Are you a fan of young adult fiction set in the unique and intriguing world of boarding schools? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the 20 best books about boarding school YA that will transport you to a world of friendship, romance, and mystery. Whether you’re a fan of classic boarding school tales or are looking for a modern twist, these books on boarding school YA are sure to captivate and enthrall you.
One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus is a gripping YA novel set in a high school where five students walk into detention, but only four make it out alive. The story follows four very different students who become suspects in the murder of their classmate, Simon, who runs a notorious gossip app. As the investigation unfolds, secrets are revealed, and the characters are forced to confront their own truths. With elements of mystery, romance, and suspense, this boarding school YA book will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. McManus weaves a thrilling tale of friendship, betrayal, and the complexities of teenage life, making One of Us is Lying a must-read for fans of YA fiction.
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart is a captivating boarding school YA book that follows the story of a teenage girl named Frankie who attends an elite boarding school. Frankie is determined to break free from the limitations placed on her as a girl and challenges the traditional power dynamics at her school. As she becomes more involved in a male-dominated secret society, she orchestrates a series of pranks and revolutionizes the social order. With themes of feminism, power, and rebellion, this novel is a thought-provoking exploration of teenage identity and the complexities of navigating social hierarchies. Lockhart’s writing is engaging and witty, making this a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh and empowering take on the boarding school YA genre.
Looking for Alaska by John Green is a compelling coming-of-age novel that follows the journey of Miles “Pudge” Halter as he leaves his ordinary life for a boarding school in search of the “Great Perhaps.” There, he befriends the enigmatic and captivating Alaska Young, and together with their group of friends, they navigate the complexities of love, loss, and self-discovery. As they grapple with the challenges of adolescence and the pursuit of the meaning of life, they are forced to confront the harsh realities of the world. This thought-provoking and emotional rollercoaster of a novel delves into the depths of friendship, grief, and the quest for answers. With its beautiful prose and unforgettable characters, this book about a boarding school YA is a must-read for anyone seeking a poignant and impactful story.
The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson is an enthralling boarding school YA book that combines mystery, suspense, and a touch of the paranormal. The story follows American teenager Rory Deveaux as she moves to London to attend a prestigious boarding school. However, her new life takes a chilling turn when a series of Jack the Ripper copycat murders terrorize the city. As the fear and panic escalate, Rory becomes involved in the investigation and discovers a shocking connection to the crimes. With a mix of witty humor and heart-pounding suspense, this book about boarding school YA will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Maureen Johnson’s engaging writing style and vivid storytelling make The Name of the Star a must-read for fans of thrilling mysteries and supernatural tales.
Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart is a gripping and twisty boarding school YA thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows the enigmatic Jule and the charming Imogen, two young women whose lives become intertwined in a web of lies, secrets, and deceit. As the narrative unfolds in reverse chronological order, readers are taken on a thrilling ride through their interconnected pasts, where nothing is as it seems. With a fast-paced plot, complex characters, and a stunning setting, this boarding school YA book is a must-read for fans of mysteries and thrillers. Lockhart’s skillful storytelling and clever narrative structure make Genuine Fraud a compelling and captivating read that will leave readers guessing until the very end.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt is a captivating novel that delves into the dark secrets and complex relationships of a group of students at a prestigious New England college. This compelling book on boarding school YA follows the protagonist, Richard Papen, as he becomes entangled with a close-knit group of intellectually superior peers who study ancient Greek with a charismatic, yet enigmatic, professor. As the group becomes increasingly obsessed with their studies, their actions take a dark and dangerous turn, leading to a shocking event that will change their lives forever. Tartt’s rich prose and intricate storytelling make this book about a boarding school YA a thrilling and thought-provoking read that explores themes of morality, friendship, and the consequences of obsession.
The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani is a captivating boarding school YA novel that follows the story of best friends Sophie and Agatha as they are unexpectedly whisked away to the School for Good and Evil. However, their destinies take an unexpected turn when Sophie, who always dreamed of being a princess, is sent to the School for Evil, while Agatha, who prefers the dark and mysterious, is sent to the School for Good. As they navigate through their new schools, they must confront the truth about themselves and the meaning of true friendship. This book about boarding school YA is a spellbinding tale of friendship, self-discovery, and the blurred lines between good and evil. With its richly detailed world and complex characters, The School for Good and Evil is a must-read for fans of fantasy and fairy tales.
The Catcher in the Rye, written by J.D. Salinger, is a classic coming-of-age novel that follows the story of Holden Caulfield, a rebellious and disillusioned teenager. After being expelled from his prestigious boarding school, Holden embarks on a journey through New York City, encountering various characters and reflecting on his past experiences. The novel explores themes of teenage angst, alienation, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. With its raw and honest portrayal of adolescence, The Catcher in the Rye has captivated readers for generations and continues to be a compelling and relevant read for anyone navigating the tumultuous journey of growing up. This iconic book about boarding school ya has left a lasting impact on literature and remains a must-read for young adults.
The Diviners by Libba Bray is a captivating book about a boarding school YA that will transport readers to 1920s New York City. The story follows Evie O’Neill, a young girl with a supernatural gift, who is sent to live with her uncle in the bustling city. As she navigates the glitzy and mysterious world of flappers and speakeasies, Evie becomes entangled in a series of occult murders that seem to be connected to her own powers. With a diverse cast of characters and a thrilling blend of historical fiction and the paranormal, this boarding school YA book is a must-read for fans of mystery and the supernatural. Bray’s vivid prose and intricate world-building will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater is a captivating book about boarding school YA, that follows Blue Sargent, the daughter of a psychic, as she becomes entangled with a group of privileged boys from Aglionby Academy. Blue has always been warned that she will cause her true love to die, but when she meets Gansey, one of the Raven Boys, she can’t help but be drawn to his mysterious quest for a long-lost Welsh king. As they search for ley lines and supernatural power, the group faces danger and discovers that their destinies are intertwined in unexpected ways. Stiefvater’s rich storytelling and complex characters make this boarding school YA book a must-read for fans of mystery, magic, and the supernatural.
The Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy is a captivating boarding school YA novel that weaves together mystery, magic, and adventure. Set in a small town during World War II, the story follows Aila as she moves to the mysterious town of Sterling to uncover the truth behind her mother’s disappearance. As Aila delves deeper into the town’s secrets, she discovers a series of inexplicable events known as the Disappearances, which have been occurring for centuries. With the help of her new friends, Aila must decipher her mother’s old journal and unravel the town’s enchanting yet dangerous history in order to save the people she cares about. Filled with rich prose and a spellbinding plot, The Disappearances is a book about boarding school YA readers won’t want to put down.
The Tragedy Paper is a captivating book about boarding school YA that delves into the complex world of high school drama and secrets. Tim Macbeth, a senior at the prestigious Irving School, discovers a mysterious tradition where seniors must leave a “Tragedy Paper” for the next year’s students. As he navigates the challenges of being the new kid and falling for the elusive Vanessa, he becomes entangled in a web of secrets and tragedies from the past. The novel skillfully explores themes of friendship, love, and the weight of secrets, all set against the backdrop of an elite boarding school. Elizabeth Laban’s storytelling draws readers in with its compelling characters and intricate plot, making The Tragedy Paper a must-read for fans of boarding school YA books.
The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth is a captivating coming-of-age novel that delves into the life of a teenage girl sent to live with her conservative aunt in a small town after her parents’ death. Set in the 1990s, this book tackles themes of identity, sexuality, and self-discovery as Cameron grapples with her feelings for another girl in a repressive environment. As she navigates the challenges of growing up and finding herself, Cameron is sent to a religious boarding school where she must confront the expectations of her community and her own desires. With beautiful prose and a compelling narrative, The Miseducation of Cameron Post is a poignant and powerful story that will resonate with readers of all ages.
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin is a classic mystery novel that follows a group of diverse characters brought together in the eccentric Samuel W. Westing’s estate for his will reading. The will reveals that the sixteen heirs must work together to solve the mystery of Westing’s death and find his true heir in order to inherit his fortune. As the heirs form alliances, unravel clues, and uncover secrets, they realize that each of them has a connection to the enigmatic Westing. With its clever puzzles, unexpected twists, and memorable characters, The Westing Game is a thrilling and entertaining read for fans of mystery and suspense. This book keeps readers guessing until the very end, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good whodunit.
The Walls Around Us by Nova Ren Suma is a captivating boarding school YA book that weaves together the lives of three young women in a haunting and suspenseful tale. Told from multiple perspectives, the novel delves into the secrets and lies that bind the characters together as they navigate the competitive world of ballet and the dark secrets of a juvenile detention center. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into a web of deception, friendship, and betrayal that will keep them on the edge of their seats. Suma’s lyrical prose and masterful storytelling make The Walls Around Us a must-read for fans of books about boarding school YA and those who love a gripping and atmospheric mystery.
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne is a delightful and witty romantic comedy that follows the story of Lucy and Joshua, two colleagues at a publishing house who have a love-hate relationship. Set in an office environment, the book explores the dynamics of workplace rivalry and the thin line between love and hate. As they compete for a promotion, their playful banter and intense competition gradually evolve into something more. The book is filled with hilarious moments, sizzling chemistry, and a slow-burning romance that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end. With its clever dialogue and charming characters, The Hating Game is a perfect choice for fans of enemies-to-lovers romance and workplace rom-coms.
The Accident Season by Moïra Fowley-Doyle is a captivating boarding school YA book that follows the story of a family plagued by a mysterious and recurring series of accidents every October. The protagonist, Cara, and her friends embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind the accident season, delving into the secrets and hidden memories of their family’s past. The novel weaves together elements of mystery, romance, and magical realism, creating a haunting and atmospheric tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With its lyrical prose and intriguing plot, The Accident Season is a must-read for fans of books about boarding school YA that are filled with secrets, suspense, and unexpected twists.
The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan is a captivating and poignant young adult novel that tells the story of a young girl named Leigh as she grapples with the loss of her mother. Through vivid and emotional prose, the book delves into themes of grief, identity, and the power of art. After her mother’s death, Leigh is convinced that her mother has turned into a bird and embarks on a journey to Taiwan to connect with her maternal grandparents and uncover the truth about her mother’s past. Set against the backdrop of a boarding school, the novel beautifully weaves together elements of magical realism and coming-of-age struggles. It is a heart-wrenching and beautifully written exploration of family, love, and the search for belonging.
The Secret Place by Tana French is a captivating boarding school YA book that delves into the complex dynamics of friendship and secrets. Set in an elite Irish boarding school, the novel follows a group of teenage girls who are entangled in a murder mystery. When a boy from a neighboring boys’ school is found dead on the school grounds, the girls are drawn into a web of suspicion and intrigue. As they navigate the treacherous terrain of adolescence, the story unravels the hidden truths and deep-seated emotions that bind them together. With beautifully crafted prose and a suspenseful plot, The Secret Place is a compelling exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the tumultuous emotions of youth.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is a captivating book about a boarding school for young adults that follows the story of a young boy who discovers he is a wizard. Written by J.K. Rowling, this boarding school YA book introduces readers to the magical world of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where Harry Potter learns about his true identity and the dark wizard who killed his parents. The novel is filled with adventure, friendship, and the battle between good and evil. Readers will be drawn into the enchanting world of Hogwarts as they follow Harry and his friends on their quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Sorcerer’s Stone. This timeless tale of magic and bravery has captured the hearts of readers worldwide and continues to inspire a love for reading in both young and old alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these 20 best books about Boarding School Ya offer a captivating glimpse into the world of young adult fiction set in the unique and often tumultuous environment of boarding schools. From friendship and romance to mystery and adventure, these novels are sure to captivate readers with their compelling storytelling and relatable characters. Whether you’re a fan of the genre or just looking for your next great read, these books are definitely worth adding to your reading list.
Which Boarding School Ya book is best?
The best book on Boarding School Ya can vary with personal preference, but three widely recommended titles are:
Each offers valuable insights and could be a great starting point.
What are the best books to learn about Boarding School Ya?
For those looking to learn about Boarding School Ya, there is a wealth of literature that can provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Some of the most highly recommended books include:
Each offers unique insights into the subject. While these books on the topic of Boarding School Ya are highly regarded, it’s important to note that any list of ‘best’ books is subjective and reflects a range of opinions.
What are the best Boarding School Ya books of all time?
Choosing the best Boarding School Ya books of all time can vary depending on who you ask, but seven titles that are often celebrated include
