If you’re a fan of young adult fiction and love the intrigue, drama, and secrets that come with books set in boarding schools, then you’re in for a treat! In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 20 best books about boarding school YA that will transport you to a world of midnight adventures, forbidden romances, and unforgettable friendships. From timeless classics to contemporary gems, these books have it all – mystery, coming-of-age stories, and the exploration of complex relationships. So, grab your backpack and get ready to embark on a literary journey through these captivating boarding school YA books.
Contents
- 1 One of Us is Lying
- 2 The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks
- 3 Looking for Alaska
- 4 The Name of the Star
- 5 Genuine Fraud
- 6 The Secret History
- 7 The School for Good and Evil
- 8 The Catcher in the Rye
- 9 The Diviners
- 10 The Raven Boys
- 11 The Disappearances
- 12 The Tragedy Paper
- 13 The Miseducation of Cameron Post
- 14 The Westing Game
- 15 The Walls Around Us
- 16 The Hating Game
- 17 The Accident Season
- 18 The Astonishing Color of After
- 19 The Secret Place
- 20 The Disappearance of Sloane Sullivan
- 21 Conclusion
One of Us is Lying
by Karen M. McManus
Are you ready for a thrilling journey into the fascinating world of high school mysteries? Look no further than One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus, a captivating boarding school YA book that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks
by E. Lockhart
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks is an electrifying and cunning coming-of-age novel that delves into the intriguing world of an elite boarding school. E. Lockhart weaves a tale that is equal parts mystery, rebellion, and empowerment, all wrapped up in the guise of a book about a mischievous and intelligent young woman.
Looking for Alaska
by John Green
Looking for Alaska is a captivating and emotionally-charged book about boarding school YA. Set in a prestigious institution, it takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the eyes of Miles Halter, a witty and curious teenager seeking a fresh start. As he immerses himself in the unpredictable world of Culver Creek Academy, Miles encounters a group of eccentric and enigmatic friends who forever change his life. With its poignant exploration of love, friendship, and self-discovery, this YA boarding school book will leave you breathless and yearning for more.
The Name of the Star
by Maureen Johnson
The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson is a thrilling and captivating book about a boarding school in London.
Genuine Fraud
by E. Lockhart
Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart is a thrilling rollercoaster ride of a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This gripping tale takes place in the world of elite education, where the lives of privileged teenagers are filled with secrets, lies, and constant manipulation.
Set in a prestigious boarding school, Genuine Fraud follows the story of Jule, a charismatic and enigmatic girl with a mysterious past. As the plot unfolds, we are taken on a wild journey through time and space, as Jule’s true intentions and motivations are slowly revealed.
Lockhart’s writing style is sharp and fast-paced, keeping readers hooked with every turn of the page. The narrative is cleverly constructed, with alternating timelines and unreliable narrators that add layers of suspense and intrigue.
This is not your typical boarding school YA book. Genuine Fraud delves deep into themes of identity, power, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets. It is a story that will make you question everything you think you know, and leave you guessing until the very end.
If you’re looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read that will keep you guessing, Genuine Fraud is the perfect book for you. Prepare to be captivated by its twists and turns, and get ready for a wild ride through the dark and twisted world of elite education.
The Secret History
by Donna Tartt
Are you ready to dive into a world of mystery, secrets, and the dark side of academia? Look no further than The Secret History by Donna Tartt, an enthralling book about a group of students at a prestigious New England college.
This gripping tale takes us deep into the heart of an exclusive and enigmatic group of classics students, led by the charismatic and enigmatic Julian Morrow. As the narrative unfolds, we are drawn into a web of deceit, obsession, and murder.
But what sets this book apart is its unique setting: a cloistered, secretive boarding school. Yes, you heard it right, a boarding school. Prepare to be transported to a world where the line between reality and fantasy blurs, where the boundaries of friendship and loyalty are tested.
With its rich prose, complex characters, and intricate plot, The Secret History will keep you hooked from the very first page. This boarding school YA book is not just about the pursuit of knowledge; it delves into the depths of human nature, exploring themes of guilt, obsession, and the eternal search for identity.
If you’re looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read that will transport you to the shadowy corridors of academia, then look no further. The Secret History is a masterpiece that will leave you questioning the very nature of truth and the lengths we will go to protect our secrets.
The School for Good and Evil
by Soman Chainani
The School for Good and Evil is an enchanting book about a magical boarding school like no other. Set in the whimsical world of fairy tales, this YA novel follows the journey of two best friends, Sophie and Agatha, who are unexpectedly whisked away to attend the prestigious School for Good and Evil.
The Catcher in the Rye
by J.D. Salinger
The Catcher in the Rye, a classic coming-of-age novel by J.D. Salinger, takes readers on a captivating journey into the mind of Holden Caulfield, a rebellious teenager struggling with the complexities of adulthood. Set in the 1950s, this iconic book delves into the tumultuous world of a young man navigating the challenges of growing up, self-identity, and the pressures of society.
The Diviners
by Libba Bray
Get ready to be spellbound by The Diviners by Libba Bray, a mesmerizing and captivating book on boarding school YA like no other. Set in the 1920s, this thrilling novel takes you on a journey into the supernatural, where secrets and mysteries abound.
The Raven Boys
by Maggie Stiefvater
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater is a captivating tale that takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the mystical world of a prestigious boarding school. Set in a small town, this enchanting book follows a group of unique and intriguing characters as they uncover secrets, unravel mysteries, and navigate the complexities of their own lives.
At its core, The Raven Boys is a book about friendship, loyalty, and the pursuit of dreams. It explores the themes of destiny, fate, and the power of belief, all while immersing readers in a richly imagined world filled with magic and wonder.
With its beautifully crafted prose and well-developed characters, this book captures the essence of the boarding school experience, offering readers a glimpse into a world where anything is possible. Whether you’re a fan of coming-of-age stories, supernatural elements, or simply love a good mystery, The Raven Boys is sure to captivate and enthrall you from beginning to end.
The Disappearances
by Emily Bain Murphy
The Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy is an enchanting tale that will transport you to a world filled with mystery, magic, and boarding school intrigue. This captivating book about boarding school YA follows the story of Aila Quinn, a young girl who finds herself in the small town of Sterling after her mother’s death. But Sterling is no ordinary town—it is plagued by a phenomenon known as the Disappearances, where every seven years, something essential vanishes from the lives of its residents.
As Aila delves deeper into the secrets of Sterling, she discovers a connection between her mother and the Disappearances. With the help of her new friends and a mysterious book, she unravels the truth behind this mystical phenomenon. But time is running out, and Aila must race against the clock to save her loved ones from the next Disappearance.
This boarding school YA book is a perfect blend of historical fiction, mystery, and magic. The vivid descriptions and beautifully crafted characters will transport you to the eerie world of Sterling, where whispers of secrets linger in the air. With its atmospheric setting and compelling storyline, The Disappearances will keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth.
If you’re a fan of books like Harry Potter or The Secret History, you won’t want to miss this mesmerizing debut novel. Get ready to embark on a journey filled with intrigue, friendship, and the power of love. Will Aila be able to break the curse of the Disappearances? Find out in this thrilling book on boarding school YA that will leave you spellbound.
The Tragedy Paper
by Elizabeth Laban
The Tragedy Paper is a captivating book about a prestigious boarding school that will immerse readers in a world of secrets, love, and unexpected tragedy.
The Miseducation of Cameron Post
by Emily M. Danforth
Get ready to dive into the captivating world of a coming-of-age story set in a boarding school: The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth. This remarkable novel takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as they follow the journey of Cameron Post, a teenager grappling with her identity and sexuality.
The Westing Game
by Ellen Raskin
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin is a thrilling and mind-bending book about a group of young adults who find themselves entangled in a mysterious and deadly game. Set in the intriguing world of a prestigious boarding school, this YA novel takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of suspense and intrigue.
The Walls Around Us
by Nova Ren Suma
The Walls Around Us by Nova Ren Suma is a captivating book about a boarding school for young adults that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
The Hating Game
by Sally Thorne
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne is a captivating book about boarding school YA that will keep you hooked from the first page. Set in the prestigious world of an elite academy, this thrilling novel delves into the intense rivalry between two students.
The Accident Season
by Moïra Fowley-Doyle
The Accident Season by Moïra Fowley-Doyle is an intriguing and haunting book about a group of teenagers navigating the mysteries of their lives during a month known as the “accident season.” This atmospheric and suspenseful boarding school YA novel explores themes of family secrets, hidden pasts, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy.
The Astonishing Color of After
by Emily X.R. Pan
The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan is a mesmerizing tale that takes readers on a vivid journey through grief, love, and the power of art. This remarkable book explores the life of Leigh, a teenage girl who is struggling to cope with the loss of her mother. In an attempt to find solace and answers, Leigh embarks on a journey to Taiwan to uncover the secrets her mother left behind. As she navigates through a new country, she finds herself immersed in the vibrant world of her mother’s childhood and discovers a hidden connection to her own identity. With its breathtaking prose and richly drawn characters, this poignant novel is a captivating blend of magical realism and coming-of-age story that will resonate with readers of all ages. Prepare to be transported to a world where colors come alive and emotions run deep in this enchanting book about the transformative power of love and self-discovery.
The Secret Place
by Tana French
The Secret Place by Tana French is an electrifying boarding school YA book that will have you on the edge of your seat. Set in an exclusive Irish girls’ school, St. Kilda’s, this gripping novel follows a group of teenage girls who are hiding a dark secret.
The Disappearance of Sloane Sullivan
by Gia Cribbs
In The Disappearance of Sloane Sullivan, Gia Cribbs takes readers on a thrilling journey through the mysterious world of an elite academy. This captivating book about boarding school YA follows the story of Sloane Sullivan, a troubled teenager who finds herself in a whole new world when she is offered a scholarship to the prestigious Ashford Academy. But beneath the grandeur and glamour lies a dark secret, as one of Sloane’s classmates suddenly vanishes. As she delves deeper into the school’s enigmatic history, Sloane realizes that she may be the only one who can uncover the truth. With its captivating plot, intriguing characters, and twists at every turn, this boarding school YA book will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these 20 best books about boarding school YA offer readers a captivating and immersive experience into the world of boarding schools. Whether you’re seeking adventure, mystery, romance, or coming-of-age stories, these books have it all. From magical academies to elite prep schools, these novels explore the highs and lows of teenage life within the confines of these unique educational institutions. So, grab a book and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the halls of boarding schools!