Books Set in Schools (for All Ages)

Explore an inspiring collection of books set in schools, from thrilling novels and powerful non-fiction to heartfelt young adult and children’s stories. Discover how education transforms lives through these must-read tales for all ages.

Best Books Set in Schools

There is nothing that transports the human mind as far as a good book. For centuries, literature was the only door to wonderful universes, some only possible within the imagination, and today, it continues to be the greatest source of knowledge, ideas, and stories as fantastic as they are complex and diverse.

The following list includes some of the most iconic books, each describing, in its own way, the beauty of education and how teaching changes lives and raises awareness. 

There are non-fiction books, books for young adults, and others for children; ready to choose the one you would love to read.

Novels and Fiction Set in Schools

Good Girls Lie by J.T. Ellison 


Good Girls Lie: A Novel

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When Ash Carlisle gets a scholarship to The Goode School in Virginia, an elite prep school, she’s eager to put England and all the bad memories behind her.

After the horrific deaths of her parents, Ash is determined to keep her head down and her grades up for college, though unfortunately, when she arrives at The Goode School, a series of events are set in motion. Terrifying.

This book is a magnificent psychological thriller, a suspense story that investigates the harrowing experience of being a teenager. It’s the kind of book you never want to end.

Carrie by Stephen King


Carrie

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“Carrie” is the first novel published by the master of terror, Stephen King.

Carrie White, is the weird girl at school, she is shy and self-conscious, which causes her classmates to harass her and make fun of her to the extreme. But she is not only abused at school but also at home by her mother.

But everything gets worse when, in the middle of the shower in the school locker room, she suffers her first period. From that moment on, the girl makes a series of discoveries until she reaches the terrible moment of revenge.

Non-Fiction Books about School

Educated by Tara Westover


Educated: A Memoir

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Tara experienced physical and verbal abuse at the hands of members of her family and suffered as her parents neglected her education and health for living in a family with a strict Mormon tradition. 

After one of her siblings moved away to attend college, Tara decided to follow in his footsteps. She did so until she got a Bachelor’s degree, then a Master’s and Doctorate from Cambridge University, and finally, a fellowship at Harvard University.

Educated is a raw, emotional, and, at times, heartbreaking account of Tara Westover’s life, who had to overcome difficult times to access the education she desired. 

Children’s Books Set in Schools

George by Alex Gino


Melissa (previously published as GEORGE)

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“George” is a middle-grade novel about Melissa. The plot could be any book, but there is a notable difference: Melissa was born a boy.

Melissa is a ten-year-old girl locked up in a boy’s body. She feels like she lives in a continuous nightmare, having to hide her true identity from her family, friends, and classmates. However, her desire to play her favorite character in her school play will give her the strength to face her secret and be known as she feels.

The story is appropriate for 8-12 year-olds. Beyond the subject itself, it features characters who are empathetic, nonjudgmental, and caring.

Matilda by Roald Dahl


Matilda

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Matilda is a very kind-hearted character—she’s a gifted, intelligent, book-loving five-year-old who taught herself to read. She has read every children’s book in the library and a few for adults. She can even do advanced math in her head. 

Her parents have no idea of her intelligence and treat her terribly. But when Matilda begins classes at her new school and meets Miss Honey, a warm-hearted and sweet teacher, she finds her inner strength and uses her newly discovered exceptional talent to fight back and set more than a few things right in her world.

Young Adult Books Set in Schools

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling 


Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

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The Philosopher’s Stone is the first novel in a series of seven books by J.K. Rowling. It is a story about Harry Potter, an orphan brought up by his uncles because his parents were killed when he was a baby.

Harry is unloved by his uncles, but everything changes when he is invited to join Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and he finds out he’s a wizard.

The book follows Harry in his first year at Hogwarts School, where he meets Hermione and Ron, who will become his friends and inseparable. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is a very engaging read for children and adults alike.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas


The Hate U Give: A Printz Honor Winner

Get Your Copy HERE

Published in 2017, this youth novel is part of the Black Lives Matter political movement. Starr is a 16-year-old girl who lives between two worlds: her poor black neighborhood, where she was born, and her high school, which is located in a posh white suburb.

The balance that she maintained between both worlds collapses when a white police officer kills her best friend, Khalil, and she is the only witness to the event. But she is afraid to speak out, afraid of what might happen to her family, afraid that nothing will change.

It is a realistic, raw, and honest story, a message that needs to be read and memorized so that these events do not happen again. Although it is a young adult-rated book, anyone can and should read it.

Looking for Alaska by John Green


Looking for Alaska

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This book is more than a book for young adults; it deals with universal themes such as love, friendship, truth, and the in-between grays that life presents.

This story is about Miles, who attempts to reinvent himself in a new school with new friends, and how his meeting with Alaska Young changes his life.

The novel is divided into a “before” and an “after” where nothing will ever be the same.

Wonder by R. J. Palacio


Wonder

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August Pullman is ten years old and was born with a facial difference that prevented him from attending a mainstream school until the fifth grade when his family decided it was time for him to try to give up homeschooling. 

Auggie is a smart, funny, brave, and kind boy who just wants to feel normal. But after 27 surgeries on his face, he knows this is hard when people stare at him and avoid him. 

“Wonder” tells the story of August’s first year of school through his own eyes and the eyes of four other characters. It recounts the way he sees the world and how those around him see Auggie.

Heartstopper by Alice Oseman


Heartstopper Series Volume 1-4 Books Set By Alice Oseman

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In “Heartstopper,” we meet Nick and Charlie, two boys who go to the same school and who, despite knowing each other, have never really talked much.

However, at one point, something changes, and they start to become best friends… and maybe something more. But for something to happen between them, one has to leave behind a certain stormy relationship, and the other must understand what he is feeling for the other.

What are Your Favorite Books Set in School?

Have you read any of these books set in schools? Do you have any favorite books set in a school that I should add to this list? Let me know in the comments below!

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