Schools have always been fertile ground for fascinating stories. Whether it’s the drama of the teenage years, the intellectual battles of academia, or the magical allure of secret corridors, books set in schools have an irresistible charm. For this prompt in the 2025 Reading Challenge, I’ve gathered five engaging reads set in educational settings. Let’s dive in!
1. The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Genre: Literary Fiction
Overview: A modern classic, The Secret History follows a group of eccentric students at an elite college who become entangled in a dark web of obsession and betrayal. Donna Tartt masterfully captures the intoxicating mix of intellectual discovery and moral ambiguity. This one is perfect for fans of psychological thrillers with a literary edge.
2. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Genre: Science Fiction/Dystopian
Overview: Set in a boarding school with a chilling purpose, Never Let Me Go explores themes of identity, morality, and humanity through the eyes of its students. Ishiguro’s haunting prose will leave you questioning the boundaries of science and ethics.
3. Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram
Genre: Young Adult
Overview: High school can be tricky, especially when navigating cultural identity, mental health, and new friendships. Darius the Great Is Not Okay is a heartfelt story about an Iranian-American teen finding his place in the world. It’s a touching, relatable read for anyone who’s ever felt out of place.
4. Looking for Alaska by John Green
Genre: Young Adult
Overview: John Green’s debut novel takes readers into the lives of Culver Creek Preparatory School students. With humor, heartbreak, and unforgettable characters, Looking for Alaska is a poignant exploration of friendship, love, and loss.
5. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
Genre: Fantasy/Young Adult
Overview: If you’re in the mood for magic and adventure, Carry On delivers. Set in a magical school reminiscent of Hogwarts, this novel puts a fresh, contemporary spin on the “chosen one” trope. It’s equal parts whimsical and heartfelt.
Why These Books Work for the Challenge
Each book offers a unique perspective on the school setting, from the dark secrets of academia to the fantastical halls of a magical institution. Whether you’re looking for suspense, introspection, or pure escapism, there’s something here for everyone.
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Happy reading, and let me know which of these school-set stories makes it onto your list!
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