Books About College

The Best College Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about college? 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 9 Favorite Books About College

Dear Manny
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 14–+ · 2025

Dear Manny

By Nic Stone · Book #3 in the Dear Martin series

A campus election forces a young activist to ask if his ideals are real.

224 pages· 40,223 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 1,871 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Jared is running for junior class president at his university on a platform of equity and inclusion, and he expects to win. Then a transfer student enters the race and calls out his big talk and small action. As the campaign heats up, secrets surface and feelings get complicated, and Jared writes letters to his late friend Manny to sort out what real change asks of him.
Last Night I Dreamed of Home
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2374
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2026

Last Night I Dreamed of Home

By Sophie Li

Two first-year students far from home find each other despite their differences.

336 pages
4.0 Goodreads · 176 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: After botching China's all-important exam, Alice arrives at a North American college ready to party, not to spend time with a studious boy who reminds her of home. Haoran just wants the business degree his father paid for, if only he could stop wanting to draw. A romantic graphic novel about first love, family expectations and heritage.
The Fill-In Boyfriend
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 13–+ · 2015

The Fill-In Boyfriend

By Kasie West

A prom night ruse spirals into a tangled web of lies and unexpected feelings.

352 pages· 65,534 words· Est. 6 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 70,837 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Paperback
Summary: Dumped at prom, Gia Montgomery enlists a stranger to pose as her boyfriend for the night. What starts as a simple charade becomes complicated when she can't shake her feelings for him. As Gia navigates her emotions, she risks unraveling her friendships and her new romance. Can she transform a lie into love without losing everything? Discover Gia's journey of unexpected love and self-discovery.
Places We've Never Been
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2022

Places We've Never Been

By Kasie West

A road trip rekindles old friendships and sparks unexpected romance.

322 pages· 71,725 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 19,190 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Norah's summer road trip promises adventure and a reunion with her childhood friend, Skyler. But cramped in an RV with family, tensions rise as Skyler seems distant. As they journey through breathtaking landscapes, Norah fights to revive their bond. Will the road lead them to romance or drive them apart? Discover how a cross-country trip can change everything.
Roomies
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2013

Roomies

By Sara Zarr, Tara Altebrando

Two strangers assigned as college roommates trade emails all summer before ever meeting.

288 pages· 72,332 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
3.6 Goodreads · 6,367 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Paperback
Summary: The summer before college, Elizabeth in New Jersey and Lauren in San Francisco learn they will share a dorm room. Their quick note about a mini-fridge turns into a summer of emails about family strain, fading friendships and new romances, until the near-strangers become each other's steadiest support.
Say Yes Summer
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 12–+ · 2020

Say Yes Summer

By Lindsey Roth Culli

A girl embraces a summer of saying yes, leading to unexpected adventures and love.

256 pages· 57,885 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
3.5 Goodreads · 2,567 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Rachel Walls, a high-achieving student, has always said no to fun. But with graduation behind her, she discovers an old self-help book and decides to say yes to everything. This summer, Rachel faces new experiences, rekindled friendships, and unexpected romance. Will she find true love and a new perspective on life by embracing the unknown? Dive into a journey of risks, mistakes, and the thrill of saying yes.
Besties Set Sail
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2374
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025

Besties Set Sail

By Kayla Miller, Jeffrey Canino, Sarah K. Turner (Illustrator) · Book #4 in the Besties series

Two friends face emotional waves on a dream cruise.

208 pages· 10,659 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 574 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Beth and Chanda embark on a dream cruise, but while Chanda enjoys carefree days, Beth struggles with her sister's impending departure for college. As the ocean sparkles around them, the friends must navigate the emotional tides of friendship and change. Will they find their sea legs and support each other through the ups and downs of this once-in-a-lifetime journey?
Hello, Brutus!
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 4–8 · 2006

Hello, Brutus!

By Aimee Aryal

Brutus journeys through campus to reach the big game.

24 pages
3.8 Goodreads · 5 ratings
$14.95Save 6%
Library Binding
Summary: Join Brutus as he navigates the bustling Ohio State University campus, encountering familiar sights and spirited fans. With the excitement of game day in the air, will he make it to Ohio Stadium in time for the kickoff? Discover the vibrant energy and traditions that make this day unforgettable.
Scaring Lessons
Sale price
$379
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2013

Scaring Lessons

By RH Disney

Two monsters clash at university, but can they become friends?

32 pages· 331 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
3.7 Goodreads · 85 ratings
$3.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: At Monsters University, Mike and Sulley are rivals with clashing personalities. As they compete to become the top Scarer, their journey is filled with unexpected challenges and surprising alliances. Can they set aside their differences and discover the true meaning of friendship? Dive into this tale of rivalry, growth, and camaraderie, where the stakes are high and the lessons are unforgettable.