The Top 10 Teen Nostalgia Books and Series You Must Revisit

Sweet Valley High, by Francine Pascal
Running for two decades and more than 600 (that’s right, 600!) books, Pascal’s play on the good twin-bad twin trope really struck a chord with teens for multiple generations, sticking with Wakefield sisters Jessica and Elizabeth from middle school through high school and delving into first kisses (and, uh, more), friendship implosions, and sibling rivalry. Catch up with Liz and Jess as adults in the two spinoffs for grownups, Sweet Valley Confidential and The Sweet Life.

Fear Street, by R.L. Stine
Who doesn’t love a good scare? With more than 80 million copies sold, and counting, the New York Times bestselling series by R.L. Stine has been creeping kids out since 1989, with more than 50 titles in the original series and a number of spinoffs, including Fear Street Cheerleaders, Super Chillers, and Sagas. If you can’t get enough, don’t forget to dive back into Stine’s equally chilling Goosebumps middle grade series for kids.

The Vampire Diaries, by L.J. Smith
Smith’s first series, which spawned the long-running CW hit of the same name, centered on the classic love triangle, with a twist. Recently orphaned Elena Gilbert falls hard for Stefan, and then again for his brother, Damon. But the real dilemma: the brothers Salvatore are older. By like a hundred years or so (thank vampirism for those fresh faces). Bloodlust for the win.

The Face on the Milk Carton, Caroline B. Cooney
Way before Finding Carter, Caroline B. Cooney had a hit series centered on Janie Johnson, who learns she was kidnapped a child after finding her own face plastered on the back of a milk cartoon (because they used to do that back in the day). Full of chills, thrills, and everyday teenaged angst.

Weetzie Bat, by Francesca Lia Block
With her inventive, poetic language and a mystical, reimagined LA setting, Block redefined YA with her 1989 debut. Granted wishes by a genie, Weetzie and her ragtag crew of pals quickly realize tlife isn’t so easily fixed. Controversial and beloved for its groundbreaking take on gay marriage, abortion, and the AIDS epidemic at its height.

Saddle Club, by Bonnie Bryant
With more than one hundred titles to its name, this series, which ran from 1988 to 2001, was popular enough to hold its own against stalwarts like the Baby-Sitters Club and Sweet Valley High, and came complete with a TV spinoff and line of toys. After all, teen girls do love their horses.

Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine
This Newbery Honor–winning classic series, which spawned equally adored big screen adaptations, centered on Ella, an average girl dealt a rough hand by her fairy godmother: the gift of unerring obedience. Which is pretty much the worst thing ever when you’re dealing with cranky ogres, charming princes, and evil stepsisters.

The Baby-Sitters Club, by Ann M. Martin
This girl-powered classic offers something relatable for everyone, whether you identify with entrepreneurial tomboy Kristy, Cali girl Dawn, or fashionable Claudia (one of the earliest Asian American characters this avid reader recalls seeing on the page). A ragtag team of teen girls bond over a common goal, and the trials and tribulations of dealing with work, school, and boys, of course. Recently updated and reissued for a modern audience, the Baby-Sitters Club series recently received the graphic novel treatment from Raina Telgemeier.

Nancy Drew, by Carolyn Keene
The world’s favorite girl detective has been inspiring pig-tailed gumshoes for generations, and continues to do so. Known for her measured curiosity and smarts, Nancy unravels these mysteries through old-fashioned footwork.

Flowers in the Attic, by V.C. Andrews
The ever controversial series by V.C. Andrews—which recently got a boost with a well-watched TV revival—centers on a family of four siblings who’ve been confined to the north wing of the cold Dollanganger mansion, abandoned by the mother who wants to reinsinuate herself into her wealthy family’s good graces. Full of purple prose and scandal, Flowers remains a delectable read for teens and adults alike.