Books On Board

Pratt Twins Books in Order

  • 13 Books
  • 1984 – 1991 Published

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Reading order
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The Recommended Reading Path: Start at the Beginning

For the best experience reading the Pratt Twins series, you should read the books in their official publication order. The series follows a linear chronological progression where the twins, Susan and Christine Pratt, grow from high school students in their hometown of Whittington into young women heading off to college in New York City. Starting with the first book ensures you understand their distinct personalities, their relationship dynamics, and how their identity-swapping schemes evolve over time.

Publication Order of the Pratt Twins Books

Written by Cynthia Blair between 1984 and 1991, the series consists of 13 novels. The complete publication order is as follows:

  1. The Banana Split Affair (1984)
  2. The Hot Fudge Sunday Affair (1985)
  3. Strawberry Summer (1986)
  4. The Pumpkin Principle (1986)
  5. Marshmallow Masquerade (1987)
  6. The Candy Cane Caper (1987)
  7. The Pink Lemonade Charade (1988)
  8. The Double-Dip Disguise (1988)
  9. The Popcorn Project (1989)
  10. The Apple Pie Adventure (1989)
  11. The Jelly Bean Scheme (1990)
  12. The Lollipop Plot (1990)
  13. The Coconut Connection (1991)

Chronological Progression and Setting Caveats

While the earlier books focus heavily on typical high school dramas, crushes, and local misadventures in Whittington, the series transitions into travel mysteries and older coming-of-age settings as the twins mature. A significant shift occurs in the tenth book, The Apple Pie Adventure, where Christine and Susan leave Whittington to pursue higher education in New York City. Christine attends college while Susan enrolls in art school. The final book, The Coconut Connection, wraps up the series with a grand Hawaiian adventure, showing how far the twins have grown since their initial high school swap.

Key Motifs and Adventures

Dessert-Themed Titles and Schemes

Almost every book in the series features a sweet snack or dessert in the title. These treats often mirror the lighthearted, fun-filled schemes the twins cook up. In the debut book, The Banana Split Affair, Susan (the shy, artistic twin) and Christine (the outgoing, trendy twin) make a bet to swap lives for two weeks. In the sequel, The Hot Fudge Sunday Affair, the twins take turns playing the role of town Centennial Queen, risking exposure in front of a suspicious mayor's daughter just to celebrate their success with hot fudge sundaes.

The Twin Identity Swaps

Identity swaps are a recurring plot device that the twins use to solve personal dilemmas or help others. A classic example is Marshmallow Masquerade, where the twins attempt to decipher male behavior by having Christine disguise herself as a boy to infiltrate the boys' social circle. In The Candy Cane Caper, the twins use their identical appearance to save a local children's hospital in a snowy Vermont village.

Travel and International Intrigue

As the series progresses, the twins travel far beyond their hometown, turning their identity-swapping tricks into tools for solving mysteries:

  • The Pink Lemonade Charade: The twins visit Washington, D.C., where they get caught up in helping a Russian ballerina defect.
  • The Double-Dip Disguise: While working summer jobs on Seagull Island, they uncover wealthy family secrets.
  • The Jelly Bean Scheme: A trip to New Orleans for a history competition leads the twins to a voodoo mystery and a pirate's treasure map.
  • The Popcorn Project: The twins travel to California and uncover a Hollywood studio caper.

What to Know Before You Start

The Pratt Twins series offers a light, wholesome, and nostalgic look at 1980s teen life. Unlike the high-drama and soap-opera style of contemporary series like Sweet Valley High, Cynthia Blair's books focus heavily on sisterly cooperation, personal growth, and cozy mystery elements. Author Cynthia Blair is a prolific writer who has written over 50 novels and is also well-known for writing cozy adult mysteries under the pseudonym Cynthia Baxter.

Frequently Asked

Can the Pratt Twins books be read as standalones?

Yes. While there is a chronological progression and the twins grow older, each book features a self-contained mystery or scheme. However, starting with The Banana Split Affair is recommended to fully appreciate their character development.

What is the main difference between Susan and Christine Pratt?

Susan is the quieter, studious, and practical twin who enjoys art, whereas Christine (Chris) is outgoing, fashion-conscious, social, and dramatic. Their contrasting personalities drive the identity-swapping plots.

Where does the series take place?

The early books are set in the fictional town of Whittington, but the twins travel to various locations like Vermont, Washington D.C., and New Orleans. By the tenth book, they move to New York City for college.

Did Cynthia Blair write other books?

Yes. Cynthia Blair is a prolific author of over 50 novels. She is also well-known for writing cozy adult mystery novels under the pen name Cynthia Baxter.

What age group is the Pratt Twins series written for?

The series was published by Fawcett Juniper and targeted toward young adults (ages 12-16), offering clean, lighthearted adventure, sisterhood, and romance typical of 1980s YA fiction.

Which book is the final entry in the series?

The series concludes with the thirteenth book, The Coconut Connection, published in 1991, which features a mystery set in Hawaii.