Spellbinding!
Who says school has to be dull? Well, at least not when it teaches you how to cast spells and do magic Welcome to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, which is housed inside an old castle with moving staircases and talking portraits. A generation of children have grown up following the adventures of Harry, Ron, and
Hermione through their six years at the school (they were hunting for the Horcruxes in their seventh year), sharing in their challenges, disappointments and achievements. Although it’s a fantasy, J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series teaches us about the importance of family, friendship and the choices we make as we grow up. Also, flying on brooms and donning the Invisibility Cloak is an additional bonus.
Boarding life
A 12-year-old Darrell Rivers arrives at Malory Towers eager to impress. However, things do not go as smoothly as she had envisaged. Her temper gets her into trouble on many occasions. Darrell’s Alicia and Betty, who lessons enjoyable by schoolmates include make playing tricks or telling jokes. Other colourful characters include the reliable Sally, timid Mary-Lou and spoilt, spiteful Gwendoline Mary Lacey. The boarding school attended by Blyton’s daughter forms the basis of this series. In 2009, six more books were added to the series by author Pamela Cox
Hop on!
School bus rides will never be the same after you’ve read “The Magic School Bus” series by Joanna Cole. The stories follow the antics of a fictional Walkerville Elementary School teacher, Ms. Frizzle, and her class, who board a shape-shifting yellow bus that seems to have a mind of its own. It takes them on field trips to unusual times and locations, such as the Cretaceous Period, outer space, and even inside the human body. The books present scientific facts in the form of stories. Each book has a page at the end explaining in a humorous manner which parts of the book represented scientific fact and which were fanciful storytelling.
A kid’s tale
Awkward, scraggly sketches by Jeff Kinney aptly capture the misadventures of a middle schooler. Written in the epistolary form, ‘The Diary of a Wimpy Kid” is the story of the weakling Greg Heffley who desperately tries to “fit in” at Westmore Middle School in the fictional town of Plainview. Kinney drew upon his own school years while writing and illustrating this bestselling series. So far, there are 15 books in the series, along with an additional spin-off series based on Heffley’s best friend Rowley Jefferson. A new book “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Go Big or Go Home (Book 16)” is scheduled to hit the shelves on October 26, 2021.
Growing up in Malgudi
The escapades of the 10-year-old Swaminathan and his two best friends, Rajam and Mani, never get old. Although the novel is set in pre-Independence India in the fictitious town of Malgudi, Swami’s childhood struggles are universally relatable. He has to prepare for exams, cope with his new baby brother and his new high school, and make amends to his best friend. Rajam. R.K. Narayan’s first novel, “Swami and Friends” is the perfect example of students-related fiction. Narayan had a hard time finding a publisher for the book. Fortunately, his friend showed the manuscript to Graham Greene, who helped in getting the book published in 1935. Greene went on to become Narayan’s friend and mentor.
Mischief managed!
No list of books about school life can be complete without mentioning the loveable troublemaker, William Brown. Written by Richmal Crompton, “Just William” is the first in a series of books about the incorrigible boy. Follow his adventures from getting over a school teacher crush to a failed attempt at baby-sitting, and from throwing a wild party to meeting his faithful dog Jumble in this hilarious collection of stories.
Teacher’s pet
Growing up can be tough, and especially so when it feels like our parents fail to understand us and teachers refuse to spare the rod. Roald Dahl portrays the joys and frustrations of growing up through the brilliantly imaginative novel “Matilda”. Matilda is an exceptionally smart girl, who is misunderstood by her parents and loathed by the school’s headmistress. Using her newly discovered powers of telekinesis, Matilda stands up for herself, helps her teacher Miss Honey and paves her own way.
Of mythical proportions
Rick Riordan’s “Percy Jackson” series busts stereotypes by turning a teen with a learning disorder into a demi-god with supernatural abilities. The bestselling series was born out of bedtime stories that Riordan told his son Haley, who has ADHD. In the “Percy Jackson” universe, ADHD is considered to be sign of heightened senses and a natural aptitude for battle. And while its technically not a school. Camp Half-Blood, attended by Percy and his friends, is the training ground for all kinds of celestial beings. This adventures series is a perfect blend of mythology and school-related fiction.
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