All good things must come to an end, and that includes summer vacation. To help ease the pain, why not pick up one of these school set fiction stories that will allow you one last escape before the reality of another school year is upon you!
Please note: In this collection there are some lighter choices (zombies, and clones, and murder- oh my!) as well as some more serious options that have plots that include sensitive topics such as gun violence or sexual assault.
Whatever you’re in the mood for, hopefully you’ll find something that appeals- but feel free to stop into the Young Adult department in person to get some alternative suggestions as well!
On a lighter note...
Girl Gone Viral- Arvin Ahmadi (8th & up, computer tech school)
YA F AHMADI
When the billionaire founder of the world’s biggest virtual reality platform announces a contest where the winner gets to meet him, seventeen year old coding prodigy Opal Hopper, a star at the Palo Alto Academy of Science and Technology, is determined to win. She wants more than just a chance to meet a celebrity in her field of interest, though- seven years ago, her father disappeared while working closely with the billionaire- and Opal will do whatever it takes to get answers about her father.
Etiquette & Espionage- Gail Carringer (6th & up, finishing school for spies)
YA F CARRIGER
England in the 1850s: young ladies are meant to be skilled in the fine arts of dance, dress, and etiquette- and, much to her mother’s dismay, Sophronia is failing on all counts. The only answer is to enroll her in Mademoiselle Geraldine’s Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality, where she will be forced into the mold of a proper lady of society. When Sophronia arrives, she finds out that there is more to her new school than most are aware, as diversion, deceit, and espionage are also part of the curriculum. It’s going to be an interesting school year!
They Wish They Were Us- Jessica Goodman (10th & up, murder in an elite school)
YA F GOODMAN
Jill Newman is entering her senior year at Gold Coast Prep, and as a member of the school’s elite secret society she and her group will rule the halls of the prestigious institution. Jill deserves this perfect last year, especially considering the trauma of three years ago, when her close friend Shaila was murdered by her boyfriend- but when Graham begins sending texts to Jill from behind bars, proclaiming his innocence, Jill will have to decide how much she will risk to uncover the truth.
Similars- Rebecca Hanover (8th & up, clones in school)
YA F HANOVER
When Emma Chance starts her junior year at Darkwood Academy, there will be six new students joining her class at the exclusive boarding school. These are not just average students, however, but rather illegal clones of existing students, including one who is a DNA duplicate of Emma’s best friend Oliver, who died over the summer. Initially repelled by Levi and the other similars, Emma ultimately finds herself drawn into their world when another of Emma’s friends goes missing, and Levi and the crew seem to be the only ones who care to help.
Dread Nation- Justina Ireland (9th & up, zombie fighting school)
YA F IRELAND
In this alternate version of America, when zombies began to rise during the Battle of Gettysburg, the nation changed irrevocably. New laws and guidelines were quickly put into effect to protect the living population (or at least the rich, white community). As a consequence of the Native and Negro Reeducation Act, Jane McKeene is forced to attend Miss Preston’s School of Combat, where she will learn everything she needs to know to become a bodyguard for the cherished daughter of an influential white family. Jane is not one to follow the rules, though, especially when conspiracies, inequalities, and trouble are afoot.
Anna and the French Kiss- Stephanie Perkins (9th & up, study abroad)
YA F PERKINS
All set for an epic senior year in Atlanta, Anna is less than pleased when her successful novelist father suddenly decides to use his new found wealth and influence to send her to an exclusive boarding school in Paris, far away from her home, her best friend, and her current crush. Paris has a way of stealing hearts, though, and before the school year is over, Anna might find that one year can change an entire life.
Carry On- Rainbow Rowell (8th & up, magic school)
YA F ROWELL
It’s Simon Snow’s last year at Watford School of Magiks, but it’s not going to be an easy time for The Chosen One. He’ll have to contend with his inability to control his powers, a monster who’s running around eating magic while wearing Simon’s face, a mentor who’s avoiding him, a girlfriend who’s about to call it quits, and a complete git of a roommate who is equal parts infuriating and unforgettable. Get ready for a wild year!
The darker side…
Admission by Julie Buxbaum (9th & up, school admissions scandal)
YA F BUXBAUM
Inspired by the 2019 college bribery scandal, Buxbaum crafts a fictional tale of a teen who, on the brink of starting class at her dream college, finds out that her mother bribed her way into the school. With the FBI involved, public opinion against her family, and facing complete social alienation, Chloe must face up to her own culpability in the scandal. Where does she go from here?
This is Where it Ends- Marike Nijkamp (8th & up, school shooting)
YA F NIJKAMP
Right after the welcome back to school speech from their principal, the students at Opportunity High School in Alabama discover that they are locked inside the auditorium. And that’s when one of their own starts shooting. In less than an hour, lives will be lost and changed irrevocably, as four teens tell the tale of horror from their differing perspectives. Chilling and, sadly, very realistic.
Sharp Edge of Silence- Cameron Kelly Rosenblum (9th & up, sexual assault at school)
YA F ROSENBLUM
Lycroft Phelps is the boarding school for the most influential families across the nation. On the surface, the historic and respected institution is above reproach, but at least one student- Quinn- knows that the perfect facade hides dark secrets. After a summer away from school, Quinn has returned, and she is ready to seek justice for the sexual assault that she suffered on campus the spring before. When the formerly hushed up crime is revealed to the public and a respected athlete is accused, where will Quinn’s friends and classmates stand? Will status quo, family power, and the school’s reputation win out over truth and what’s right? A tough, but important topic.
