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Sweet Valley High Super Editions #6
Spring Fever
Double the fun...
The Wakefield twins never expected that spending spring break with their great-aunt and great-uncle in Walkersville, Kansas, would be so exciting. But Jessica and Elizabeth find out that small-town life can have its share of big adventures.
Their vacation gets off to a bad start when the local girls give them the cold shoulder. And Aunt Shirley and Uncle Herman won't let the twins out of their sight. But things pick up when the girls meet gorgeous identical twins, Alex and Brad Parker. Jessica thinks Alex may be the man of her dreams, but she can't get away from her overprotective aunt and uncle to find out. Then, Elizabeth makes an unexpected discovery about the Parker twins that could mean big trouble....
Come along to the country with Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield, and catch Spring Fever!
The Wakefield twins never expected that spending spring break with their great-aunt and great-uncle in Walkersville, Kansas, would be so exciting. But Jessica and Elizabeth find out that small-town life can have its share of big adventures.
Their vacation gets off to a bad start when the local girls give them the cold shoulder. And Aunt Shirley and Uncle Herman won't let the twins out of their sight. But things pick up when the girls meet gorgeous identical twins, Alex and Brad Parker. Jessica thinks Alex may be the man of her dreams, but she can't get away from her overprotective aunt and uncle to find out. Then, Elizabeth makes an unexpected discovery about the Parker twins that could mean big trouble....
Come along to the country with Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield, and catch Spring Fever!
233 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
About the author
Francine Pascal
1,149 books1,853 followersFrancine Paula Pascal was an American author best known for her Sweet Valley series of young adult novels. Sweet Valley High, the backbone of the collection, was made into a television series, which led to several spin-offs, including The Unicorn Club and Sweet Valley University. Although most of these books were published in the 1980s and 1990s, they remained so popular that several titles were re-released decades later.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 11, 2021
Never have I wanted to throttle a SVH character as much as Annie Sue. The ultimate "Mean Girl" who blackmails Jessica into giving up all her beloved accessories by screaming "GIVE IT TO ME!" Honestly, I would've just let the horse trample her at the end.
Also oops! Alex and Brad, the hunky "twins" that Jessica and Elizabeth meet are actually just one dude who wanted to date them both!
Also Aunt Shirley loves to barge into the twins room without knocking, and my 16 year old privacy-loving self is TRIGGERED.
Also oops! Alex and Brad, the hunky "twins" that Jessica and Elizabeth meet are actually just one dude who wanted to date them both!
Also Aunt Shirley loves to barge into the twins room without knocking, and my 16 year old privacy-loving self is TRIGGERED.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2023
Such a fun one.
Fake boy twins!
Cute outfits!
100% don't believe that Jess would have agreed to work at the five & dime OR caved to Annie Sue so quickly.
Fake boy twins!
Cute outfits!
100% don't believe that Jess would have agreed to work at the five & dime OR caved to Annie Sue so quickly.
April 7, 2023
Good and fun as a remember!
March 10, 2017
Here's the funny thing about this one: Liz and Jess's Aunt Shirley and Uncle Herman tell the girls they must not be used to people caring what everyone thinks of them. Except... that's all Sweet Valley is about: keeping up with the Wakefields! Well, no one ever said these books were self-aware.
So as with most SV books that take place outside of SV, cliches abounded in this one!! I grew up in Texas and my brother was born in Kansas because we lived there briefly, so I've been there a few times. I won't deny the sprawling plains described in this book. The Midwest is super flat. But, as you can imagine, the main local girl is named Annie Sue, just like the girl with a country name in SVT that came to visit SV. Their aunt and uncle are super strict and have to meet the boys they like before they can go anywhere. And they aren't to be unchaperoned. They also use words like "fuddy-duddy." And of course people walk around in gingham dresses and bandannas, and there is a hoedown that will take place.
As you know this wouldn't be a SV book without hero worship, we have girls in town copying Jess's outfits and Annie Sue leading a campaign against Liz and Jess. Because if you're not jealous of the Wakefield twins, you need to reexamine your priorities in life! Of course the twins are appalled to not be immediately taken in by everyone in town. It's preposterous that they aren't universally loved. But Annie Sue truly hates them, and when she catches Jess late at night with her Kansas boy-toy, Alex, she threatens to tell Jessica's aunt and uncle what she's been up to. That is, if Jess doesn't give Annie Sue all her stuff. Jess is an idiot because she could walk around with no accessories and then Annie Sue wouldn't have anything to steal. Jess gives in, maybe because she doesn't have the upper hand in Kansas, but Liz is shockingly un-Liz-like in this book. I mean, she whines about Jess sneaking out, but that's old hat. She actually stands up to Annie Sue and has no trouble telling her how horrible she is. She even gives Alex a taste of his own medicine. Why, you ask?
Well, Alex is so astounded to be around TWO beautiful chicks with opposite interests that he decides he has to clone himself in order to keep up. So he invents Brad, poetry lover, for Liz to date. Of course Liz has a boyfriend and is with Jeffrey at this time. But I'm convinced in her mind that away trips don't count, because she ALWAYS finds a boyfriend when she's not in SV. Liz slowly cools on Brad though, especially when she realizes he doesn't exist ... because Alex has a cut on his hand that Brad had. So Liz decides to recruit Annie Sue (who by this time has apologized and begun to heap praises on the twins) to make Alex wish he'd never met twins in the first place. They never end up telling Jessica what happened, but it's just as well, because the hoe down was their last night in town.
Also, the twins get a week and a half long spring break! How fair is that?!
Quotes:
"Jessica had never met anyone who seemed to take an instant dislike to her." (I'll bet).
Jess: You're not going to believe this, Liz, but I think I'm in love.
Liz: No! I never in a million years would've guessed that could ever happen to you, Jessica.
(So Liz does have a sense of humor.)
"'You two sure look alike,' a man at the end of the counter remarked." (Why does this happen EVERYWHERE they go?! Do people not understand the fucking concept of twins?!)
So as with most SV books that take place outside of SV, cliches abounded in this one!! I grew up in Texas and my brother was born in Kansas because we lived there briefly, so I've been there a few times. I won't deny the sprawling plains described in this book. The Midwest is super flat. But, as you can imagine, the main local girl is named Annie Sue, just like the girl with a country name in SVT that came to visit SV. Their aunt and uncle are super strict and have to meet the boys they like before they can go anywhere. And they aren't to be unchaperoned. They also use words like "fuddy-duddy." And of course people walk around in gingham dresses and bandannas, and there is a hoedown that will take place.
As you know this wouldn't be a SV book without hero worship, we have girls in town copying Jess's outfits and Annie Sue leading a campaign against Liz and Jess. Because if you're not jealous of the Wakefield twins, you need to reexamine your priorities in life! Of course the twins are appalled to not be immediately taken in by everyone in town. It's preposterous that they aren't universally loved. But Annie Sue truly hates them, and when she catches Jess late at night with her Kansas boy-toy, Alex, she threatens to tell Jessica's aunt and uncle what she's been up to. That is, if Jess doesn't give Annie Sue all her stuff. Jess is an idiot because she could walk around with no accessories and then Annie Sue wouldn't have anything to steal. Jess gives in, maybe because she doesn't have the upper hand in Kansas, but Liz is shockingly un-Liz-like in this book. I mean, she whines about Jess sneaking out, but that's old hat. She actually stands up to Annie Sue and has no trouble telling her how horrible she is. She even gives Alex a taste of his own medicine. Why, you ask?
Well, Alex is so astounded to be around TWO beautiful chicks with opposite interests that he decides he has to clone himself in order to keep up. So he invents Brad, poetry lover, for Liz to date. Of course Liz has a boyfriend and is with Jeffrey at this time. But I'm convinced in her mind that away trips don't count, because she ALWAYS finds a boyfriend when she's not in SV. Liz slowly cools on Brad though, especially when she realizes he doesn't exist ... because Alex has a cut on his hand that Brad had. So Liz decides to recruit Annie Sue (who by this time has apologized and begun to heap praises on the twins) to make Alex wish he'd never met twins in the first place. They never end up telling Jessica what happened, but it's just as well, because the hoe down was their last night in town.
Also, the twins get a week and a half long spring break! How fair is that?!
Quotes:
"Jessica had never met anyone who seemed to take an instant dislike to her." (I'll bet).
Jess: You're not going to believe this, Liz, but I think I'm in love.
Liz: No! I never in a million years would've guessed that could ever happen to you, Jessica.
(So Liz does have a sense of humor.)
"'You two sure look alike,' a man at the end of the counter remarked." (Why does this happen EVERYWHERE they go?! Do people not understand the fucking concept of twins?!)
July 19, 2024
Spring Fever
Jess and Liz are going to Kansas to spend Spring Break with their Aunt shirtly and Uncle Herman. Jessica isn’t excited and I don't usually agree with Jessica but.. Alice warns them to do what their aunt and uncle say. They are in their sixties. Walkersvukke us a euiylittle quiet place Alice tells them which sounds good to Liz. She’s thinking it’s what they need. Jess is thinking how to make Kansas more exciting. On the way to Walkersville, their aunt asks about Steven (has he picked a major, does he have a girlfriend, etc). Then she asks the twins do they have boyfriends. Liz says there is someone special without going into detail. Jessica says no and acts like it’s because she’s too young (this gets their aunt’s approval). They see some of the town which includes a five-and-dime store with a soda machine that the Walker’s own. Jess volunteers her and Liz to work there when she sees some cute guys outside. Then they arrive at the Walker’s house, which is country, cottage, charming.
Jessica wants to tour the town alone, but their aunt says she’ll take them. Jessica plots to find a way to get them to give them more freedom. The aunt is just as horrified with Jessica’s wild outfit. Jessica slips away while Liz listens to her aunt tell her about the town’s history. Jessica sees the cute boys and the one she noticed earlier with the sandy hair and blue eyes says his name is Dennis. He introduces her to his 4 (they’re all tongue-tied) but then Dennis's girlfriend (Annie Sue Sawyer) and her friend Mary. Annie makes it clear she’s not all that impressed with Jessica and throws some party in her face that she’s clearly not invited to. Then she drags Dennis off. Their aunt though describes her as “the sweetest girl in town”. She introduces the twins to her. Annie says she and Jessica already met. She makes an excuse to leave when their aunt suggests they all get to know each other. Later, Jessica and Liz talk about it and Liz says it's weird that all the boys acted like they wanted to know them but the girls were a different story. Jess says Annie probably initiated it and then says she should give her a reason to worry (by talking to Dennis), but Liz reminds her of the promise they made to their mother. She says they should be patient and see why the girls are going out of their way to be rude.
There’s a carnival in town and the twins are excited to go, but the aunt and uncle say they’ll take them again. Jessica and the aunt fall out over the white jumpsuit with rhinestones she wants to wear. The aunt doesn’t think it’s appropriate to wear around the carnies. But Jessica refuses to wear anything else. Once they get there disappointingly the carnival is small. They get away from the aunt and uncle by saying they’re going to ride the Ferris Wheel. On the ride, Jessica notices Dennis and Annie in the seats before them. She waves and Dennie waves back, but Annie snubs her. She sees a cute guy over by the corral and he introduces himself as Alex. Alex has a twin brother named Brad that has a lot in common with Liz. Jessica pretends she loves horses and decides that she’s going to make Alex her spring fing. Then Annie comes over Annie attempts to block Jessica by trying to get Alex’s attention (even though Dennis is standing right there) and shamelessly starts going on and on about how much she loves horses. She even gets on Midnight (the horse Alex bought to the carnival to sell) but he tells her he can’t allow her to ride this horse he isn’t like the others and he’s not ready. (The horse is kinda hyper and has a tendency to freak out if people touch him). Jessica gets Alex to agree to give *her* lessons and to meet him there after 10. Liz reminds Jess of their aunt’s rules but Jessica is already falling for Alex. Liz, herself is having conflicting feelings because she’s attracted to Alex, even tho she’s seeing Jeffrey. She tho lets Jessica set up a double date for her and Brad with Jessica and Alex.
A
unt Shirley again mentions how nice Annie is that night, but Jessica speaks up. She says she doesn’t think Annie likes them. But because Aunt Shirley’s been going on and on about them Liz can kinda see why. She thinks mayebe they should tell her some of their faults. Jessica mentions wanting to go for a walk and her aunt and uncle look astonished. It’s after ten. They offer that they *all* go for a walk, but Jessica says no she’s going back to the carnival to meet up with a nice guy she meet. Aunt Shirley forbids it and then Jessica says it was a bad idea. She fakes being tired but then uses this as an excuse to sneak off. She has a great time riding Midnight and then Alex asks if she can meet him again the following night for another lesson. She says it won’t be a problem. Then they arrange to see each other in the afternoon so Alex can introduce his brother to Liz.
The next day, the twins have to be at Walkers. Liz mention Mary has a headband like Jessica’s which is surprising because Jessica doesn’t think Walker’s sell headbands and doesn’t want to look like anyone there. She tells Liz she’ll be meeting Brad that day and she’s less than thrilled but figures there’s no harm in it. The twins find working at the soda fountain is harder than they thought and they spend hours scooping ice cream and flipping burgers. Dennis and a bunch of his friends come in and ask them are they going to the big square dance the last day of the carnival and do they have dates. Then Annie Sue shows up with her friends and the girls start accusing them of thinking they're better. They claim the twins were mocking Walkerville and their clothes and going after their boyfriends. Liz and Jessica look astonished because neither of them said any such thing and Jessica accuses Annie of lying. Liz wants to straighten them out, but Jessica reminds her she has a date with Brad. Brad and Liz hit it off and make plans to meet again the next afternoon, but later that night Aunt Shirley makes plans for them the next day to go to Annie Sue’s grandparent's farm and Annie Sue and her friends will be there. Mrs.Sawyer is sweet. Annie Sue’s sister Janie isn’t. She almost gets Jessica kicked by a cow, then she tries to steer the twins into poison ivy, tries to get them lost in the woods, and stamped on by pigs. Annie never shows up and her gradmother is embarrassed.
The twins tell their aunt and say that they think Annie feels threatened by them. Their aunt doesn’t really have any ideas other than to keep being nice. She says she could talk to Annie, but the twins think this will only make it worse. Jessica gets ready to sneak out again to go on her third date. Liz has a suggestion that maybe they can all go to the square dance together and Jess thinks it’s a good idea. Aunt Shirley starts to question why Jessica goes to bed so early and thinks it's because she’s bored. Liz covers for her and says it’s just she’s been busy back home. Then she tells her aunt that she’s meeting up with a new friend. Her aunt doesn’t approve but since it’s an afternoon date she lets her go. Brad is a little off. He takes Liz hiking and then spouts a bunch of stuff about her eyes reminding him of a lake but then the next minute he’s asking her if Jess is seeing someone. When she gets home, Jeffery calls and Liz realizes that he’s who she *really* wants.
Jessica tries to go to bed early again but her aunt and uncle express concern that she may be sick. They want to call the doctor but Jessica insists she’s just sleepy. They say they’re going to call the Wakefields. Liz confronts Jess but again she slips out. This time Aunt Shirley comes upstairs and asks where Jessica is. Liz says she’s in the bathroom and might be in there a while. Shirley apologizes and again says she’s not used to teenage girls and says it might be a number of reasons Jessica is tired all the time (like depression). Liz promises that she’ll talk to her and her aunt gets the hint not to hover around. Jess is progressing and ready to advanced maneuvers. Alex tells Jessica he’s falling in love with her. Afterward, Annie Sue sees them. Annie Sue starts blackmailing Jessica for her clothes. The twin's aunt and uncle say that should all go to the square dance together but they tell them they’ve already made double dates. The Walkers say that they’ll have to talk it over since they’ve never meet the boys. (Earlier Aunt Shirley asked to meet Brad but Liz told her it wasn’t a big deal).
When meeting up with Brad, he says he has to go to the coral because his brother is off again trying to sell Midnight. He asks Liz to go get his hammer. When she gets back he’s accidentally gashed his cut on a rusty nail on the gate. She mentions the dance and that they might not be able to go and he looks relieved. But she says she didn’t say it was a definite no. Before this happens Annie blackmails Liz for her shades. The Walkers put their foot down and tell the twins they can’t go to the dance with the guys. So, Jessica sneaks off to go back to the carnival to tell Alex bye. Alex rushes off before Jessica can tell him. Annie’s father has bought Midnight for her as a birthday present. Annie Sue shows up and tries to show off to Jessica who acts indifferent so she demands her silver bead necklace. Annie then tries to ride Midnight. Midnight does like this (or Annie) one bit and he starts bucking her and acting out of control! Aunt Shirley comes in the twin's room with apologies about the fight but she notices Jessica isn’t there. Liz has to tell her she snuck out. Thinking she’s in danger, Aunt Shirley and Uncle Herman rush to the carnival to save her from the evil, carnie, boy.
Jessica jumps on a horse and catches up to Midnight. She takes hold of him and starts to calm him by stroking him. Alex rushes in and gets the horse under control. Annie apologizes to Jessica for her jealousy. Then she says she’ll throw a party later and return her stuff. The Aunt and Uncle give in and let the twins go to the dance. At the party, the truth comes out that Alex lied. He has no twin when Liz sees the cut on his hand. Liz is pissed but says she won’t tell Jessica, But she says he has to find a way to tell her. Alex sees Jessica but doesn’t tell her that afternoon. Liz gets him back but telling Annie to cut in on him and Jessica and telling him to Liz wants to dance and when he’s dancing with Liz she’ll interrupt and say Jessica wants to dance He explains why he did it (so he could see which twin he liked better) but he never tells her. It ends with the aunt and uncle making a speech about how much they’ll miss their nieces.
My Thoughts: I didn’t expect to like this one. A trip to Kansas? But it wasn’t *as* bad as I thought it’d be.
\I thought it was ironic that Annie Sue acted just like the Unicorns did and the Phi Alpha Beta’s do to girl’s that they don’t find worthy enough. Annie Sue reminded me a lot of Veruca Salt. Particularly when she’s been warned about Midnight but she climbs on him anyway. Just like Veruca in the part of the movie where she’s told not to touch the squirrel's nuts. Then she starts singing “Give It To Me Now:”
Why would you sell this bipolar horse to anyone unless you wanted a lawsuit? So, it didn’t like Annie, but he likes Jessica? Hmm~
Aunt Shirley and Uncle Herman might have been a lil too strict but I give them credit for actually being the best example of parents in this series. Definitely better than Ned and Alice who just let the twins run wild and probably wouldn’t have cared in the least that the twins were going out and meeting up with strange guys they didn’t know.
I think I figured out what Alex was doing right around the time when he and Liz go hiking and he asks all these questions about Jessica’s boyfriends. Another part I picked I t up is when Liz is looking at Brad and thinking how much he looks like Alex.
No wonder Jeffrey got so possessive in Winter Carnival. I bet he suspects that often when she goes out of town Liz tends to “be attracted” (date) other guys. I’m not saying that it’s wrong to be attracted to other guys but you shouldn’t have to go out with one to realize that what you already have is better. Just my opinion.
I also think I’d want my twin to know the guy she’s in love with does shady stuff. Actually, tho this happened to me when I was in high school. A friend and I were walking in her neighborhood and we saw two guys on the porch. One was attracted to both of us but ended up choosing me. Fortunately for me tho, he didn’t try to date both of us to see who he liked better. (That I know of). Maybe he *should* have chosen her. I wouldn’t have been missing out on much. Still, I wonder how this would have went if he’d just said to the twins. I’m attracted to both of you. Liz probably would have (should have) taken herself out the equation since she’s not available. He and Jessica would have gotten together. No lies and deception are necessary.
Rating: 6
Jess and Liz are going to Kansas to spend Spring Break with their Aunt shirtly and Uncle Herman. Jessica isn’t excited and I don't usually agree with Jessica but.. Alice warns them to do what their aunt and uncle say. They are in their sixties. Walkersvukke us a euiylittle quiet place Alice tells them which sounds good to Liz. She’s thinking it’s what they need. Jess is thinking how to make Kansas more exciting. On the way to Walkersville, their aunt asks about Steven (has he picked a major, does he have a girlfriend, etc). Then she asks the twins do they have boyfriends. Liz says there is someone special without going into detail. Jessica says no and acts like it’s because she’s too young (this gets their aunt’s approval). They see some of the town which includes a five-and-dime store with a soda machine that the Walker’s own. Jess volunteers her and Liz to work there when she sees some cute guys outside. Then they arrive at the Walker’s house, which is country, cottage, charming.
Jessica wants to tour the town alone, but their aunt says she’ll take them. Jessica plots to find a way to get them to give them more freedom. The aunt is just as horrified with Jessica’s wild outfit. Jessica slips away while Liz listens to her aunt tell her about the town’s history. Jessica sees the cute boys and the one she noticed earlier with the sandy hair and blue eyes says his name is Dennis. He introduces her to his 4 (they’re all tongue-tied) but then Dennis's girlfriend (Annie Sue Sawyer) and her friend Mary. Annie makes it clear she’s not all that impressed with Jessica and throws some party in her face that she’s clearly not invited to. Then she drags Dennis off. Their aunt though describes her as “the sweetest girl in town”. She introduces the twins to her. Annie says she and Jessica already met. She makes an excuse to leave when their aunt suggests they all get to know each other. Later, Jessica and Liz talk about it and Liz says it's weird that all the boys acted like they wanted to know them but the girls were a different story. Jess says Annie probably initiated it and then says she should give her a reason to worry (by talking to Dennis), but Liz reminds her of the promise they made to their mother. She says they should be patient and see why the girls are going out of their way to be rude.
There’s a carnival in town and the twins are excited to go, but the aunt and uncle say they’ll take them again. Jessica and the aunt fall out over the white jumpsuit with rhinestones she wants to wear. The aunt doesn’t think it’s appropriate to wear around the carnies. But Jessica refuses to wear anything else. Once they get there disappointingly the carnival is small. They get away from the aunt and uncle by saying they’re going to ride the Ferris Wheel. On the ride, Jessica notices Dennis and Annie in the seats before them. She waves and Dennie waves back, but Annie snubs her. She sees a cute guy over by the corral and he introduces himself as Alex. Alex has a twin brother named Brad that has a lot in common with Liz. Jessica pretends she loves horses and decides that she’s going to make Alex her spring fing. Then Annie comes over Annie attempts to block Jessica by trying to get Alex’s attention (even though Dennis is standing right there) and shamelessly starts going on and on about how much she loves horses. She even gets on Midnight (the horse Alex bought to the carnival to sell) but he tells her he can’t allow her to ride this horse he isn’t like the others and he’s not ready. (The horse is kinda hyper and has a tendency to freak out if people touch him). Jessica gets Alex to agree to give *her* lessons and to meet him there after 10. Liz reminds Jess of their aunt’s rules but Jessica is already falling for Alex. Liz, herself is having conflicting feelings because she’s attracted to Alex, even tho she’s seeing Jeffrey. She tho lets Jessica set up a double date for her and Brad with Jessica and Alex.
A
unt Shirley again mentions how nice Annie is that night, but Jessica speaks up. She says she doesn’t think Annie likes them. But because Aunt Shirley’s been going on and on about them Liz can kinda see why. She thinks mayebe they should tell her some of their faults. Jessica mentions wanting to go for a walk and her aunt and uncle look astonished. It’s after ten. They offer that they *all* go for a walk, but Jessica says no she’s going back to the carnival to meet up with a nice guy she meet. Aunt Shirley forbids it and then Jessica says it was a bad idea. She fakes being tired but then uses this as an excuse to sneak off. She has a great time riding Midnight and then Alex asks if she can meet him again the following night for another lesson. She says it won’t be a problem. Then they arrange to see each other in the afternoon so Alex can introduce his brother to Liz.
The next day, the twins have to be at Walkers. Liz mention Mary has a headband like Jessica’s which is surprising because Jessica doesn’t think Walker’s sell headbands and doesn’t want to look like anyone there. She tells Liz she’ll be meeting Brad that day and she’s less than thrilled but figures there’s no harm in it. The twins find working at the soda fountain is harder than they thought and they spend hours scooping ice cream and flipping burgers. Dennis and a bunch of his friends come in and ask them are they going to the big square dance the last day of the carnival and do they have dates. Then Annie Sue shows up with her friends and the girls start accusing them of thinking they're better. They claim the twins were mocking Walkerville and their clothes and going after their boyfriends. Liz and Jessica look astonished because neither of them said any such thing and Jessica accuses Annie of lying. Liz wants to straighten them out, but Jessica reminds her she has a date with Brad. Brad and Liz hit it off and make plans to meet again the next afternoon, but later that night Aunt Shirley makes plans for them the next day to go to Annie Sue’s grandparent's farm and Annie Sue and her friends will be there. Mrs.Sawyer is sweet. Annie Sue’s sister Janie isn’t. She almost gets Jessica kicked by a cow, then she tries to steer the twins into poison ivy, tries to get them lost in the woods, and stamped on by pigs. Annie never shows up and her gradmother is embarrassed.
The twins tell their aunt and say that they think Annie feels threatened by them. Their aunt doesn’t really have any ideas other than to keep being nice. She says she could talk to Annie, but the twins think this will only make it worse. Jessica gets ready to sneak out again to go on her third date. Liz has a suggestion that maybe they can all go to the square dance together and Jess thinks it’s a good idea. Aunt Shirley starts to question why Jessica goes to bed so early and thinks it's because she’s bored. Liz covers for her and says it’s just she’s been busy back home. Then she tells her aunt that she’s meeting up with a new friend. Her aunt doesn’t approve but since it’s an afternoon date she lets her go. Brad is a little off. He takes Liz hiking and then spouts a bunch of stuff about her eyes reminding him of a lake but then the next minute he’s asking her if Jess is seeing someone. When she gets home, Jeffery calls and Liz realizes that he’s who she *really* wants.
Jessica tries to go to bed early again but her aunt and uncle express concern that she may be sick. They want to call the doctor but Jessica insists she’s just sleepy. They say they’re going to call the Wakefields. Liz confronts Jess but again she slips out. This time Aunt Shirley comes upstairs and asks where Jessica is. Liz says she’s in the bathroom and might be in there a while. Shirley apologizes and again says she’s not used to teenage girls and says it might be a number of reasons Jessica is tired all the time (like depression). Liz promises that she’ll talk to her and her aunt gets the hint not to hover around. Jess is progressing and ready to advanced maneuvers. Alex tells Jessica he’s falling in love with her. Afterward, Annie Sue sees them. Annie Sue starts blackmailing Jessica for her clothes. The twin's aunt and uncle say that should all go to the square dance together but they tell them they’ve already made double dates. The Walkers say that they’ll have to talk it over since they’ve never meet the boys. (Earlier Aunt Shirley asked to meet Brad but Liz told her it wasn’t a big deal).
When meeting up with Brad, he says he has to go to the coral because his brother is off again trying to sell Midnight. He asks Liz to go get his hammer. When she gets back he’s accidentally gashed his cut on a rusty nail on the gate. She mentions the dance and that they might not be able to go and he looks relieved. But she says she didn’t say it was a definite no. Before this happens Annie blackmails Liz for her shades. The Walkers put their foot down and tell the twins they can’t go to the dance with the guys. So, Jessica sneaks off to go back to the carnival to tell Alex bye. Alex rushes off before Jessica can tell him. Annie’s father has bought Midnight for her as a birthday present. Annie Sue shows up and tries to show off to Jessica who acts indifferent so she demands her silver bead necklace. Annie then tries to ride Midnight. Midnight does like this (or Annie) one bit and he starts bucking her and acting out of control! Aunt Shirley comes in the twin's room with apologies about the fight but she notices Jessica isn’t there. Liz has to tell her she snuck out. Thinking she’s in danger, Aunt Shirley and Uncle Herman rush to the carnival to save her from the evil, carnie, boy.
Jessica jumps on a horse and catches up to Midnight. She takes hold of him and starts to calm him by stroking him. Alex rushes in and gets the horse under control. Annie apologizes to Jessica for her jealousy. Then she says she’ll throw a party later and return her stuff. The Aunt and Uncle give in and let the twins go to the dance. At the party, the truth comes out that Alex lied. He has no twin when Liz sees the cut on his hand. Liz is pissed but says she won’t tell Jessica, But she says he has to find a way to tell her. Alex sees Jessica but doesn’t tell her that afternoon. Liz gets him back but telling Annie to cut in on him and Jessica and telling him to Liz wants to dance and when he’s dancing with Liz she’ll interrupt and say Jessica wants to dance He explains why he did it (so he could see which twin he liked better) but he never tells her. It ends with the aunt and uncle making a speech about how much they’ll miss their nieces.
My Thoughts: I didn’t expect to like this one. A trip to Kansas? But it wasn’t *as* bad as I thought it’d be.
\I thought it was ironic that Annie Sue acted just like the Unicorns did and the Phi Alpha Beta’s do to girl’s that they don’t find worthy enough. Annie Sue reminded me a lot of Veruca Salt. Particularly when she’s been warned about Midnight but she climbs on him anyway. Just like Veruca in the part of the movie where she’s told not to touch the squirrel's nuts. Then she starts singing “Give It To Me Now:”
Why would you sell this bipolar horse to anyone unless you wanted a lawsuit? So, it didn’t like Annie, but he likes Jessica? Hmm~
Aunt Shirley and Uncle Herman might have been a lil too strict but I give them credit for actually being the best example of parents in this series. Definitely better than Ned and Alice who just let the twins run wild and probably wouldn’t have cared in the least that the twins were going out and meeting up with strange guys they didn’t know.
I think I figured out what Alex was doing right around the time when he and Liz go hiking and he asks all these questions about Jessica’s boyfriends. Another part I picked I t up is when Liz is looking at Brad and thinking how much he looks like Alex.
No wonder Jeffrey got so possessive in Winter Carnival. I bet he suspects that often when she goes out of town Liz tends to “be attracted” (date) other guys. I’m not saying that it’s wrong to be attracted to other guys but you shouldn’t have to go out with one to realize that what you already have is better. Just my opinion.
I also think I’d want my twin to know the guy she’s in love with does shady stuff. Actually, tho this happened to me when I was in high school. A friend and I were walking in her neighborhood and we saw two guys on the porch. One was attracted to both of us but ended up choosing me. Fortunately for me tho, he didn’t try to date both of us to see who he liked better. (That I know of). Maybe he *should* have chosen her. I wouldn’t have been missing out on much. Still, I wonder how this would have went if he’d just said to the twins. I’m attracted to both of you. Liz probably would have (should have) taken herself out the equation since she’s not available. He and Jessica would have gotten together. No lies and deception are necessary.
Rating: 6
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2020
The Wakefield twins take on small town Kansas in this Super Edition, on their second spring break trip of their perpetual junior year. Alice and Ned apparently needed a break from their teenagers and arranged for them to go visit Alice's aunt and uncle (the mayor) in a podink on the prairie. Jessica spends most of the vacation dressing inappropriately and sneaking out of the house, and Elizabeth spends most of her time covering for Jessica. Additionally, the local teenage girls, who automatically hate the twins (they may be onto something there), try to make their stay as unpleasant as possible, while the boys all drool over them. Fear not, Kansas girls- the Wakefields only have eyes for a pair of carnie brothers (her aunt and uncles' words, not mine), who ALSO are identical twins, yet NEVER appear together at the same time. who are in charge of the horses at the local fair. Sit with that-- I mean-- plot twist, eh? Sigh. This was the worst super edition so far. I think it also may have been the last one, though I have one more to read (guess I had the order wrong- thought this was 5). Two stars. This one was too cheesy even for me.
April 30, 2021
Omg so the twins go to Wakersville or something in the mid west and Jessica falls in love, for the 127th time. Liz thinks about cheating on Jeffrey, but doesn’t, which is more than she does for Todd but Todd’s a douche so there’s also that.
October 6, 2017
So predictable and so fun. A worthwhile Sweet Valley re-visit.
April 20, 2021
Solid but a bit boring.
May 18, 2021
This was such a fun read! I loved it.
June 18, 2023
Blast from the past! Still fun!!
June 10, 2025
Elizabeth and Jessica visit family in Kansas. They find love and trouble like always.
November 11, 2024
This was one of my favourite “super edition” Sweet Valley High books when I was growing up, it always gave me such a nice summery feeling (apparently I liked summer as a kid? as an adult it’s one of my top 5 most hated things).
The basic premise of the book is that Jessica and Elizabeth take a vacation to visit their Great Aunt and Uncle who live in a small town in Kansas called Walkersville, oh and who of course are never again mentioned in the entire book series. The twins settle into sleepy town life and spend their days sleeping in, eating homemade pie, playing with kittens, and going for walks. I don’t know about you guys but that sounds like a pretty perfect holiday to me. The only downside to life in Walkersville is town meangirl Annie-Sue Sawyer, who decides that she hates the twins and starts making their life difficult. Jessica and Elizabeth can’t seem to figure out what she possibly could have against them. I have to say though, Jessica keeps wearing a fringed jacket that sounds pretty offensive so tbh I’m on team Annie-Sue in this situation.
A carnival comes to town, and the twins meet Alex – a handsome (ooh!) carnie (gross) who tends to the horses (cute). Jessica falls for him almost immediately (shock horror), and they are understandably excited to discover that Alex is also a twin! Jessica comes up with the bright idea that Elizabeth date Alex’s twin brother Brad, despite Elizabeth already having a boyfriend back in Sweet Valley. Poor old Jeffrey French. I was quite shocked that straight-n-narrow Liz went along with this, and even started to have feelings for Brad (of course her morals caught up with her and she put an end to it pretty quickly). Jessica sneaks out every night to meet up with sexy horse wrangler Alex at the carnival, which results in her sleeping in every day and eventually ends up giving Aunt Shirley and Uncle Herman (lol) major anxiety. Clearly they’ve never lived with a teenager before.
Everything comes to a head when Jessica sneaks out one evening and Alex leaves her in charge of Midnight – the rough and ready horse he’s trying to sell. Nasty old Annie-Sue comes along and decides that she wants to ride Midnight, because her father is buying him for her. Perfectly reasonable, except for the fact that Midnight is SKITTISH AF and takes off with Annie-Sue on his back. Jessica saves the day, and Annie-Sue is grateful – revealing that she’s only been making Jessica’s life difficult and blackmailing her for her lush bejeweled 80’s headbands because she’s jealous. Didn’t see that coming!!! The girls make up and all is forgiven, although Jessica’s secret shame of sneaking out at night has finally been revealed to Shirl n Herm in all the drama. It’s nicely swept under the rug though, and in the end Jessica is permitted to go to the square dance with Alex.
In the meantime, Elizabeth has discovered that Alex does not have a twin and is actually a pretty awful human being who pretended to be two people in an attempt to date both twins at once. Of course Elizabeth chooses not to inform Jessica of this, and instead lets her to along to the dance with Alex despite him being a liar and a generally gross guy. Alls well that ends well though, and the story is wrapped up nicely with the girls getting a lovely send off from the town at the end of the square dance. Farewell Walkersville, it’s time to head back to Sweet Valley!
I remember being obsessed with this cover when I was a kid. On re-reading it I’m mostly annoyed that although Jessica’s gingham dress matches the outfit she wears to the square dance, ELIZABETH’S DOES NOT. She’s supposed to be wearing a red and white checked shirt, but I guess that might have looked a bit too matchy matchy.
The basic premise of the book is that Jessica and Elizabeth take a vacation to visit their Great Aunt and Uncle who live in a small town in Kansas called Walkersville, oh and who of course are never again mentioned in the entire book series. The twins settle into sleepy town life and spend their days sleeping in, eating homemade pie, playing with kittens, and going for walks. I don’t know about you guys but that sounds like a pretty perfect holiday to me. The only downside to life in Walkersville is town meangirl Annie-Sue Sawyer, who decides that she hates the twins and starts making their life difficult. Jessica and Elizabeth can’t seem to figure out what she possibly could have against them. I have to say though, Jessica keeps wearing a fringed jacket that sounds pretty offensive so tbh I’m on team Annie-Sue in this situation.
A carnival comes to town, and the twins meet Alex – a handsome (ooh!) carnie (gross) who tends to the horses (cute). Jessica falls for him almost immediately (shock horror), and they are understandably excited to discover that Alex is also a twin! Jessica comes up with the bright idea that Elizabeth date Alex’s twin brother Brad, despite Elizabeth already having a boyfriend back in Sweet Valley. Poor old Jeffrey French. I was quite shocked that straight-n-narrow Liz went along with this, and even started to have feelings for Brad (of course her morals caught up with her and she put an end to it pretty quickly). Jessica sneaks out every night to meet up with sexy horse wrangler Alex at the carnival, which results in her sleeping in every day and eventually ends up giving Aunt Shirley and Uncle Herman (lol) major anxiety. Clearly they’ve never lived with a teenager before.
Everything comes to a head when Jessica sneaks out one evening and Alex leaves her in charge of Midnight – the rough and ready horse he’s trying to sell. Nasty old Annie-Sue comes along and decides that she wants to ride Midnight, because her father is buying him for her. Perfectly reasonable, except for the fact that Midnight is SKITTISH AF and takes off with Annie-Sue on his back. Jessica saves the day, and Annie-Sue is grateful – revealing that she’s only been making Jessica’s life difficult and blackmailing her for her lush bejeweled 80’s headbands because she’s jealous. Didn’t see that coming!!! The girls make up and all is forgiven, although Jessica’s secret shame of sneaking out at night has finally been revealed to Shirl n Herm in all the drama. It’s nicely swept under the rug though, and in the end Jessica is permitted to go to the square dance with Alex.
In the meantime, Elizabeth has discovered that Alex does not have a twin and is actually a pretty awful human being who pretended to be two people in an attempt to date both twins at once. Of course Elizabeth chooses not to inform Jessica of this, and instead lets her to along to the dance with Alex despite him being a liar and a generally gross guy. Alls well that ends well though, and the story is wrapped up nicely with the girls getting a lovely send off from the town at the end of the square dance. Farewell Walkersville, it’s time to head back to Sweet Valley!
I remember being obsessed with this cover when I was a kid. On re-reading it I’m mostly annoyed that although Jessica’s gingham dress matches the outfit she wears to the square dance, ELIZABETH’S DOES NOT. She’s supposed to be wearing a red and white checked shirt, but I guess that might have looked a bit too matchy matchy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2015
Identical twins Jessica and Elizabeth separately meet up with identical twins Alex and Brad. Hint: did you catch my use of the word separately? Aye, there's the rub. Jessica falls in love with Alex who is - (gasp!) - a carny. This book is so great.
May 27, 2011
A reverse twin switch? How, uh, creepy. Dude gets away with it, too. He should have been given magical vodka.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2010
Super thrillers, Super editions, Super chillers and super awesome!! I mean, longer editions with more to love - hello this is good stuff!!! Never a dull moment in Sweet Valley. Thanks Wakefields.
September 20, 2012
Predictable but fun-just look at those outfits, LOL!
June 21, 2013
when the twins come to spring you can do many different things. I don't remember quite a bit because it's been awhile to 23 years ago.
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August 1, 2013Graded By: Erin
Read the drinking game and review here.
Read the drinking game and review here.
March 24, 2024
Cute fun vacation read. B+
June 12, 2008
LOOOVVED IT
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