Do you ever get nostalgic for books of your childhood? I was a huge book geek, and the “teen” series of the eighties and nineties were my, hands down, absolute favorite! They are similar in formula (friends, boys, fashion, life), but, boy, are they ever fun! Plus, the covers of these will have you reminiscing.
Sweet Valley High Series from 1983 – 1999 by Francine Pascal (143 books)
Goodreads summary of the infamous series: Will Jessica steal Todd from Elizabeth?Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield are identical twins at Sweet Valley High. They`re both popular, smart, and gorgeous, but that’s where the similarity ends. Elizabeth is friendly, outgoing, and sincere nothing like her snobbish and conniving twin. Jessica gets what she wants at school, with friends, and especially with boys. This time, Jessica has set her sights on Todd Wilkins, the handsome star of the basketball team the one boy that Elizabeth really likes. Elizabeth doesn’t want to lose him, but what Jessica wants, Jessica usually gets… even if it ends up hurting her sister.
Meet the Wakefield twins, their guys, and the rest of the gang at Sweet Valley High…
Sweet Valley High #1: Double Love
Sweet Valley Twins (1986 – 1998) by Francine Pascal 118 books
Goodreads says :Growing apart.. Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield feel special because they’re identical twins. For twelve years they’ve dressed alike, shared a room, and done everything together. But when they start Sweet Valley Middle School, everything begins to change. Elizabeth wants to work on the class newspaper, but Jessica doesn’t. Jessica would rather join the Unicorns, a snobby all-girls club. Even though Elizabeth isn’t interested in the same things as her twin, she tries to tag along. But is she losing her best friend?
Best friends (Sweet Valley twins)
Babysitter’s Club by Ann M. Martin (1986-1999)
131 Books (not including specials & thrillers)
This was the series that made me a reader as did it many other youngsters of the late eighties. I loved the world of Stoneybrook, and the series is remarkable for its span of time. It was also made into a short lived tv series and movie. Yes, for BSC!
Amazon: It all began with a great idea … and the inspiring original story of the Baby-sitters Club is back! Kristy Thomas’s brilliant business plan gets off to a great start with the help of Claudia Kishi (vice-president), Mary Anne Spier (secretary), and Stacey McGill (treasurer).
Goodreads review of Book Two in the series: Even though they have been told that the field where Erin Valdez and her friends play kickball may be sold to a fast-food chain, someone is anonymously fixing up the field with new bases, a bench and lots of expensive equipment, which makes this look like a big story for the investigative reporters of The Treehouse Times.
The Fabulous Five by Betsy Haynes
Seventh Grade Rumors (Fabulous Five, Book 1)
This series is another great teen example of friends, life, adventures, and navigating the teen world! I remember a few of these, and I will have to read them again!
The Forever Friends and Friends 4 Ever (catching a theme here? ha!) are two more popular series about friends and getting through typical teen situations.
The Forever Friends Club by Cynthia Savage
Friends 4 Ever by Deidre Corey
The Girls of Canby Hall by Emily Chase
This is a classic eighties series which was a favorite of many teens; I’ve not read any of them! They are going on my nostalgia list – ASAP! Check out this summary from Amazon
Gymnasts by Elizabeth Leavy
Goodreads review of the first book: Lauren and Cindi are best friends who had previously taken gymnastics together, until Lauren stopped. Now Lauren, at Cindi’s insistence, joins the Evergreen Gymnastic Academy. At the academy, they meet two other gymnasts new to the academy, Darlene and Jodi.
The Party Line by Carrie Austen
Penpals by Sharon Dennis Wyeth
From Publishers Weekly: Palmer, Shanonstet , Amy and Lisa, new to the Alma Stephens School for Girls, run an ad in the newspaper published by Ardsley Academy, an all-boys school. They soon hook up with “The Unknowns,” four roommates at Ardsley, and their adventures begin. As with most of today’s series, the four heroines are a predictable blend of ethnic backgrounds and lifestyles, of personalities and looks. But Wyeth writes with considerable humor, which adds depth and interest to the story. The four girls, and the reader, can see the funny side of potentially embarrassing situations. This first book in the Pen Pals series is a pleasant–and welcome–surprise. Ages 10-14.
Roommates by Susan Blake
The Saddle Club by Bonnie Bryant
Check out Goodreads review of #3 in the series:
Lisa love being a member of the Saddle Club. But lately, Stevie and Carole haven’t had time for her or their friendship. And if she can’t
convince her friends that their club is just as important, she may have to find new members to replace them. . . .
Sleepover Friends by Susan Saunders
This was one of my favorite series as a child! It’s similar to the eighties/nineties teen formula but all four of the girls with unique personalities have a sleepover club – where, of course, they get into crazy adventures!
For much, much more on eighties book series – check out this blog: Cliquey Pizza Blog: Great info on books and more!
Follow my Eighties bookshelf on Goodreads
I’ve been looking for a book either from the late 80’s or early 90’s for years and was hoping someone could help me find it. It might have been part of the especially for girls book club. It was about two sisters (definitely not Sweet Valley), I think the main one was a writer and the other might have been good at math. I think they were pre-teens. The main character didn’t have any friends but started making a friend on a school bus, the friend might have been named Melissa/Marissa. I remember them talking about Anne of Green Gables on the bus ride. I think the main character used to go up in a tower/attic/some special room with a window when she wanted to write. I know it’s not a lot to go on! The cover was light purple and had a sullen-looking blonde girl with glasses in the center. Any help would be much appreciated!
Thanks for stopping by – I can’t think of this off the top of my head, but I’ll look into it. I believe I know which book you’re thinking of!
Thank you! I really appreciate any help you can give.
Do you remember a series about teenage triplets? Each book was centered around a different holiday. The girls were always described as having “auburn colored hair”. I can’t remember any of the titles!