20 best books on boarding school fiction – 2023 reading list & recommendations

Are you a fan of coming-of-age stories set in the hallowed halls of boarding schools? If so, you’re in luck! We’ve compiled a list of the 20 best books about boarding school fiction that will transport you to a world of midnight feasts, secret societies, and teenage angst. Whether you’re reminiscing about your own school days or simply looking for a captivating read, these boarding school fiction books are sure to captivate you from start to finish. From classics like “The Catcher in the Rye” to modern favorites like “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” there’s something for everyone on this list. So grab a cup of tea and dive into the enchanting world of boarding school fiction!


Ninth House

by Leigh Bardugo

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo:

Welcome to the dark and twisted world of Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo. This spellbinding novel takes the concept of boarding school fiction and flips it on its head, delivering a chilling and enthralling tale that will leave you breathless.

Enter the secretive world of Yale University, where the rich and powerful rule with an iron fist. But behind the ivy-covered walls and prestigious facade lies a hidden society of occult magic and dark rituals. This is not your typical boarding school fiction; it is a thrilling combination of mystery, fantasy, and supernatural elements that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Alex Stern, a troubled young woman with the ability to see ghosts, is thrust into this sinister world when she is offered a full scholarship to Yale. Tasked with monitoring the secret societies that dabble in the occult, Alex must navigate a treacherous web of power, corruption, and danger.

Bardugo’s masterful storytelling weaves together a complex narrative that explores themes of power, privilege, and the lengths one will go to protect their secrets. With its richly developed characters and intricate plot, Ninth House is a standout in the genre of boarding school fiction, immersing readers in a world where nothing is as it seems.

Prepare to be captivated by this dark and atmospheric tale, where the line between reality and the supernatural is blurred, and where the price of knowledge may be higher than anyone could have imagined. Ninth House is a must-read for fans of boarding school fiction who crave a fresh and exhilarating twist.

The Secret History

by Donna Tartt

The Secret History is a mesmerizing book about boarding school fiction that will captivate readers from the very first page. Set in a prestigious New England college, this novel takes you on a thrilling journey into the dark underbelly of academia.

Prepare yourself for a tale of obsession, deception, and murder. Donna Tartt masterfully weaves together a story that explores the complexities of human nature and the lengths people will go to in order to protect their secrets.

This boarding school fiction book is unlike any other. Tartt’s rich prose and intricate character development transport you directly into the lives of the students at Hampden College. As you become immersed in their world, you’ll find yourself questioning the boundaries between right and wrong, and wondering just how far you would go for the sake of loyalty.

With its atmospheric setting and expertly crafted plot, The Secret History will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. This is a must-read for anyone who loves a book on boarding school fiction that is both intellectually stimulating and utterly addictive.

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks

by E. Lockhart

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart is a captivating book on boarding school fiction that will have you hooked from the very first page. This thrilling tale follows the mischievous and intelligent Frankie Landau-Banks as she navigates the elite world of a prestigious boarding school.

Looking for Alaska

by John Green

Looking for Alaska by John Green is a captivating book on boarding school fiction that takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions and personal growth. Set in a prestigious boarding school, this novel explores the lives of a group of teenagers as they navigate the complexities of friendship, love, and loss.

The Catcher in the Rye

by J.D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger:

Step into the captivating world of the quintessential book about boarding school fiction with J.D. Salinger’s masterpiece, “The Catcher in the Rye”. This timeless coming-of-age tale follows the unforgettable journey of Holden Caulfield, a rebellious and introspective teenager navigating the complexities of adolescence.

In this boarding school fiction book, Salinger weaves a narrative that delves into the alienation, confusion, and yearning for authenticity experienced by many young people. Holden’s distinctive voice and honest observations about life, society, and the hypocrisy he sees in adults make him an enduring icon for generations of readers.

As Holden embarks on a fateful weekend in New York City, he encounters a cast of eccentric characters that mirror the diverse tapestry of humanity. From the manic energy of Times Square to the serene beauty of Central Park, Salinger’s vivid descriptions bring the city to life, serving as a backdrop for Holden’s inner turmoil and quest for meaning.

Through Holden’s introspective musings and poignant encounters, Salinger explores universal themes of identity, alienation, and the search for authenticity. The novel’s title takes its inspiration from a misinterpretation of a Robert Burns poem, symbolizing Holden’s desire to protect the innocence of childhood and shield others from the harsh realities of adulthood.

With its unique blend of wit, satire, and heart-rending honesty, “The Catcher in the Rye” has become a beloved classic, resonating with readers of all ages. Salinger’s masterful storytelling and his ability to capture the essence of adolescence have solidified this novel as an enduring icon of book on boarding school fiction.

Immerse yourself in the world of Holden Caulfield and experience the timeless allure of this remarkable boarding school fiction book. Discover why “The Catcher in the Rye” continues to captivate readers, sparking profound introspection and offering solace to those navigating the tumultuous journey of growing up.

The Name of the Star

by Maureen Johnson

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson is a captivating book about the thrilling world of boarding school fiction. Set in a prestigious London boarding school, this novel takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of mystery and suspense. With its unique blend of supernatural elements and crime-solving, it offers a fresh twist on the traditional boarding school fiction genre. Join the protagonist as she uncovers dark secrets and faces dangerous encounters, all while navigating the complexities of school life. This boarding school fiction book is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

The Miseducation of Cameron Post

by Emily M. Danforth

The Miseducation of Cameron Post is a captivating novel that delves into the world of a boarding school, where secrets are hidden and identities are shaped. This book takes readers on a journey through the complexities of adolescence and the search for self-discovery.

The Tragedy Paper

by Elizabeth Laban

The Tragedy Paper is a captivating book on boarding school fiction that will transport you into a world of secrets, friendships, and unexpected twists.

The School for Good and Evil

by Soman Chainani

Welcome to the enchanting world of The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani! This captivating novel takes readers on a thrilling journey through a world where fairy tales come to life. Set in a magical realm, the story follows two best friends, Sophie and Agatha, as they are unexpectedly whisked away to the prestigious School for Good and Evil, a legendary institution that trains students to become either heroes or villains.

Unbeknownst to Sophie and Agatha, their appearance at this extraordinary school is no accident. Sophie, with her love for all things pretty and her unwavering belief in happily ever afters, seems destined for the School for Good. Meanwhile, Agatha, with her dark clothing and cynical outlook on life, appears to be a perfect fit for the School for Evil.

But as the girls soon discover, appearances can be deceiving. Sophie struggles to fit in with the good students, while Agatha unexpectedly finds herself making friends among the evil ones. As they navigate the challenges of their new surroundings, Sophie and Agatha must unravel the secrets of the school and uncover the truth about their own destinies.

This book is a delightful blend of fantasy, adventure, and friendship, with a dash of romance thrown in for good measure. It explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the power of choice. With its imaginative world-building and captivating characters, The School for Good and Evil is a must-read for fans of boarding school fiction, fairy tales, and thrilling adventures.

The Hating Game

by Sally Thorne

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne is a delightful tale of workplace rivalry that will have you hooked from the very first page. This book takes the concept of a “boarding school fiction” and spins it into a fresh, modern setting.

The Star-Touched Queen

by Roshani Chokshi

The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi takes readers on an enchanting journey through a world where magic and mythology intertwine. This mesmerizing novel, with its lush prose and vivid imagery, transports readers to a realm filled with danger, romance, and the power of destiny.

The Secret Place

by Tana French

The Secret Place by Tana French is a captivating book about boarding school fiction that will transport you into the fascinating world of an elite girls’ school in Dublin. Get ready to unravel a mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat with its twists and turns.

The Disappearances

by Emily Bain Murphy

The Disappearances is a captivating book on boarding school fiction that will whisk readers away into a world of mystery and enchantment. Set in a small town in 1942, this boarding school fiction book follows the story of Aila Quinn, a seventeen-year-old girl who is sent to live in the town of Sterling after her mother’s death.

As Aila settles into her new life, she discovers that Sterling is no ordinary town. It is plagued by a strange phenomenon known as the Disappearances, where every seven years, something essential to the town’s daily life vanishes without a trace. The Disappearances have affected the town for generations, leaving the residents puzzled and fearful.

Driven by her curiosity and a desire to uncover the truth, Aila delves into the history of Sterling and the secrets it holds. With the help of her new friends and a mysterious book of Shakespearean plays, she embarks on a journey that will unravel the mysteries of the Disappearances and her own family’s connection to them.

The Disappearances is a delightful blend of mystery, romance, and fantasy. Emily Bain Murphy’s exquisite writing style transports readers to the enchanting world of Sterling, where magic and reality intertwine. With its atmospheric setting and compelling characters, this book about boarding school fiction will keep readers captivated from beginning to end.

The School for Good Mothers

by Jessamine Chan

Welcome to The School for Good Mothers, an enchanting tale that will transport you into the world of boarding school fiction. This captivating book takes readers on a thrilling journey through the lives of young students, exploring the complexities of friendships, rivalries, and self-discovery.

The Girls at the Kingfisher Club

by Genevieve Valentine

The Girls at the Kingfisher Club:

Step into the captivating world of The Girls at the Kingfisher Club by Genevieve Valentine, a mesmerizing and enthralling tale that dances on the pages. This extraordinary book transports readers to a time of glitz, glamour, and rebellion, where the walls of a grand New York City mansion hide a secret.

Prepare to be whisked away to a world where prohibition-era jazz pulses through the air, and the Kingfisher Club becomes a sanctuary for twelve sisters who are forbidden from doing almost everything. These girls, trapped in their luxurious prison, refuse to let their lives be dictated by their oppressive father.

In this stunning novel about sisterhood, bravery, and the power of determination, Valentine seamlessly weaves together elements of boarding school fiction and historical fiction. The Kingfisher Club is their escape, their freedom, and their refuge from a suffocating society.

Immerse yourself in the vivid descriptions of the glimmering ballrooms, the clandestine speakeasies, and the clandestine lives these sisters lead. Valentine’s writing is a masterclass in creating atmosphere and transporting readers to another time and place.

With its richly drawn characters, intricate plot, and surprising twists, The Girls at the Kingfisher Club is a boarding school fiction book that will leave you breathless. Valentine’s storytelling is both elegant and evocative, capturing the essence of the Roaring Twenties and the indomitable spirit of these extraordinary sisters. Get ready to be enthralled by this dazzling tale of rebellion, sisterhood, and the power of dreams.

The School for Good and Evil: The Last Ever After

by Soman Chainani

The School for Good and Evil: The Last Ever After by Soman Chainani is a thrilling conclusion to the epic fantasy series that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. This book takes the concept of a traditional boarding school fiction story and turns it on its head, taking readers on a wild and magical journey.

The School for Good and Evil: A World Without Princes

by Soman Chainani

Step into the enchanting world of The School for Good and Evil: A World Without Princes, a captivating book about boarding school fiction that will whisk you away on a thrilling journey filled with magic, friendship, and unexpected twists.

In this enchanting sequel to The School for Good and Evil, Agatha and Sophie find themselves back at the School for Good and Evil, but this time, everything has changed. The barrier between the boys and girls has been shattered, and the students are now forced to confront a world without princes.

As Agatha and Sophie navigate this new reality, they soon discover that their fairy tale is far from over. The lines between good and evil become blurred, and they are faced with difficult choices that will test their true nature.

With its richly imagined world and complex characters, this book on boarding school fiction is a must-read for fans of fantasy and fairy tales. Soman Chainani weaves a spellbinding narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat, eager to uncover the secrets lurking within the walls of the School for Good and Evil.

Prepare to be captivated by the magic and wonder of The School for Good and Evil: A World Without Princes. This boarding school fiction book will transport you to a world where the boundaries of good and evil are tested, and where the power of friendship and love can triumph over even the darkest of forces.

The School for Good and Evil: The Last Ever After

by Soman Chainani

The School for Good and Evil: The Last Ever After is an enchanting conclusion to Soman Chainani’s spellbinding trilogy. This mesmerizing book takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with magic, friendship, and the ultimate battle between good and evil.

In this captivating installment, Agatha and Sophie, two best friends from the enchanting School for Good and Evil, are faced with their biggest challenge yet. As they prepare for their happily ever after, they soon realize that their story is far from over.

As the lines between good and evil blur, Agatha and Sophie must navigate a world filled with treacherous twists and unexpected turns. With their friendship tested to its limits, they must make difficult choices and face their deepest fears.

With its richly imaginative world and complex characters, The School for Good and Evil: The Last Ever After is a must-read for fans of book on boarding school fiction. Chainani’s masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions bring the magical world of the School for Good and Evil to life, leaving readers spellbound until the very last page.

Prepare to be captivated by this thrilling boarding school fiction book that will transport you to a world where fairy tales come to life, and where the battle between good and evil rages on. The Last Ever After is a gripping conclusion to an extraordinary series that will leave you longing for more.

The School for Good and Evil: A World Without Princes

by Soman Chainani

The School for Good and Evil: A World Without Princes by Soman Chainani is an enchanting sequel that takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through the realms of fairy tales and magic.

This captivating book delves into the lives of Sophie and Agatha, two best friends who were once plucked from their ordinary lives and thrown into the extraordinary School for Good and Evil. In this fantastical boarding school, students are trained to become either heroes or villains in the world of fairy tales.

But in A World Without Princes, the boundaries between good and evil are blurred, and the lines between friends and enemies become deeply entangled. As Sophie and Agatha return to the ordinary village of Gavaldon, they find themselves facing an unexpected twist in their happily-ever-after.

With its thrilling plot twists and heartwarming moments, this book about boarding school fiction will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Soman Chainani weaves a spellbinding tale filled with magic, friendship, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

So, if you’re searching for a mesmerizing boarding school fiction book that will transport you to a world where fairy tales come to life, look no further than The School for Good and Evil: A World Without Princes.

The School for Good and Evil: The Last Ever After

by Soman Chainani

The School for Good and Evil: The Last Ever After is a captivating book about boarding school fiction that takes readers on an enchanting journey. In this thrilling conclusion to the series, author Soman Chainani weaves a tale filled with magic, friendship, and the ultimate battle between good and evil.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 20 books about boarding school fiction are sure to transport readers to the exciting and mysterious world of boarding schools. Whether you’re a fan of magical adventures, coming-of-age stories, or thrilling mysteries, there is a book on this list for everyone. From classics like “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” to contemporary gems like “Never Let Me Go,” these novels offer a glimpse into the unique experiences and friendships that can only be found within the walls of a boarding school. So, grab a book, pack your bags, and embark on a literary journey into the captivating realm of boarding school fiction.