Books About Boarding Schools · 225 titles considered

The Best Boarding Schools Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about boarding schools? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Boarding Schools

Sale price

$2849

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1997

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

By J.K. Rowling, Mary GrandPré (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Harry Potter series

A boy discovers his magical destiny at a mysterious school, facing friends and foes alike.

FCBG Children’s Book Award (1997)Carnegie Medal for Writing Finalist (1998)British Book Awards Children’s Book of the Year (1997)BookTrust's 100 Best Books for Children (2013)ALA Notable Children's Books Finalist (1999)Publishers Weekly Best Books (1998)ALA/YALSA Best Books for Young Adults Finalist (1999)School Library Journal Best Books of the Year Finalist (1998)

320 pages· 78,436 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

7.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 11,719,887 ratings

$29.99Save 5%

Summary: Living under the neglectful care of his aunt and uncle, Harry Potter's life changes when he receives an invitation to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, he uncovers a world of magic, makes loyal friends, and encounters dangerous enemies. As he navigates this extraordinary new life, Harry learns of a destiny that could alter the fate of the wizarding world. Will he rise to the challenge, or will dark forces thwart his path? Dive into a tale of magic, friendship, and the battle between good and evil.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

City Spies

By James Ponti · Book #1 in the City Spies series

A young hacker joins a secret spy team to stop a villain and save the world.

378 pages· 64,521 words· Est. 9 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 18,657 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: Sara Martinez, a skilled hacker, faces juvenile detention until a British spy offers her a new life with a secret MI6 team. Now, part of the City Spies, Sara must navigate espionage, teamwork, and danger. As she heads to Paris, she must prevent a rival from winning a fortune and stop a looming threat. Can Sara and her diverse team of young spies outsmart the villains and save the day?

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2018

Sophia and Rainbow

By Julie Sykes, Lucy Truman (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Unicorn Academy series

A young girl named Sophia starts at a magical school for unicorn riders and must navigate friendships, rivalries, and a mystery surrounding the school's magical lake.

128 pages· 11,328 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,196 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Summary: Sophia and her unicorn, Rainbow, face an unexpected challenge when Sparkle Lake, the source of unicorn magic, starts changing color. As chaos looms, they must venture into perilous woods to restore the magic. Will their bond be strong enough to save the day? Dive into a world where friendship and courage are the keys to unlocking magical adventures.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2010

Athena the Brain

By Joan Holub, Suzanne Williams · Book #1 in the Goddess Girls series

A young girl discovers she is the daughter of Zeus and begins attending Mount Olympus Academy, where she navigates her new life as a goddessgirl and tries to make friends and fit in.

108 pages· 18,795 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 8,698 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Athena always felt different, but discovering she's a goddess changes everything. Whisked to Mount Olympus Academy, she faces the challenge of fitting in and managing her relationship with Zeus, her father. Amidst divine pressures, Athena finds unexpected friendship with the Goddess Girls. Can she balance her new identity with her old self, or will the weight of her lineage prove too much? Dive into a world where myth meets reality and friendships are forged in the halls of Olympus.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1959

Danny the Champion of the World

By Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (Illustrator)

A group of teenagers discover a hidden world of magic.

202 pages· 41,128 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 74,180 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Danny lives an adventurous life in a gypsy caravan with his storytelling father. But when he uncovers a hidden secret, Danny becomes the mastermind of a daring plan against the unpleasant Victor Hazell. As the stakes rise, can Danny outsmart the wealthy landowner and become the true champion of the world? Discover the twists and turns of this thrilling adventure.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1962

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase

By Joan Aiken, Pat Marriott (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Wolves Chronicles series

Two girls must escape a cruel governess to save their home.

181 pages· 42,609 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 22,689 ratings

$16.95Save 6%

Summary: Bonnie and Sylvia's world turns upside down when their parents leave, and the sinister Miss Slighcarp takes over Willoughby Chase. Stripped of comfort and sent to a harsh orphan school, the girls face endless toil. With Simon the gooseboy's help, they escape, but can they reclaim their home from Miss Slighcarp's grasp? Adventure and danger await as they fight to restore their once joyful life.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

The School for Good and Evil

By Soman Chainani, Iacopo Bruno (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the School for Good and Evil series

Two girls' destinies are reversed at a magical school, challenging their true natures.

488 pages· 105,682 words· Est. 14.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 139,564 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Sophie dreams of joining fairy tale heroines at the School for Good, while Agatha seems destined for the School for Evil. But when their roles are swapped, they must navigate unexpected challenges. As Sophie tackles curses and Agatha learns princess etiquette, they question if this mix-up reveals their true selves. Can they uncover the truth behind their destinies in a world where fairy tales are real?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2017

Mrs. Smith's Spy School for Girls

By Beth McMullen · Book #1 in the Mrs. Smith's Spy School for Girls series

A girl must master spy skills to find her missing mother.

304 pages· 56,460 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 2,546 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Abigail's world flips when her boarding school reveals itself as a spy training ground. Her mother, a top agent, has vanished with critical secrets. Teaming up with a former rival and a charming classmate, Abigail dives into Spy Training 101. As she navigates this new world, she discovers hidden talents and uncovers clues that bring her closer to her mother's mysterious disappearance. Can Abigail outsmart those who seek her mother’s secrets and find her before it's too late?

Sale price

$1710

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1905

A Little Princess

By Frances Hodgson Burnett, Anna Bond (Illustrator)

A wealthy girl becomes a pauper at boarding school. Can kindness be her true wealth?

294 pages· 66,117 words· Est. 9 hour read

5.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 334,462 ratings

$18.00Save 5%

Summary: Sara Crewe's world shatters when she loses her father, transforming her from a privileged student to a penniless orphan at Miss Minchin's boarding school. Stripped of luxury, she faces a harsh new reality in the attic. As she navigates this challenging life, Sara must discover if kindness and generosity can be her true riches. Will her spirit endure, or will adversity break her? Dive into a tale of resilience and hope, where the heart's wealth is tested against life's trials.

Sale price

$1900

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2011

Daughter of Smoke & Bone

By Laini Taylor · Book #1 in the Daughter of Smoke & Bone series

A young artist's mysterious past ignites a war between worlds.

418 pages· 99,472 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 387,869 ratings

$20.00Save 5%

Summary: Karou, a blue-haired art student in Prague, sketches monsters that might be real and vanishes on secretive errands. When winged strangers leave black handprints on doorways, her life spirals into an otherworldly conflict. In Marrakesh, she meets Akiva, whose fiery gaze unravels secrets of blood, starlight, and a love entwined with violence. As Karou uncovers her true identity, she must confront a brutal past and decide if the truth is worth the cost. Will she survive the revelations that threaten to consume her?

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Boarding Schools Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about boarding schools for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1999

Christmas at Hogwarts

Ages 4–8 · 2024

Experience Harry's first magical Christmas at Hogwarts, filled with wonder and surprises.

Sale price

$2195

When We Were Alone

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A girl uncovers her grandmother's past in a residential school, revealing lost traditions.

Sale price

$1799

Chester Nez and the Unbreakable Code

Ages 9–12 · 2018

A young Navajo boy is forced to attend a boarding school where he is forbidden to speak his native language, but later uses it to help the US military during World War II.

Sale price

$995

When I Was Eight

Ages 6–7 · 2013

An Inuit girl defies harsh school conditions to learn to read.

Sale price

$1795

The Train

Ages 6–8 · 2020

A train once took children away, changing lives forever. Can hope and remembrance bring healing to a community's past?

Sale price

$1999

Madeline and the Gypsies

Ages 3–7 · 1958

Madeline and Pepito join a carnival with gypsies. What adventures await?

Sale price

$2099

Madeline and the Bad Hat

Ages 3–7 · 1956

Madeline faces a new challenge: a troublesome neighbor. Can they find common ground?

Sale price

$599

I Am Wednesday (Little Golden Book)

Ages 4–8 · 2024

A young sleuth unravels supernatural mysteries at a peculiar academy.

Sale price

$699

Isla and Buttercup

Ages 4–8 · 2021

Can Isla and her unicorn stop a magical theft and graduate?

Sale price

$599

Comet's Big Win

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A unicorn must choose between a baking contest and a crucial game.

View all boarding schools picture books

Browse by age

Boarding Schools Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about boarding schools for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1899

Anna and the French Kiss

Ages 12–18 · 2010

Can Anna navigate love and friendship at a Parisian boarding school?

Sale price

$2450

Looking for Alaska

Ages 14–18 · 2005

A boarding school adventure leads to love, loss, and life's ultimate questions.

Sale price

$2080

Code Talker

Ages 12–18 · 2005

A Navajo youth becomes a secret weapon in WWII, using an unbreakable code.

Sale price

$1199

The Name of the Star

Ages 12–18 · 2011

A teen sees a killer no one else can. Can she escape becoming his next victim?

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You

Sale price

$1299

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You

Ages 12–18 · 2006

A young spy faces her toughest mission yet: navigating love while keeping her true identity hidden.

Sale price

$1799

The Catcher in the Rye

Ages 15–18 · 1951

A teen escapes prep school, navigating New York's chaos and his own turmoil.

Sale price

$1799

A Separate Peace

Ages 12–18 · 1959

Two friends' bond shatters, mirroring a world at war.

Sale price

$550

Dead Poets Society

Ages 14–18 · 1988

A secret club tests the limits of freedom and individuality against oppressive authority.

Sale price

$1899

Vanished!

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A young detective must solve school pranks linked to the President's daughter.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Sale price

$3299

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Ages 9–14 · 2003

A young wizard faces new challenges at a magical school.

Sale price

$3299

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Ages 9–12 · 2005

A brewing storm at Hogwarts threatens the magical world.

Sale price

$799

Unfriendly Competition

Ages 9–13 · 2011

Sasha Silver faces her ultimate challenge at Canterwood Crest.

View all boarding schools chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about spies Books about artists Books about coding and programming Books about coming of age Books about cousins Books about escapes Books about good and evil Books about governesses

Our 10 Favorite Books About Boarding Schools

Great books, picked for their age.

Boarding Schools Picture Books

Boarding Schools Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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