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Best School Story Books

April 2025

The Swallows

Nestled in the hallowed halls of Stonebridge Academy, a prestigious New England prep school, dark secrets simmer beneath the surface. When Alexandra Witt joins the faculty, she unwittingly stumbles upon a toxic culture of misogyny and revenge. As she forms an unlikely alliance with a group of rebellious students, Alex finds herself drawn into a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse. Lutz’s razor-sharp prose and biting wit expose the raw underbelly of privilege, power, and the devastating consequences of silence. A gripping tale that will leave you breathless and questioning everything you thought you knew about loyalty and justice.

Fish in a Tree

Ally has always been different, but she’s never understood why. Struggling to hide her inability to read, she uses humor and mischief to distract from her academic shortcomings. But when a new teacher sees through her facade, Ally’s world begins to change. With patience and understanding, Mr. Daniels helps her discover her true potential, proving that being different isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. This heartwarming tale of self-discovery reminds us that everyone’s mind works uniquely, and that’s what makes us special.

New Boy

Chevalier’s retelling of Othello set in a 1970s suburban schoolyard is a poignant exploration of childhood innocence and racial tension. Through the eyes of 11-year-old Osei, a Ghanaian diplomat’s son, we witness the cruel dynamics of playground politics unfold. As Osei navigates his first day at an all-white school, alliances shift, jealousies flare, and the seeds of tragedy are sown. Chevalier’s keen observations and deft prose capture the raw emotions of adolescence, making this a haunting and unforgettable read.

Harriet, the Spy

Harriet’s world revolves around her notebook, where she scribbles observations about everyone she encounters. At eleven, she’s determined to become a spy, sneaking around her New York City neighborhood, eavesdropping on friends and strangers alike. But when her classmates discover her brutally honest writings, Harriet’s life turns upside down. Suddenly friendless, she must confront the consequences of her actions and learn valuable lessons about empathy and self-discovery. This timeless coming-of-age story captures the awkwardness and intensity of adolescence with humor and heart.

Looking for Alaska

Miles “Pudge” Halter’s mundane life takes an exhilarating turn when he enrolls at Culver Creek Preparatory School. There, he meets the enigmatic Alaska Young, whose wild spirit and unpredictable nature captivate him instantly. As Pudge navigates friendship, first love, and the complexities of adolescence, he’s drawn into Alaska’s world of mischief and deep philosophical musings. But when tragedy strikes, Pudge must confront the fragility of life and the power of memory. Green’s poignant storytelling left me pondering the meaning of it all long after I turned the final page.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw

Greg Heffley’s back, and this time he’s in hot water with his dad. Frank’s had enough of Greg’s lazy ways and decides it’s time to toughen him up. From threats of military school to embarrassing father-son bonding attempts, Greg’s summer is shaping up to be a disaster. As he navigates the perils of adolescence and his dad’s expectations, Greg’s witty observations and stick-figure illustrations bring his world to life. Will he survive his father’s plans, or will this truly be the last straw?

Anne of the Island

Revisit beloved Anne Shirley as she embarks on her college journey in Kingsport. With her trademark imagination and zest for life, Anne navigates new friendships, academic challenges, and matters of the heart. Montgomery’s vivid prose brings to life the charm of campus life and the bittersweet pangs of growing up. As Anne grapples with romance and self-discovery, readers will find themselves swept up in her world, laughing and sighing along with our plucky heroine. A timeless coming-of-age tale that captures the essence of youth and the power of dreams.

Dear Mr. Henshaw

Leigh Botts pours his heart out in letters to his favorite author, Mr. Henshaw. As he navigates the challenges of growing up, from his parents’ divorce to bullies at school, Leigh finds solace in writing. Through his correspondence, we witness his journey of self-discovery and healing. Cleary’s touching narrative captures the raw emotions of childhood, making you laugh and cry along with Leigh. It’s a poignant reminder of how words can transform lives, one letter at a time.