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Sweet Valley Twins #14
Tug Of War
The halls of Sweet Valley Middle School are buzzing. Identical twins Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield are running against each other for sixth grade president. It's sure to be the most dramatic event of the year because each one will go to any length to win. The candidates disagree on everything, right down to how they should make use of the sixth grade class money. But all this fighting can't go on without taking its toll. Both sisters know that if they want to remain friends, one of them will have to drop out of the race. But which one will it be?
112 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1987
5 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Francine Pascal
1,139 books1,845 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 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 30, 2022
Yet another SVT where the side character is a big nerd that everyone makes fun of, yet ends up being the best choice for (insert) "whatever election/party/committee" is currently happening in the 6th grade.
Truthfully, Randy sounds awesome.
Truthfully, Randy sounds awesome.
March 26, 2022
all done
great book but extremely predictable
great book but extremely predictable
May 30, 2022
Tug of War
“The Hairnet” lets her social studies class throw a party for Linda-the class president- that will be moving to Texas. Liz brings the Wakefield’s special chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter icing. She’s able to sneak one for Jessica. Lila thinks Linda never should have been president and that it should be a Unicorn. Now they can fix that. This student Jim says he thinks it should be a boy. Then he selects a random boy in the lunchroom (Randy). Randy is a shy, quiet, boy that everyone sees as a nerd. Surprisingly he says he thinks he will run. Linda suggests Amy run but Amy knows she’s not a leader. Elizabeth wonders could she do it, but then dismisses the idea (she’s already treasure). Julie excitedly gives the news that the sixth graders are having a book fair and they get to decide what to do with the money. Jessica of course wants to have a party (a costume party where the students get to dress as book characters). Elizabeth thinks the money should be spent on the VCR Mr. Bowman said it would be nice to have. Jessica chatters on like the matter is already decided with irritates Liz. Of course, all the Unicorns think Liz’s idea is stupid.
After a good riding lesson, Liz can’t wait to get home and tell Jess that her instructor said she was turning into a good horsewoman. But Lila and Ellen are there. Jessica says she’s decided she wants to be Scarlett O Hara. Julie and Amy also come over and Julie says that Mr. Bowman thought both ideas were great, but he wants the class president to choose (and since there’s not one). The girls think this will play a big part in the campaign. They think on it but can’t think of anyone strong enough to go up against a Unicorn. Elizabeth fantasizes again about it being her. They all wonder who the Unicorns will pick, and Liz says three of em are in Jess’s room. Amy wants to spy on them but Julie and Liz say no it wouldn’t be right. Liz happily later tells Jess her news and thinks how she’s glad she didn’t spy on her twin. Jess would never do anything like that to *her*.
At the assembly, both Liz and Jessica are nominated. Randy is also nominated. Mr. and Mrs. Wakefied make the twins promise the campaign won’t come in between them and they both promise. Liz worries what Lila might have in store since she’s over Jessica’s campaign but she reassures herself again that it’ll all be on the level. Jessica is notably already talking like she’s already won.
Jessica surprises Liz by wanting to work in her room (on a Saturday) with the Unicorns (implying she thinks she’ll spy). But she points out she’s working at Casey’s because she thinks (Jess) will do the same thing and that’s just how it is in politics. At Casey’s Liz, Amy, and Julie’s platform include 1) the VCR 2) a teacher’s award 3) better cafeteria food. Amy finds out the Boosters are throwing a pool party to get support for Jess, but out of dedication says she won’t go. Later the twins get into it. Jessica sees Elizabeth’s ideas and tells her they’re boring and Liz lets on she knows about the pool party and Jess accuses her of spying and says two can play that game.
Elizabeth prints out a bunch of fliers, but they vanish and later are found in the school fountain. Amy and Julie see Ellen and Lila watching them laughing and think it’s a Unicorn prank. Liz starts to say no but then thinks it just might be. After all, Jessica did say two can play that game. At the pool party, Jessica finds out that Lila and Ellen were behind the prank. She’s a little bothered by it because she thinks Liz will try to retaliate. People start coming to her with ideas. Charlie says they can do some “wild things” when she gets to be president. Brooke wants to change the book party to include movie characters. Jessica says that’s ok but no television characters. Someone asks why she says because she says so. Jessica loves the control, but Kimberly Haver throws in a downside. She says she would have run for seventh-grade president but didn’t because of all the meetings. Jess tells Lila she thinks Liz will try to get back at her and she says it’s possible. She’d do some spying. She finds out that Liz is having a rally after a soccer game. She calls Lila who says they’ll figure out a way to stop it. Jess has her doubts about what they’re gonna do.
Lila gets her father to get tons of copies of Johnny Buck’s newest single (that’s not even in stores) and get Ellen to spread the word that they’re giving out free copies in the parking lot. By the time the game is over, there’s just a handful of people (including Randy Mason) in the parking lot who stick around for Liz’s speech. When she gets home, Steve tells Liz she’s being a punk and shows her where Jessica has hidden some posters she had made. Liz waste no time marking up the posters. As Liz and Jess fight (Jess claiming she didn’t do anything to the fliers) Mrs. Wakefield overhears and tells the twins that she thought this would happen and if they aren’t mature enough to handle competition they both will have to drop out of the contest. They promise no more tricks.
Elizabeth sees that Randy is having a rally and since he came to hers she gets Amy and Julie to go with her. (Everyone still takes him as a joke). When they get there he has some good ideas. He wants to make a calendar so the students will know when events are online, sponsor a foreign child, and set up game nights. Most importantly he came up with the idea to use the book fair money to throw the party and then use the ticket sales for the VCR. Amy and Julie tell Liz she should “borrow” his idea since there’s no way he’ll win. Liz even thinks of saying it’s his idea but then saying she’d also spend the money the same way. But her mother says it doesn’t feel right. But it’s her decision. Jessica comes up and Liz apologizes. Then Jess apologizes and they make up. They both make a promise that no matter who wins the election they’ll go back to being not just sisters but BFFs. Jessica gives a weak speech that’s just about the party. Liz drops out and tells everyone who’d vote for her to vote for Randy. Then Randy tells all his ideas. Randy is elected to be the class president. Randy says Liz can be his “executive assistant” and he puts Jessica in charge of the party (which makes her happy). So she’s not angry and after all, she didn’t want to deal with the weekly meetings.
My Thoughts: I think Jessica definitely had the better platform (the pool party and the free Johnny Buck singles). Although it was a *shallow* platform it was the more interesting. Elizabeth’s was just boring. The VCR idea had potential for “movie night” events. Something she should have emphasized about benefits of having a VCR or “movie days” which would have gotten the student's attention cause they’d be thinking “Oh we get to miss class”. The “better lunches” was just one of those things politicians throw in that they know they won’t do anything with. Kind of like “lowering the cost of medicine.” And the teacher’s award, I’m not sure why she thought the students would care about that. If I were middle school I wouldn’t have cared about that one. She could have talked about more events like the book fair that could raise money for them to go on more class trips. That would have gotten their attention. Jessica could have possibly used the idea of the costume party to go into having other parties that would raise money for more activities at the school. Randy’s ideas weren't bad (especially the game days and the sponsoring a child). Or if I would have done it I would have said a WWLF animal. Overall, I think the person who needed to win president did.
Rating: 5
“The Hairnet” lets her social studies class throw a party for Linda-the class president- that will be moving to Texas. Liz brings the Wakefield’s special chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter icing. She’s able to sneak one for Jessica. Lila thinks Linda never should have been president and that it should be a Unicorn. Now they can fix that. This student Jim says he thinks it should be a boy. Then he selects a random boy in the lunchroom (Randy). Randy is a shy, quiet, boy that everyone sees as a nerd. Surprisingly he says he thinks he will run. Linda suggests Amy run but Amy knows she’s not a leader. Elizabeth wonders could she do it, but then dismisses the idea (she’s already treasure). Julie excitedly gives the news that the sixth graders are having a book fair and they get to decide what to do with the money. Jessica of course wants to have a party (a costume party where the students get to dress as book characters). Elizabeth thinks the money should be spent on the VCR Mr. Bowman said it would be nice to have. Jessica chatters on like the matter is already decided with irritates Liz. Of course, all the Unicorns think Liz’s idea is stupid.
After a good riding lesson, Liz can’t wait to get home and tell Jess that her instructor said she was turning into a good horsewoman. But Lila and Ellen are there. Jessica says she’s decided she wants to be Scarlett O Hara. Julie and Amy also come over and Julie says that Mr. Bowman thought both ideas were great, but he wants the class president to choose (and since there’s not one). The girls think this will play a big part in the campaign. They think on it but can’t think of anyone strong enough to go up against a Unicorn. Elizabeth fantasizes again about it being her. They all wonder who the Unicorns will pick, and Liz says three of em are in Jess’s room. Amy wants to spy on them but Julie and Liz say no it wouldn’t be right. Liz happily later tells Jess her news and thinks how she’s glad she didn’t spy on her twin. Jess would never do anything like that to *her*.
At the assembly, both Liz and Jessica are nominated. Randy is also nominated. Mr. and Mrs. Wakefied make the twins promise the campaign won’t come in between them and they both promise. Liz worries what Lila might have in store since she’s over Jessica’s campaign but she reassures herself again that it’ll all be on the level. Jessica is notably already talking like she’s already won.
Jessica surprises Liz by wanting to work in her room (on a Saturday) with the Unicorns (implying she thinks she’ll spy). But she points out she’s working at Casey’s because she thinks (Jess) will do the same thing and that’s just how it is in politics. At Casey’s Liz, Amy, and Julie’s platform include 1) the VCR 2) a teacher’s award 3) better cafeteria food. Amy finds out the Boosters are throwing a pool party to get support for Jess, but out of dedication says she won’t go. Later the twins get into it. Jessica sees Elizabeth’s ideas and tells her they’re boring and Liz lets on she knows about the pool party and Jess accuses her of spying and says two can play that game.
Elizabeth prints out a bunch of fliers, but they vanish and later are found in the school fountain. Amy and Julie see Ellen and Lila watching them laughing and think it’s a Unicorn prank. Liz starts to say no but then thinks it just might be. After all, Jessica did say two can play that game. At the pool party, Jessica finds out that Lila and Ellen were behind the prank. She’s a little bothered by it because she thinks Liz will try to retaliate. People start coming to her with ideas. Charlie says they can do some “wild things” when she gets to be president. Brooke wants to change the book party to include movie characters. Jessica says that’s ok but no television characters. Someone asks why she says because she says so. Jessica loves the control, but Kimberly Haver throws in a downside. She says she would have run for seventh-grade president but didn’t because of all the meetings. Jess tells Lila she thinks Liz will try to get back at her and she says it’s possible. She’d do some spying. She finds out that Liz is having a rally after a soccer game. She calls Lila who says they’ll figure out a way to stop it. Jess has her doubts about what they’re gonna do.
Lila gets her father to get tons of copies of Johnny Buck’s newest single (that’s not even in stores) and get Ellen to spread the word that they’re giving out free copies in the parking lot. By the time the game is over, there’s just a handful of people (including Randy Mason) in the parking lot who stick around for Liz’s speech. When she gets home, Steve tells Liz she’s being a punk and shows her where Jessica has hidden some posters she had made. Liz waste no time marking up the posters. As Liz and Jess fight (Jess claiming she didn’t do anything to the fliers) Mrs. Wakefield overhears and tells the twins that she thought this would happen and if they aren’t mature enough to handle competition they both will have to drop out of the contest. They promise no more tricks.
Elizabeth sees that Randy is having a rally and since he came to hers she gets Amy and Julie to go with her. (Everyone still takes him as a joke). When they get there he has some good ideas. He wants to make a calendar so the students will know when events are online, sponsor a foreign child, and set up game nights. Most importantly he came up with the idea to use the book fair money to throw the party and then use the ticket sales for the VCR. Amy and Julie tell Liz she should “borrow” his idea since there’s no way he’ll win. Liz even thinks of saying it’s his idea but then saying she’d also spend the money the same way. But her mother says it doesn’t feel right. But it’s her decision. Jessica comes up and Liz apologizes. Then Jess apologizes and they make up. They both make a promise that no matter who wins the election they’ll go back to being not just sisters but BFFs. Jessica gives a weak speech that’s just about the party. Liz drops out and tells everyone who’d vote for her to vote for Randy. Then Randy tells all his ideas. Randy is elected to be the class president. Randy says Liz can be his “executive assistant” and he puts Jessica in charge of the party (which makes her happy). So she’s not angry and after all, she didn’t want to deal with the weekly meetings.
My Thoughts: I think Jessica definitely had the better platform (the pool party and the free Johnny Buck singles). Although it was a *shallow* platform it was the more interesting. Elizabeth’s was just boring. The VCR idea had potential for “movie night” events. Something she should have emphasized about benefits of having a VCR or “movie days” which would have gotten the student's attention cause they’d be thinking “Oh we get to miss class”. The “better lunches” was just one of those things politicians throw in that they know they won’t do anything with. Kind of like “lowering the cost of medicine.” And the teacher’s award, I’m not sure why she thought the students would care about that. If I were middle school I wouldn’t have cared about that one. She could have talked about more events like the book fair that could raise money for them to go on more class trips. That would have gotten their attention. Jessica could have possibly used the idea of the costume party to go into having other parties that would raise money for more activities at the school. Randy’s ideas weren't bad (especially the game days and the sponsoring a child). Or if I would have done it I would have said a WWLF animal. Overall, I think the person who needed to win president did.
Rating: 5
August 4, 2015
This one was the typical class president election trope: The popular one vs. the smart one and a third more qualified candidate that everyone ignores
Why did I like the Unicorns when I was a kid?? These yatches are straight RUDE
Why did I like the Unicorns when I was a kid?? These yatches are straight RUDE
June 22, 2013
I remember the cover but just not the story
December 17, 2017
As she spoke, Elizabeth was wondering why she was bothering to help an opponent. But Randy was so sweet and pitiful, she couldn't just let him make a fool of himself. Besides, he didn't really have a chance of winning anyway.
Wow Liz, Who would have thought you are as stuck up as Jessica?
Jessica shrugged, and turned as if to walk out of the room. She paused at the doorway, though, and turned around. "I'm sorry about messing up your rally," she said.
Apologies didn't come easy to her, and she didn't sound terribly sincere, but Elizabeth didn't mind. At least Jessica was making an effort to get along.
How is an insincere apology making an effort? Doormat Liz strikes again.
Wow Liz, Who would have thought you are as stuck up as Jessica?
Jessica shrugged, and turned as if to walk out of the room. She paused at the doorway, though, and turned around. "I'm sorry about messing up your rally," she said.
Apologies didn't come easy to her, and she didn't sound terribly sincere, but Elizabeth didn't mind. At least Jessica was making an effort to get along.
How is an insincere apology making an effort? Doormat Liz strikes again.
Read
October 29, 2025Absolute carnage here as Jessica and Elizabeth go head to head in a bid to become Class President. It's immediately clear that Jessica has no clue what this entails, as the only point on her manifesto is to have a party. Elizabeth, however, wants to get the library a VCR (how vintage and completely on brand). There's an outstanding moment when Elizabeth draws black moustaches on Jessica's campaign poster, but her new personality is swiftly ruined when she goes back to being the real Elizabeth and concedes the contest to Randy Nelson. Randy has wayyyyy better ideas than either twin but Elizabeth kindly says that she'll "donate" her share of the votes to him (before anyone's even voted). How kind.
April 4, 2023
Jessica and Elizabeth originally campaign for 6th grade class president with their own good intentions and thoughts of friendly or sisterly competition. Things take a negative turn between the twins and the campaign before the competition comes to a head and the 6th grade elects the best possible candidate for president.
September 14, 2025
I love The Wakefield Twins! I used to read these books back in middle school. It brings back so many memories. In this one Tug Of War. The twins are both in the race for class president. Jessica has zero idea what a class president does but wants to win to throw a party. Elizabeth has a better platform. The twins start playing dirty though but eventually start playing fair.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2018
Once more Jessica and Elizabeth are at odds. The question is, which twin would be a better student president? Things get brutal. Even Elizabeth isn't adverse to pushing to get her own way. Should we be shocked?
February 4, 2022
I love that Jessica's sign says "Jessica is No 1", because I read it as "no one" and laughed for way too long.
August 4, 2023
I enjoyed this one, even if I could spot the ending from a mile away. Jessica and Elizabeth were fighting, but it didn’t seem as bad or high stakes.
November 14, 2023
“Jessica would never do anything sneaky or nasty to win…” Oh, Liz. Have you even *met* your sister?
May 13, 2021
It was OK!
March 26, 2023
Sweet Valley Twins 14 - Tug of War
It’s time to elect a new class President! The nominees are: Randy Mason, Elizabeth and… Jessica! No one seriously thinks Randy has a chance, so of course he will win. Meanwhile, it’s decided that the new class President gets to decide how to spend the money raised from the book fair. Liz wants a VCR for the library, and the Unicorns want a costume party with everyone as book characters… and Jess wants to be Scarlett O’Hara 😍 This is pretty much the only reason Jess is running, and a big reason for Liz too. The twins start competing with their campaigns pretty quickly, and it turns dirty. Liz’s flyers go missing, and end up in the school fountain. Then, Jess ruins Liz’s rally with free Johnny Buck CDs. Steven convinces Liz to destroy Jessica’s posters (with hilarious black pen moustaches - why wasn’t this the cover??) Liz soon realises Randy has great ideas - including using computers to make life easier 😂 He also suggests charging for tickets to the party so they can also buy the VCR. Liz doesn’t want to steal the idea, but knows Randy just can’t win. She decides to drop out and asks for her votes to go to Randy. Randy wins! He asks Jess to help plan the party, so everyone is happy!
My rating - 5/10 - the fighting didn’t get as dirty as I expected, and I loved the GWTW reference.
#sweetvalley #sweetvalleykids #sweetvalleytwins #unicornclub #sweetvalleyjnrhigh #sweetvalleyhigh #sweetvalleysenioryear #sweetvalleyuniversity #sweetvalleyseries #bookreview
It’s time to elect a new class President! The nominees are: Randy Mason, Elizabeth and… Jessica! No one seriously thinks Randy has a chance, so of course he will win. Meanwhile, it’s decided that the new class President gets to decide how to spend the money raised from the book fair. Liz wants a VCR for the library, and the Unicorns want a costume party with everyone as book characters… and Jess wants to be Scarlett O’Hara 😍 This is pretty much the only reason Jess is running, and a big reason for Liz too. The twins start competing with their campaigns pretty quickly, and it turns dirty. Liz’s flyers go missing, and end up in the school fountain. Then, Jess ruins Liz’s rally with free Johnny Buck CDs. Steven convinces Liz to destroy Jessica’s posters (with hilarious black pen moustaches - why wasn’t this the cover??) Liz soon realises Randy has great ideas - including using computers to make life easier 😂 He also suggests charging for tickets to the party so they can also buy the VCR. Liz doesn’t want to steal the idea, but knows Randy just can’t win. She decides to drop out and asks for her votes to go to Randy. Randy wins! He asks Jess to help plan the party, so everyone is happy!
My rating - 5/10 - the fighting didn’t get as dirty as I expected, and I loved the GWTW reference.
#sweetvalley #sweetvalleykids #sweetvalleytwins #unicornclub #sweetvalleyjnrhigh #sweetvalleyhigh #sweetvalleysenioryear #sweetvalleyuniversity #sweetvalleyseries #bookreview
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2016
This is the 14th book in the Sweet Valley Twins series. The sixth-grade president for the school is moving away and so a new president needs to be elected. Also, a boo kfair is going to be held and there is a question of what to do with the money.
Jessica wants to run for president and spend the money on a lavish costume party for the sixth graders. Elizabeth ends up running, wanting to buy a new VCR for the school media center.
The two girls clash over and over with Lila playing some of her dirty tricks. The twins are to the point of having nothing to do with each other any more
Then there's a third candidate, a dark horse named Randy who is a nerd and seems to have virtually no friends at all. Yet Elizabeth finds out that Randy has a lot of good ideas on what can be done with the money from the book
fair and has lots of other good ideas on what can be done for the school in general.
The question becomes what will Elizabeth do? If she stays in the race she could win, yet there are the constant battles with her sister. If she drops out it seems that Jessica will automatically win the race. Should she throw her support behind Randy and his good ideas, or leave everything to her sister?
Jessica wants to run for president and spend the money on a lavish costume party for the sixth graders. Elizabeth ends up running, wanting to buy a new VCR for the school media center.
The two girls clash over and over with Lila playing some of her dirty tricks. The twins are to the point of having nothing to do with each other any more
Then there's a third candidate, a dark horse named Randy who is a nerd and seems to have virtually no friends at all. Yet Elizabeth finds out that Randy has a lot of good ideas on what can be done with the money from the book
fair and has lots of other good ideas on what can be done for the school in general.
The question becomes what will Elizabeth do? If she stays in the race she could win, yet there are the constant battles with her sister. If she drops out it seems that Jessica will automatically win the race. Should she throw her support behind Randy and his good ideas, or leave everything to her sister?
August 8, 2019
RATING: 4 STARS
(Review Not on Blog)
I picked up one of the Sweet Valley Twins novel at the library (before my strict read in order only rule) and fell in love with the California twins and their friends and family. I had just started reading thicker chapter books, and joining the library summer reading club, I went through these books pretty quick. I was excited that I could read and really fell in love with books and reading. I believe I was about 7-9 when I read these books so it was exciting to read about 12 year old popular preteens. I could relate to both Elizabeth and Jessica, and really could not pick which twin I liked better. I would not finish this series as I would quickly move on to Sweet Valley High (Double Love). These are very tame books, and any age could read them. First crushes and bullying were the big issues that I can remember. This is very Full House (TV series) kind of books.
***This is a series review***
(Review Not on Blog)
I picked up one of the Sweet Valley Twins novel at the library (before my strict read in order only rule) and fell in love with the California twins and their friends and family. I had just started reading thicker chapter books, and joining the library summer reading club, I went through these books pretty quick. I was excited that I could read and really fell in love with books and reading. I believe I was about 7-9 when I read these books so it was exciting to read about 12 year old popular preteens. I could relate to both Elizabeth and Jessica, and really could not pick which twin I liked better. I would not finish this series as I would quickly move on to Sweet Valley High (Double Love). These are very tame books, and any age could read them. First crushes and bullying were the big issues that I can remember. This is very Full House (TV series) kind of books.
***This is a series review***
Read
April 10, 2023Once again, we find out that Liz is just as capable of devious, underhanded behaviour as Jess is - it's just that Liz tends to end up struck by conscience, whereas Jessica doesn't really have one ;)
[Re-read. Previously read a couple of times.]
[Re-read. Previously read a couple of times.]
July 24, 2014
Jessica and Elizabeth are both running for class president, alongside joke nominee Randy Mason.
Read
February 5, 2009JAR4-Pas
November 13, 2009
This is a very good book. It has to do with competition. If you like books about twins going head to head running for class president, then this is the book for you!
October 24, 2010
Some issues were small, some issues were big - no issue was ever made to seem unimportant.
Read
August 29, 2011From "Books I have read this summer" list that I found at home in NJ.
May 6, 2021
Loved these books as a child
September 30, 2017
This was the first Sweet Valley Twins I ever read. The beginning was rude, but the plot was pretty good.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews