara Bennett is charming & tender but longs to be more outspoken. Jocelyn – ‘J.L.’ Ritcher an aloof tomboy is a Scorpio, Elizabeth Leonard is beautiful but gullible and of course a Pisces. Cathy Rosen a Leo is a charismatic, go-getter. Jessica Holly, a friendly, outgoing redhead is a Virgo and Penny Ross is a Sagittarius – unpredictable but engaging. The books are often well written having an assortment of interesting writers but the theme may give the reader a headache – every decision, be it school, romance, job, or daydream is waterlogged by it’s own theme of astrology and the stories are often spliced with horoscopes just when you didn’t think you had enough of – what-sign-are-you. Put out by Pacer fiction.
1. The Stars Unite – Gail Daniels – 1984
2. Aries Rising – Sarah Godfrey – 1984
3. Taurus Trouble – Lynn J. Nichols – 1984
4. Libra’s Dilemma – E. M. Rees – 1984
5. Capricorn & Co. – Margie Palatini – 1984
6. Sagittarius Serving – Joanna Kroll – 1984
7. Aquarius Ahoy! – S. J. Lawrence – 1985
8. Gemini Solo – E. M. Rees – 1985
9. Cancer, the Moonchild – Gail Daniels – 1985
10. Pisces Times Two – E. M. Rees – 1985
11. Scorpio’s Class Act – Margie Palatini – 1985
12. Leo on the Loose – E. M. Rees – 1985
13. Virgo’s Love Scheme – Margie Palatini – 1985
