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The Sweet Valley Twins are ready to rock out as the hottest band comes to town…too bad they don't have permission to go! Will they sneak out to dance the night away or will it all fall apart? Find out in the next installment of the New York Times bestselling graphic novel series!

Everyone at Sweet Valley Middle School is going to the biggest concert ever...everyone except twins, Jessica and Elizabeth! Their favorite band is back in town but no matter how much they beg their parents they can't get permission to go. Elizabeth is ready to sulk and  stay home, but Jessica refuses to give up hope. She'll see this band even if it means lying or leaving her sister behind.

Caught between her parents and her twin  will Elizabeth sneak out with Jessica? Or will she blow the whole plan out of the water?

Get ready to rock, laugh, and cheer for the unstoppable duo as they navigate the challenges of friendship, family, and following their dreams in the next Sweet Valley Twins graphic novel.

Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2025

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346 people want to read

About the author

Francine Pascal

1,140 books1,851 followers
Francine 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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5 stars
242 (40%)
4 stars
202 (33%)
3 stars
130 (21%)
2 stars
20 (3%)
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8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Liralen.
3,381 reviews280 followers
March 26, 2025
Books four and five of this graphic novelization showed up at my library on the same day, so I read them back-to-back. Here, Jessica is determined to go to the Johnny Buck concert...never mind that her parents have said no and she doesn't have $60 to spend on a ticket. The solution: to commit to a few days of dogsitting, convince her parents that she will absolutely be the one taking care of the dog...and then evade even the slightest whiff of responsibility while trampling her twin's feelings (and new possessions) at the same time.

Again, this adaptation feels pretty true to the originals. I've reread some of those originals in recent years, and it's safe to say that Jessica is and always has been an absolute terror, and Elizabeth is and always has been a bit of a doormat. Does she sometimes yell at Jessica and tell her to do better? Sure. Does Jessica sometimes apologise and promise to make it up to her? Sure. Does Jessica ever follow through on those promises? Hah, nope. Not ever. And yet Elizabeth forgives her every time.

Having ranted a bit about The Haunted House, I don't have as much to say about this one. The art style is still a bit comic-y, but I prefer the facial expressions in this one compared to those in The Haunted House. And I can't blame the people adapting the series for the sheer wtf-ery that is Jessica—honestly, sort of wondering whether Sweet Valley High might ever be graphic-novelized in a meaningful way, because tween Jessica is a terror, but teen Jessica? Total sociopath.
Profile Image for Butterfly.
2 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2025
This was a great book if you are looking for a novel with lots of drama! Unfortunately, this book just wasn’t for me.
1,134 reviews
February 24, 2025
3.5 Stars. The fifth book in the series, though this reads fine as a stand-alone.

I read the Sweet Valley Twins books far too long ago to be able to tell you whether this fully replicates the original story in this graphic novel format, but tone-wise it certainly matches the fluffy fun I remember of reading about the Wakefield twins when I was a pre-teen.

Jessica and Elizabeth are true to form here, Elizabeth grudgingly covering for and excusing Jessica, while Jessica does all sorts of self-absorbed scheming to get to a concert and meet her pop idol, even resorting to dog-sitting when she’s afraid of dogs. As always lessons are learned here by Jessica only for her to probably behave just as badly in the next book, and I reacted to her pretty much exactly the way I did as a kid, thinking I would never do the things she does, yet entertained by her nonetheless.
Profile Image for Carla.
883 reviews6 followers
January 25, 2025
This is the fifth book in the graphic novel adaptation of the Sweet Valley Twins series from the 80s & 90s. I really enjoyed that series as a kid and I’m enjoying this graphic novel series as an adult. I love that these books are being reimagined for a younger generation. It’s been fun following along on twins, Jessica and Elizabeth’s journey. The books are full of great illustrations. Claudia Aguirre is a very talented artist. I enjoyed the lessons to be learned about being selfish. I think young readers will find this series relatable. I definitely recommend checking it out!
Profile Image for Fiona.
324 reviews
May 22, 2025
I own the original chapter book which I read as a teen. Graphic novel captured how self-absorbed Jessica is fairly well. She’s hard to like.
972 reviews
February 14, 2025
They are doing such a great job sticking to the story of the books I loved growing up! Having a great time revisiting this world! Very much recommend this series
Profile Image for Cheryl.
545 reviews32 followers
February 7, 2025
Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author and/or publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. A positive review is not required.

This review can also be found in Currant7 Recommends.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Top 5 Reasons to Read Francine Pascal's Sweet Valley Twins: Sneaking Out
 
1. Graphic Novel's relevance.
This book's excellent and endearing illustrations will win over any discerning young adult reader. Coming into this novel, I realized how much I miss the comic-esque mode of storytelling. There is a balance of visual and verbal creativity. It's literary art that I have forgotten that I enjoyed so much in the past. Graphic novels for young adults are now an elevated literary art form, giving way to a more mature take on the perspective of the potential of comic books, giving the same vibe as Japanese Manga.

2. Like a long-lost friend.
The story still evokes nostalgia for the beloved characters Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield. Familiar friends from the series surround the quirks and antics of both sisters—but all younger. Even Bruce (Patman) and Lila Fowler appear in the book to help add more "bad decisions" for Jessica in the story. It brought back the young years when readers like myself would sit by our lockers during lunchtime and just had our noses to those pocketbook pages. Never mind what was going on around them. Any break from class and homework was allocated to finishing the Sweet Valley latest series. This book will surely give a sense of homecoming.

3. A fresh take to the already familiar internal mini-conflicts and problems of the Wakefield twins.
Readers will encounter complex story conflicts in true long-form graphic novels than in comic books. It felt that way as each mini-problem turned into an uncontrollable proportion. Jessica finds any/all ways to take advantage of people without realizing the consequences. Elizabeth is the patient and kind sister who is often "gullible" to agree with Jessica's hair brain schemes. It was the traditional formula that any young adult reader would surely enjoy. Even as a seasoned reader, I do enjoy the expected pitfalls and "blow-ups" that will occur with Jessica's brilliant plans. The rest of the characters, like the mom and dad, are also pushovers since they are "conned" by Jessica to "trust her" in the plans she promised. I feel bad for everyone in the story. Jessica always finds a way (even later in their college years) to disrupt Elizabeth's well-planned life, like preparing for the school dance, in spectacular proportions due to Jessica's insensitive, persistent, and selfish pursuit to watch a concert.

4. Age-appropriate topics, problems, and life choices.
This book is a nice change to my usual "heavier" reading options of epic novels and series. I found it fulfilling to read through the simpler life of a teen and navigate through growing pains through Jessica and Elizabeth's POVs. I can relate to and remember how much pressure living in high school was. The Wakefield twins were precious in their small joys—finding the perfect dress, looking forward to a concert, and sleepovers. At the end of the book, my heart broke when Jessica outlined all her faults and lies. It is something that even I would have done if given the right circumstances, to watch a concert at that age. Oh, how it is to be young and carefree. It's too bad these days - it also costs much more than just dreams.

5. Life experiences and growing pains.
All Sweet Valley stories have important lessons. I enjoy the lessons each twin learns about themselves in all the author's books. There is a lot of self-discovery and the meaning of a promise/commitment. One has to keep one's promises or commitments since they are important to the other party you are committing to. This requirement is very YA, but it will also be applicable to all human beings—to take commitments seriously.

Overall, Sneaking Out (graphic novel) is an excellent read for young adults. It was a nice and quick read, appropriate for middle-grade readers (8-12 years old) who love a bit of mischief and fun stories. There is an OG (published initially) paperback of the same title on which this graphic novel is based. I cannot fully remember if I read the original paperback book, but I would have hated Jessica if this was purely written work (no pictures/ illustrations). In the entirety of the story, she kept bullying, manipulating, and lying to so many people that it was seriously messy. In this adapted graphic novel, Jessica's actions seem less severe since the illustrator was able to put more lighthearted emotions, which lends more to young teens learning and takes it more like how I see Archie comics or the such.
Profile Image for Laura.
744 reviews16 followers
February 15, 2025
Jessica high key sucks in this one and gets off way too easily🤣
Profile Image for Brandy.
204 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2025
okay i read the novel I believe last yr and I think I gave it a 3 star, but this time it is a 2.5.

I just can't get over how fast Jessica is forgiven. I mean fine family okay but for that old lady who left her dog who is her everything she is like I use to be young too. WTF, if I promised to do something like take care of someone's dog,cat fish. My mom would sure in hell make me do it. I couldn't pawn it off so easily as Jessica did. Even if I said I had club meetings or what not. I just think it is a little unreal on how fast the family forgives her, specially since the book kind of follows the next book they could have kept it like the family was still mad or disappointed at her.

Or maybe it is just I am older and think that wouldn't fly in my house.
Profile Image for Lauren | TransportedLFL.
1,741 reviews42 followers
February 15, 2025
Thank you to Random House Kids for the free book. These opinions are my own.

This is the fifth in the series but the first I have read. Wow, this graphic novel brought me back to my youth. I was incredibly impressed by the illustrations. The use of color and facial expressions was so well done that I could consistently differentiate twins, Jessica and Elizabeth. This was a clear story with a lovely moral and also just fun to revisit. I think I still prefer the original stories, but I am thrilled these graphic novel editions exist for today's kids.

Rounded up to 4 stars
Profile Image for Jaclyn.
2,590 reviews5 followers
March 31, 2025
I usually find Jessica's antics amusing, but her irresponsibility here could have ended really badly for that poor sweet old dog, Sally. Legit surprised that Mrs. Bramble would trust Jessica to walk Sally for a month after that.

Still, I'm super glad things ended well, and I thought Mrs. Bramble and Sally are such sweet characters. And Jessica did learn a valuable lesson about the importance of keeping promises...a lesson that she'll probably forget the next time she wants something. 😏

And the artwork is fantastic as always. Overall, a great adaptation of a classic SVT.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Marian.
877 reviews25 followers
Read
February 10, 2025
Not a fan of "Jessica is the worst and it takes her the entire book to realize it" stories, and that's pretty much all this one is. The art is cute and I would kill for Sally if need be because she's far too precious.
Profile Image for Ashley.
449 reviews6 followers
March 5, 2025
Love the nostalgia.

Liz is still such a pushover and Jess is still the most selfish person on planet Earth.

Also...Steven is supposed to be 14yo; a freshman in HS, not able to drive his dad's car anywhere.

Still loved it.
199 reviews
February 11, 2025
This book was all right but the illustrations were beautiful as always but if you're looking for a easy read it's something to get into I would definitely recommend this one
Profile Image for Alex.
6,683 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2025
This was fine, but I just still really don’t like how anyone is drawn.

Also, half of these plots make no sense if the twins have cell phones. They should have kept these set in the 80’s/90’s.
Profile Image for 寿理 宮本.
2,469 reviews17 followers
February 12, 2025
I snuck a peek at my spouse's copy of this, haha... well, it was left RIGHT THERE on the table where I work from home when we get snowed in! Who could blame me?

(No, I didn't read it during work, that's irresponsible! Like Jessica!)

Thing is, even though I haven't read the original version, I still felt stressed out just SEEING the book. There's simply NO way a book with this kind of title, about school-age characters, wouldn't end up with them getting caught! So the whole time, I was reading with a sort of "countdown to doomsday" in my head until the inevitable... (not to mention, 100% predictable that once )

Now, . But then, reading about punishment isn't entertaining, I suppose, and hers was at least wholesome, in a way. I have to give props to Mrs. Bramble for keeping a good sense of humour about it and not just coming down with the guillotine like a normal adult would.

That might be what I like best, the alternative approaches to just doling out punishments (no matter how deserved), and for all my anxiety over the story, it was pretty good.

What threw it off is what I'm now seeing as the "tie-in" bits: the next book is VERY STRONGLY "hinted" at with some seemingly random happening at the end of the current book—in this case, The New Girl. Brooke's appearance here just felt weird and forced where the rest of the story felt pretty streamlined and efficient. I don't know. I mean, I would absolutely do the same thing in my books (if I ever finished any), but somehow here it feels a bit heavyhanded.

Otherwise, a great book for middle school readers! Especially ones prone to getting into trouble, haha.

(Final thought: $60 for a concert ticket feels like discount, honestly. I don't know if that was the amount in the original book, but they could have easily scaled it up to reflect current prices, I think? ...unless there are magic pockets of California that AREN'T stupid expensive... but I doubt it.)
Profile Image for Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm).
1,141 reviews91 followers
January 15, 2025
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🐶 have ever dog sat for someone
🎶 snuck out to attend a concert
🤞🏻 have trouble keeping your promises
📖 enjoy reading graphic novels

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

Everyone at Sweet Valley Middle School is going to the biggest concert ever...everyone except twins, Jessica and Elizabeth! Their favorite band is back in town but no matter how much they beg their parents they can't get permission to go. Elizabeth is ready to sulk and stay home, but Jessica refuses to give up hope. She'll see this band even if it means lying or leaving her sister behind.

Caught between her parents and her twin will Elizabeth sneak out with Jessica? Or will she blow the whole plan out of the water?

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

I absolutely love these graphic novels! Even though I’m not exactly the age demographic they had in mind, I absolutely love everything about these stories! I never read the original books, but these are so well done and always have a great lesson to teach in a meaningful way. I enjoyed the fact that this one was about promises and being selfish. There were multiple lessons to be learned here, which I think is important for young girls. I would have loved to have these when I was a teenager. I can’t wait to see what happens with the new girl, Brooke, in the next graphic novel! If you’re a parent of a preteen girl, I highly recommend getting this series for her!
1,832 reviews7 followers
September 22, 2025
Jess and Elizabeth want to go to a concert but their parents say no. Liz is fine with it but Jess is not. Her idol, Johnny Buck, her true love, her crush, is coming and she has to see him. In order to buy the concert tickets she gets a pet sitting job. Mrs. Bramble entrusts her precious Sally to Jess and goes on a four day trip. Jess, who is terrified of dogs, doesn't do a good job of walking, feeding and caring for Sally. Her parents, brother and sister pick up the slack while Jess makes excuses and gets out of helping. In the meantime Jess has promised to her twin find a dress for the formal dance coming up but keeps putting it off. Jess is selfish and does whatever she wants lying to her parents, disrespecting her sister and not being responsible. Elizabeth does her best to cover for Jess even though Jess is treating her terribly too. What will happen in the end?
Profile Image for Becky • bookmarked by becky .
819 reviews35 followers
February 8, 2025
Sweet Valley Twins: Sneaking Out is an adorable graphic novel that captures the essence of the beloved Sweet Valley Twins series while offering a fresh, illustrated spin on the classic story. The graphic art is bright and engaging, enhancing the story.

The plot is relatable and fun, filled with themes of friendship, responsibility, and the importance of owning up to one’s mistakes. It's a delightful mix of excitement and life lessons that will resonate with 3rd to 6th graders, especially those dealing with similar dilemmas of balancing fun and responsibility.

Whether you’re a longtime Sweet Valley fan or new to the graphic novel series, Sneaking Out is an enjoyable, charming addition.
3 reviews
July 22, 2025
In every sweet valley twins book I have read, Jessica gets whatever she wants in the end, and Elizabeth gets the short end of the stick. I mean, Jessica ruined Elizabeth's dress, lost the earrings Elizabeth was going to give to her mom, and made Elizabeth take of the dog JESSICA was supposed to be watching, and still got off with next to no punishment, got to see the Johnny Buck concert, and Elizabeth let her be part of the gift that only Elizabeth got for her mom. However I liked the art in this book, the little old lady and her dedication to her dog, and some of the sweeter parts between the twins and their mom. So i'm going to give it 3 stars overall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Barbara.
15k reviews315 followers
July 31, 2025
In this installment featuring just about everyone's favorite twin sisters, Jessica and Elizabeth are dying to see their favorite singer in concert, but their parents won't give them permission to go. But as usual, Jessica finds it hard to hear the word "no," and she masterminds a plan that will allow her attendance. But things go awry quickly. Colorful art, clean panels, and a relatable scenario combine to make this an appealing read with a strong message about what happens when someone disobeys their parents and sneaks out. And how tangled is the web in which Jessica wraps herself at almost every step.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

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