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Pam & Penny Howard #2
Double Feature
Pam and Penny's grandmother is marrying Lucius and now they must agree on which college to attend. Pam must also decide what to do about Randy's growing feelings for her. The twins choose Harwood, where Mike is also going and Pam decides to break things off with Randy who is heading east to go to school. At Harwood, Pam meets Cade, who plays the same game of hard-to-get that Pam is used to playing herself. But she also meets Jeff, who doesn't really belong to her crowd, but attracts her nonetheless. At the end, she must decide who is more important to her and also changes her ways as she learns more about what it is like to grow up and change.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 1953
6 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Rosamond du Jardin
33 books63 followersRosamond du Jardin, née Neal, first wrote humorous verse and short stories for newspaper syndicates, then went on to sell approximately a hundred stories to such magazines as Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, McCall's and many other publications, abroad as well as in the United States. She also wrote five novels for adults before her first novel for teenagers, Practically Seventeen, which was published in 1949.
She was married to Victor Du Jardin on October 28, 1925. They had three children, Jacqueline Neal, Victor Junior, and Judith Carol, with whom she would later co-author Junior Year Abroad.
In addition to writing, Mrs. Du Jardin frequently spoke at schools, and students enjoyed meeting in person the creator of some of their favorite stories. Mrs. Du Jardin enjoyed her school visits, too, because she liked and respected teenagers as individuals and firmly believed that they are interesting, normal and dependable people.
Born in the small town of Fairland, Illinois, Rosamond du Jardin was two years old when her family moved to Chicago. She lived there and in the Chicago suburbs for the rest of her life.
She was married to Victor Du Jardin on October 28, 1925. They had three children, Jacqueline Neal, Victor Junior, and Judith Carol, with whom she would later co-author Junior Year Abroad.
In addition to writing, Mrs. Du Jardin frequently spoke at schools, and students enjoyed meeting in person the creator of some of their favorite stories. Mrs. Du Jardin enjoyed her school visits, too, because she liked and respected teenagers as individuals and firmly believed that they are interesting, normal and dependable people.
Born in the small town of Fairland, Illinois, Rosamond du Jardin was two years old when her family moved to Chicago. She lived there and in the Chicago suburbs for the rest of her life.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 7, 2025
4.5🌟 I'm really loving this Rosamond du Jardin series so far! Both books have been very entertaining and hard to put down. Yay!
It was so clever of the author to change the point of view in this book. The first book in this twins series, Double Date, was from Penny's (the shy, intellectual and thoughtful sister) point of view, while this Double Feature was from Pam's (the vivacious, outgoing, fun-loving sister). Although Pam frustrated me in the first book, it was really nice to see her mature more in this story.
WHAT I LOVED:
❊ College scene
❊ Autumn setting (including a short Thanksgiving section)
❊ Increased sympathy between the twin sisters
❊ Slightly more serious subject matter (but still light)
❊ Young love and deepening friendships
I admit that I feel a bit addicted to Rosamond du Jardin's writing and books. I want to buy every single book she's written! As you can tell, I'm very excited to continue with the last two books of the series (Showboat Summer and Double Wedding)—wooo!
Highly, highly recommended if you love vintage YA, twins, friendship and freshman college vibes—also, if you love the Betsy-Tacy high school books, this is just a step up from that (in the 1950s instead of early 1900s.) Sooo good!
It was so clever of the author to change the point of view in this book. The first book in this twins series, Double Date, was from Penny's (the shy, intellectual and thoughtful sister) point of view, while this Double Feature was from Pam's (the vivacious, outgoing, fun-loving sister). Although Pam frustrated me in the first book, it was really nice to see her mature more in this story.
WHAT I LOVED:
❊ College scene
❊ Autumn setting (including a short Thanksgiving section)
❊ Increased sympathy between the twin sisters
❊ Slightly more serious subject matter (but still light)
❊ Young love and deepening friendships
I admit that I feel a bit addicted to Rosamond du Jardin's writing and books. I want to buy every single book she's written! As you can tell, I'm very excited to continue with the last two books of the series (Showboat Summer and Double Wedding)—wooo!
Highly, highly recommended if you love vintage YA, twins, friendship and freshman college vibes—also, if you love the Betsy-Tacy high school books, this is just a step up from that (in the 1950s instead of early 1900s.) Sooo good!
February 26, 2018
I loved this book so much as a child. I'm not sure entirely why? It was fun, but I wish it had a little bit more of College life in the 50s
November 29, 2009
While Penny was the main character in Double Date, this second book in the series focuses on her somewhat self-absorbed twin Pam, as the girls graduate from high school and choose a college. Pam's love them and leave them dating policy is challenged when her first college boyfriend, Cad, I mean, Cade, treats her with just the hurtful disdain she used to show all her beaux. Fortunately, this painful experience helps Pam mature and notice the one guy who has been there as a friend for her during this stressful year...
February 23, 2018
While I did enjoy this story, I didn't like it as much as the first book in the series. Perhaps because it had Pam as the main character instead of Penny, and I like Penny better. And oh, Pam, I knew trouble was going to happen as soon as Cade stepped into the picture! Ugh!
There were a few kisses (not described beyond leaving a person breathless) and a few "darns."
I might read this book again.
There were a few kisses (not described beyond leaving a person breathless) and a few "darns."
I might read this book again.
July 10, 2019
This is book #2 in Rosamond Du Jardin's series about identical twins Pam and Penny Howard. The twins complete high school but don't know if their mother can afford college for them. She has her own interior decorator shop, which they live above. She is doing well and tells the girls that they can go to college. I found this rather amusing that colleges could just be chosen right before entering since I was accepted at mine before senior year of high school began.
Pam continues to be selfish. She wants to go to a big college with sororities and fraternities. Penny wants to go to Harwood, a small college in Ohio, that has no such clubs. Her boyfriend Mike, who has finally given up on Pam and is now in love with her, is going to Harwood in Ohio. The twins want to attend the same college. She finally agrees to Harwood and they are off to college.
Both grandmother and mother, strong independent women, marry confirmed bachelors, which was fun. Pam meets Jeff, an older guy who went to the Marines military service before college. He lives and works on a farm. Although she is attracted to him, she wants more fun out of life. Her first college boyfriend, Cade, is a real cad. Slowly she begins to see that Jeff is dependable and the man for her. Penny is still with Mike, who is putting himself through college, and hasn't much money.
Pam does a lot of growing up in this book. Du Jardin is a wizard at writing about teens.
Pam continues to be selfish. She wants to go to a big college with sororities and fraternities. Penny wants to go to Harwood, a small college in Ohio, that has no such clubs. Her boyfriend Mike, who has finally given up on Pam and is now in love with her, is going to Harwood in Ohio. The twins want to attend the same college. She finally agrees to Harwood and they are off to college.
Both grandmother and mother, strong independent women, marry confirmed bachelors, which was fun. Pam meets Jeff, an older guy who went to the Marines military service before college. He lives and works on a farm. Although she is attracted to him, she wants more fun out of life. Her first college boyfriend, Cade, is a real cad. Slowly she begins to see that Jeff is dependable and the man for her. Penny is still with Mike, who is putting himself through college, and hasn't much money.
Pam does a lot of growing up in this book. Du Jardin is a wizard at writing about teens.
May 6, 2016
Ugh I can't stand Pam. I wish this book hasn't been from her point of view. I like Penny so much better. And catching a glimpse into Pam's thoughts and feelings did not make me like her more. I hope the next book in this series is back to being about Penny.
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November 4, 2016I had read this book first before reading Double Date - but I was instantly hooked on the series!
May 21, 2018
#2 in the Pam & Penny series. The twins have graduated high school and are looking up colleges they can both attend (along with Penny's boyfriend Mike). The book now switches the focus from Penny to Pam--and unfortunately Pam ends up hurting Penny once again. This time an angry Penny confronts an already remorseful Pam. But Pam does make it up to her before they go off to college.
The remaining story shows the gang (Pam, Penny, Mike) getting into college life. The twins each gravitate towards new friends and activities that express their personal interests. Pam is slowly starting to make new goals for herself--to become a better student and to be more accepting of Penny's personal choices. Pam still wants to experience some fun and excitement though and becomes attracted to a "bad boy". At the same time she also meets a new friend of Penny and Mike who is both a college student and farmer. As Pam gets to know both men, she begins to see that it's immaturity versus solid strength of character. Who does she choose?
It's interesting to read Pam's inner thoughts as she faces these new challenges in her life, and it's good to see her strive to become a better person. Her character development arc continues through the other books in the series, Showboat Summer and Double Wedding.
The remaining story shows the gang (Pam, Penny, Mike) getting into college life. The twins each gravitate towards new friends and activities that express their personal interests. Pam is slowly starting to make new goals for herself--to become a better student and to be more accepting of Penny's personal choices. Pam still wants to experience some fun and excitement though and becomes attracted to a "bad boy". At the same time she also meets a new friend of Penny and Mike who is both a college student and farmer. As Pam gets to know both men, she begins to see that it's immaturity versus solid strength of character. Who does she choose?
It's interesting to read Pam's inner thoughts as she faces these new challenges in her life, and it's good to see her strive to become a better person. Her character development arc continues through the other books in the series, Showboat Summer and Double Wedding.
May 31, 2018
The twins have finished high school and spend the summer planning their next steps, including which college to attend. Penny is all for going to a small college in Ohio, but Pam has doubts. She views college as a time for fun, pledging to a sorority, going out with lots of young men (very much like high school). Penny is planning for her future, looking at academic programs, and enjoying the fact that her boyfriend wants to go to the same school. After a lot of thought and some difficult talks with her mother and her twin, Pam decides to go with Penny and Mike.
At college, the twins are finding their feet quickly. They enjoy their classes, have made many new friends, and mostly gone their own ways. Penny isn't happy about one of Pam's many boyfriends though--he's handsome and rich but a very negative person, who thinks that studying and the rules of the school are a waste of time. Meanwhile, Pam is finding that she enjoys being a student and is proud of what she's accomplished as a college student. And hovering on the sidelines is another young man who does value what Pam is becoming.
Another nostalgic read.
At college, the twins are finding their feet quickly. They enjoy their classes, have made many new friends, and mostly gone their own ways. Penny isn't happy about one of Pam's many boyfriends though--he's handsome and rich but a very negative person, who thinks that studying and the rules of the school are a waste of time. Meanwhile, Pam is finding that she enjoys being a student and is proud of what she's accomplished as a college student. And hovering on the sidelines is another young man who does value what Pam is becoming.
Another nostalgic read.
July 2, 2025
I've read this book in Italian, titled 'Pam e Pennt al college).
Here is my review in Italian.
____________
Il libro mi è piaciuto molto. L’ho letto in pochissimo tempo e le pagine scorrevano via veloci. La trama è molto a volo d’uccello. Oggi forse sarebbe più approfondito in alcuni punti, ma la psicologia di tutti i personaggi è molto ben delineata e la crescita di Pam è molto ben descritta. L’amore viene delineato a punta di forchetta, come è giusto che sia.
Inoltre mi ha dato la possibilità di approfondire maggiormente la vita della scrittrice Rosamund du Jardin, autrice americana (il cognome è del marito) che ho amato moltissimo nella mia adolescenza. Ho anche scoperto che l’ispirazione per le sorelle gemelle Pam e Penny le è venuta da due amiche del college, gemelle, ma molto diverse nei loro comportamenti.
Si dovrebbero leggere ancora libri del genere, in cui si insegna ai giovani il sacrificio e il senso di responsabilità, in cui l’amore è un sentimento che aiuta a crescere e che risveglia la complicità e l’altruismo.
Here is my review in Italian.
____________
Il libro mi è piaciuto molto. L’ho letto in pochissimo tempo e le pagine scorrevano via veloci. La trama è molto a volo d’uccello. Oggi forse sarebbe più approfondito in alcuni punti, ma la psicologia di tutti i personaggi è molto ben delineata e la crescita di Pam è molto ben descritta. L’amore viene delineato a punta di forchetta, come è giusto che sia.
Inoltre mi ha dato la possibilità di approfondire maggiormente la vita della scrittrice Rosamund du Jardin, autrice americana (il cognome è del marito) che ho amato moltissimo nella mia adolescenza. Ho anche scoperto che l’ispirazione per le sorelle gemelle Pam e Penny le è venuta da due amiche del college, gemelle, ma molto diverse nei loro comportamenti.
Si dovrebbero leggere ancora libri del genere, in cui si insegna ai giovani il sacrificio e il senso di responsabilità, in cui l’amore è un sentimento che aiuta a crescere e che risveglia la complicità e l’altruismo.
July 2, 2025
I didn't enjoy this novel as well as I did Double Date, the first book in this series. This one follows the twins to college but focuses almost exclusively on Pam. Penny appears in the novel but as little more than a minor character. I guess Double Date focused primarily on Penny, so maybe it was Pam's turn, but at least in the first novel we frequently got Pam's point of view. Anyway, it was an interesting view of college life in the 1950s (wow, colleges were strict) and Pam learns a number of important (albeit easily acquired) lessons along the way.
August 31, 2023
4.5/5 ⭐️'s.
Old stone walls with ivy clinging to them, broad paths bordering a velvet lawn, couples in bright colors walking arm and arm ... Pam and Penny move on from high school (DOUBLE DATE) to college at Harwood, a small university in a suburb near Cleveland. All the 1950s nostalgia you could ever want is wrapped up in this beautiful package of a book. I never tire of revisiting these stories and gobble them up like the cotton candy of my youth.
Old stone walls with ivy clinging to them, broad paths bordering a velvet lawn, couples in bright colors walking arm and arm ... Pam and Penny move on from high school (DOUBLE DATE) to college at Harwood, a small university in a suburb near Cleveland. All the 1950s nostalgia you could ever want is wrapped up in this beautiful package of a book. I never tire of revisiting these stories and gobble them up like the cotton candy of my youth.
March 14, 2024
This was a re-read. I liked it better when I read it in high school before I went to college! One of the strangest parts of the story was that during Homecoming Weekend the students double up in their rooms to make room for alumni to stay in the dorms! When my friends and I go back to college for Homecoming, we always stay in hotels! Another thing I thought strange was that the twins don't even apply to college until after they graduate from high school!
December 13, 2017
I actually enjoyed this book more then I thought I would. I was automatically disappointed that the book was from Pam's perspective instead of Penny's. What a jerk Cade is. Come on Pam, you maybe be bratty most of the time but you can pick better fellas. Ended up being sad that the book was only 144 pages, felt like the ending was hurried and unfinished.
November 7, 2021
I've owned Showboat Summer a very long time, but just read this Penny & Pam prequel, if you will, for the first time. I enjoyed learning some of their backstory, although Pam was pretty awful at times. This was a meatier story than the Tobey Heydon books, and I quite enjoyed it.
March 29, 2018
This was a stroll down memory lane for me. I loved these books in my teens.
January 20, 2022
A solid 3.5 star read. A cute fluff book; very black and white to impart the necessary moral.
March 6, 2022
College life in the 50s!
April 18, 2022
Ending seemed a bit abrupt.
March 23, 2024
This was the best of this quartet of books! Pam, Pam, Pam! Shame on you! Hilarious!
September 20, 2023
I had forgotten
this one’s told from Pam’s perspective.
I like Penny more.
this one’s told from Pam’s perspective.
I like Penny more.
April 29, 2021
Penny and Pam are twins who have done everything together. They're about to graduate high school and move on to college life which is intimidating and exciting. But will they go to the same school? What kind of trouble waits for them at college?
This is an adorable coming of age story and despite being written in 1953 it's a super fun read. I found it quick and easy yet not too easy. I worried this story would read like a Nancy Drew story as far as reading level, but it was much more engaging and I found myself really liking the twins and their adventures. So much so that after some researched I learned this is book #2 in the Penny and Pam books. I found a copy of book one on ebay and am excited to follow the girls through their young adult journey up until marriage (I'm making an educated guess here because the last book in the series is titled Double Wedding).
Can you believe I found this adorable book at a garage sale for a measly $0.50? Me either. Especially when they go for $15-30 online. Score!
This is an adorable coming of age story and despite being written in 1953 it's a super fun read. I found it quick and easy yet not too easy. I worried this story would read like a Nancy Drew story as far as reading level, but it was much more engaging and I found myself really liking the twins and their adventures. So much so that after some researched I learned this is book #2 in the Penny and Pam books. I found a copy of book one on ebay and am excited to follow the girls through their young adult journey up until marriage (I'm making an educated guess here because the last book in the series is titled Double Wedding).
Can you believe I found this adorable book at a garage sale for a measly $0.50? Me either. Especially when they go for $15-30 online. Score!
August 12, 2007
This book was obviously not great literature, but it did make for some pretty good airport reading.
This story takes the twins from high school graduation through most of their first year of college, and focuses mostly on Pam, the more social and frivolous of the two. It doesn't have quite the level of character development that the first book had. In fact, there are a few snippets of unnatural dialog where the twins talk about how much they've grown up since high school, which seem like just a way to get you up to speed if you didn't read the first book.
Nevertheless, it's very pleasant if you like this sort of vintage pop YA lit. (It takes only about two hours to read, so it really IS good for airports.)
This story takes the twins from high school graduation through most of their first year of college, and focuses mostly on Pam, the more social and frivolous of the two. It doesn't have quite the level of character development that the first book had. In fact, there are a few snippets of unnatural dialog where the twins talk about how much they've grown up since high school, which seem like just a way to get you up to speed if you didn't read the first book.
Nevertheless, it's very pleasant if you like this sort of vintage pop YA lit. (It takes only about two hours to read, so it really IS good for airports.)
January 30, 2011
I absoulutley loved this book, it had romance, suspense everything I want in a book. They are twins named Pam and Penny and they are going to the college together. Pam is a more outgoing person, and Penny is a more suddle and study person. Alot of surprising things go on at the college that surprise Pam and Penny. So if you enjoy a book that include romance and suspense this is the book for you.
June 12, 2015
I thought I had read this many years ago...
But I guess not. The story is a timeless teenage montage. The girl likes the bad boy, and he shows her what a cad he is, which leaves her realizing what she really wants. Thankfully this is set back in the 50's or 60's when date drugs were unheard of.
But I guess not. The story is a timeless teenage montage. The girl likes the bad boy, and he shows her what a cad he is, which leaves her realizing what she really wants. Thankfully this is set back in the 50's or 60's when date drugs were unheard of.
October 4, 2019
The author continues to develop these girls' character - internal conflict
and plenty of self discovery. The progression of life was certainly different from our current ways, but remained believable and held my interest.
and plenty of self discovery. The progression of life was certainly different from our current ways, but remained believable and held my interest.
August 5, 2016
Didn't like Pam much; spending time in her head was a bit excruciating.
February 7, 2023
The next in the series that I am rereading. It too holds up, though it too is rather a timepiece…
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