Books About College Life

The Best College Life Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about college life? 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 Life

Legendborn
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 14–+ · 2020

Legendborn

By Tracy Deonn · The Legendborn Cycle series

A teen discovers a secret society and her own magic, unraveling her mother's mysterious death.

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award (2021)
501 pages· 156,015 words· Est. 14.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 203,866 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Paperback
Summary: Bree Matthews, reeling from her mother's death, escapes to a college program only to witness a magical attack. Uncovering her own powers, she infiltrates a secret society linked to King Arthur's knights. With a reluctant ally, Nick, Bree delves into the society's mysteries, seeking the truth about her mother's death. As a magical war looms, Bree must decide whether to fight alongside the Legendborn or bring them down. Will she uncover the truth, or will the secrets consume her?
The Boys in the Boat
Sale price
$1994
Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2015

The Boys in the Boat

By Daniel James Brown

Nine boys defy odds at the 1936 Olympics, challenging Hitler's elite rowers.

227 pages· 50,438 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.5 Goodreads · 16,121 ratings
$20.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1936, nine working-class boys from the American West defy expectations at the Berlin Olympics. Led by Joe Rantz, a determined teenager with nothing to lose, they face off against Hitler's elite rowing team. Can their grit and unity overcome the odds and make history? This tale of perseverance and hope captures the spirit of a generation determined to prove that American resolve can triumph over tyranny. Discover the journey of these unlikely heroes in a story that resonates with courage and determination.
Rebels with a Cause
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

Rebels with a Cause

By James Patterson, Chris Grabenstein, Beverly Johnson (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the Max Einstein series

Kid geniuses tackle a global water crisis while evading a sinister corporation's kidnapping attempts.

320 pages· 41,092 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 1,296 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Hardcover
Summary: Max Einstein, a 12-year-old prodigy, juggles teaching college classes and dodging kidnappers. As part of the Change Makers Institute, she and her friends face a global water crisis in Ireland and India. But with a greedy corporation always one step ahead, is there a spy among them? Can Max outsmart her pursuers and save the day?
Anne of the Island
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1915

Anne of the Island

By L. M. M. Montgomery · Book #3 in the Anne of Green Gables series

A young woman navigates her way through college and relationships.

258 pages· 67,756 words· Est. 9.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 201,253 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Paperback
Summary: Anne Shirley embarks on her college journey, leaving Green Gables behind. Amidst new friendships and romantic entanglements, she grapples with her dreams and a dying friend's plight. As her childhood friend Gilbert Blythe confesses his love, Anne must confront her true feelings. Will she realize the depth of their bond before it's too late? This tale of young adulthood explores the bittersweet challenges of leaving home and finding oneself.
Hypergifted
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2026

Hypergifted

By Gordon Korman · Book #3 in the Ungifted series

A super-genius and his friend face chaos at college with a secret pig and a rogue AI.

272 pages· 46,321 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 622 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Twelve-year-old genius Noah Youkilis dreads skipping straight to college, but his summer takes a wild turn when he and his friend Donovan smuggle a pig into their dorm. As they navigate the elite Wilderton University, they must keep their porcine secret, manage Donovan's campers, and fix a malfunctioning AI threatening chaos. Can they handle the pressure and still have a summer to remember?
The Parasite
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 11–16 · 2022

The Parasite

By Richard Paul Evans · Book #8 in the Michael Vey series

A new, more powerful threat challenges Michael and the Electroclan's peace.

352 pages· 81,174 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 3,677 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Michael Vey and the Electroclan face a new, formidable enemy after believing they had defeated the Elgen. As they reunite, they must rediscover their powers to confront a threat more brutal than ever. Can they rise to the challenge and protect their hard-won peace, or will this new adversary prove too powerful? The stakes are higher, and the danger is greater as the Electroclan battles to save their world once more.
The Professor and the Puzzle
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

The Professor and the Puzzle

By Carolyn Keene · Book #15 in the Nancy Drew Diaries series

A student falls at a Greek gala. Can Nancy uncover the saboteur?

192 pages· 30,188 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 815 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: At Oracle College's Greek mythology gala, a student plummets from a balcony, turning celebration into chaos. Nancy Drew, with friends Bess and George, must unravel the mystery of collegiate sabotage. As danger looms, can Nancy identify the treacherous scholar before more harm is done? The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking in this thrilling mystery.
The Scammer
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 14–+ · 2025

The Scammer

A college freshman's life unravels when her roommate's ex-con brother takes control, leading to a chilling mystery.

368 pages· 79,565 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 19,063 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Jordyn's college dreams at a prestigious university are shattered when her roommate's ex-con brother, Devonte, moves in. His charm hides a darker influence, and when a roommate vanishes, Jordyn must team up with the university's only white student to unravel a dangerous web of lies. Can she uncover the truth before she becomes the next victim?
You Will Be Mine
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 14–17 · 2018

You Will Be Mine

A night out turns deadly when anonymous threats target a group of friends.

292 pages· 69,967 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
3.7 Goodreads · 31,665 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Lylah and her friends are ready for a night of fun, but when an ominous note arrives, their plans take a dark turn. As one friend disappears, the group is thrust into a chilling game of cat and mouse. With each new note, the stakes rise, and Lylah must uncover the truth before it's too late. Who is behind the threats, and why are they targeting her friends? In this gripping thriller, every moment counts, and trust is a luxury they can't afford. Can Lylah solve the mystery before the next note arrives?
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