Books About High School Life

The Best High School Life Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about high school 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.

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#1 in Series

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About High School Life

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2018

Darius the Great Is Not Okay

By Adib Khorram · Book #1 in the Darius the Great series

A trip to Iran transforms Darius, challenging his identity and friendships.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2019)Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature (2019)

316 pages· 66,781 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 38,025 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Darius Kellner, a self-proclaimed 'Fractional Persian,' embarks on his first journey to Iran, grappling with cultural identity and depression. Struggling to fit in, he meets Sohrab, the boy next door, who calls him Darioush, awakening a sense of belonging. As they bond over soccer and secret rooftop talks, Darius discovers a new version of himself. Will this friendship help him reconcile his dual heritage and find where he truly belongs? Dive into a heartfelt tale of identity, friendship, and self-discovery.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2011

Home for the Holidays

By Heather Vogel Frederick · Book #5 in the The Mother-Daughter Book Club series

Holiday plans unravel as friends face unexpected challenges. Can they find their festive spirit?

352 pages· 83,488 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 5,541 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a whirlwind of holiday chaos, five friends from a mother-daughter book club face unexpected challenges. Megan and Becca's cruise turns competitive over a charming captain's son, while Cassidy's family trip to California stirs homesickness. Emma and Jess's sledding accident derails their plans. As blizzards and squabbles threaten their festive cheer, will they rediscover the magic of the season before New Year's Eve?

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2009

I'm So Sure

Book #2 in the A Charmed Life series

Prom queen candidates are blackmailed, and a school reporter must uncover the truth before it's too late.

280 pages· 72,192 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 2,738 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Paperback

Summary: In a small town, a school reporter is thrust into the spotlight when her stepdad joins a reality show. As prom queen candidates face blackmail, she teams up with her charming editor, Luke, to solve the mystery. But with an accidental kiss and rising stakes, can they uncover the truth before someone silences her for good? Amid scandals and secrets, prom night could turn deadly.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 14–17 · 2017

Komi Can't Communicate, Vol. 4

By Tomohito Oda · Book #4 in the Komi Can't Communicate series

A shy student aims to make 100 friends, facing social challenges along the way.

188 pages· 5,058 words· Est. 38 min read

4.3 Goodreads · 5,407 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Shoko Komi, a socially anxious high schooler, dreams of making 100 friends. Misunderstood as aloof, she finds an ally in Tadano, a fellow introvert. As summer unfolds, Komi navigates the awkwardness of newfound friendships, discovering that connection doesn't erase social hurdles. Yet, for the first time, she's not dreading the end of summer. Will Komi's journey lead her to the friendships she longs for, or will her anxiety hold her back? Dive into a heartwarming tale of courage, connection, and the unexpected joys of friendship.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2659

Chapter Book · Ages 8–14 · 2014

Quarterback Rush

By Carl Bowen · Sports Illustrated Kids Graphic Novels series

Why can't the Otters win when their quarterback throws perfectly?

72 pages· 1,463 words· Est. 14 min read

4.2 Goodreads · 223 ratings

$27.99Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: The Otters excel in practice, but on game day, they falter. Receiver Steve Michaels suspects quarterback Aaron Corbin's fear of getting hit is the issue. As Steve and his teammates work to toughen Aaron up, they uncover a deeper problem. Can they solve it before the season slips away? Discover the true challenge behind the Otters' struggle and whether they can unite to turn their potential into victory.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1139

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2016

Komi Can't Communicate, Vol. 1

By Tomohito Oda · Book #1 in the Komi Can't Communicate series

A shy student aims to make 100 friends, but her anxiety holds her back.

192 pages· 6,382 words· Est. 48 min read

4.1 Goodreads · 22,090 ratings

$11.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Shoko Komi dreams of making 100 friends, but her social anxiety is mistaken for aloofness. Enter Tadano, a fellow student who discovers her true nature. Together, they embark on a heartfelt journey to overcome her fears and connect with others. Can Komi break through her silence and achieve her goal, or will her anxiety keep her isolated forever?

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 12–15 · 2009

So Not Happening

By Jenny Jones · Book #1 in the A Charmed Life series

A socialite's life unravels in rural Oklahoma, uncovering hidden secrets.

330 pages· 83,296 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 4,443 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Bella Kirkwood's glamorous New York life shatters when her mom remarries, dragging her to rural Oklahoma. Struggling with her new reality, Bella's instincts as a reporter kick in when she senses something amiss in Truman. As she navigates high school drama and unexpected friendships, Bella must uncover hidden truths while grappling with her own identity and faith. Can she adapt to her new world and find her place, or will the secrets of Truman prove too much for this city girl?

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

TBH, You Know What I Mean

By Lisa Greenwald · Book #6 in the TBH series

Cece's leadership is tested as friends rely on her for everything. Can she handle the pressure?

240 pages· 13,781 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 383 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: Cece is fed up with boys' comments and takes charge by leading a successful school event. Suddenly, everyone looks to her for guidance—Prianka needs poetry ideas, Victoria seeks volunteer advice, and Gabby wants homework help. As the pressure mounts, Cece enjoys being a leader but wonders if she can manage it all without losing herself. Can she support her friends and maintain her sanity, or will the demands become too much? Dive into this hilarious tale of friendship and leadership told through texts and emojis.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1049

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2014

My Neighbor Seki 4

By Takuma Morishige · Book #4 in the My Neighbor Seki series

A student's imagination leads her to unexpected places during class.

176 pages· 6,280 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 400 ratings

$10.95Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Yokoi struggles to focus in class as Seki's inventive gadgets captivate her attention. Each contraption pulls her deeper into a world of imagination, until one day, she finds herself somewhere truly unexpected. What happens when daydreams become reality?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2023

Mascot

By Charles Waters, Traci Sorell

A school mascot sparks a heated debate, challenging students to confront identity and tradition.

American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2024)Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (2024)

256 pages· 22,878 words· Est. 3 hour read

3.9 Goodreads · 2,281 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In Rye, Virginia, a school assignment ignites a fierce debate over a potentially racist mascot. Six diverse middle schoolers find themselves at the heart of the controversy, each grappling with their beliefs and the community's divided stance. As tensions rise, they must navigate identity, tradition, and the courage to advocate for change. Will they unite to challenge the status quo, or will the conflict tear them apart? This novel in verse explores the power of young voices in the fight for justice, inspiring readers to question and engage with the world around them.

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