Monthly Reading Challenge: Read a Book Related to Schools

To celebrate school starting in August, this month’s reading challenge is to read a book that is somehow related to schooling. It may take place in a school, or feature a schoolteacher or student.

Here are a few ideas to get you started!

Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar

Genre: Chapter Book, Contemporary

Go back to school in this sideways building, laughing at these silly but relatable stories.

Synopsis:

Accidentally built sideways and standing thirty stories high (the builder said he was very sorry for the mistake), Wayside School has some of the wackiest classes in town, especially on the thirtieth floor. That’s where you’ll meet Bebe, the fastest draw in art class; John, who only reads upside down; Myron, the best class president ever; and Sammy, the new kid—he’s a real rat.

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Royalty

Take a trip to an academy for princesses in this tale of bravery and magic.

Synopsis:

Miri lives on a mountain where, for generations, her ancestors have lived a simple life. Then word comes that the king’s priests have divined her village the home of the future princess. In a year’s time, the prince will choose his bride from among the village girls.

The king’s ministers set up an academy on the mountain, and every teenage girl must attend and learn how to become a princess. Soon Miri finds herself confronted with a harsh academy mistress, bitter competition among the girls, and her own conflicting desires. Winning the contest could give her everything she ever wanted—but it would mean leaving her home and family behind.

Year 1: Renegade by Tamara Hart Heiner

Genre: Paranormal YA

This one features paranormally gifted students (angels) learning about their powers in Guardian Angel Academy.

Synopsis:

Evil exists. I know—I was created from it.

The angels call us Renegades. We call ourselves the Forsaken. Because we were abandoned by heaven and all celestial beings, subjected to live in misery in hell.

But I managed to enter the Guardian Angel Academy.

And it’s time for revenge.

Adrenaline Rush by Cindy M. Hogan

Genre: YA Thriller

This one features a teen spy who goes undercover to a high school as an adrenaline junkie.

Synopsis:

Christy’s first mission: Catch a madman.

Someone is kidnapping thrill-seeking high school seniors across the country, and it’s up to Christy to stop him. She must take on a fearless alter ego and infiltrate a group of adrenaline junkies bent on pushing life to the limit, complete with their death-defying stunts.

Except that two groups fit the profile. Christy must discover the real target before it’s too late.

If she chooses the wrong group, more teens will disappear. But choosing right puts her as the prime target—with no guarantee that she’ll make it out alive.

Murder at Cold Creek College by Christa Nardi

Genre: Cozy Mystery & Suspense

This story mainly takes place at Cold Creek College and features Sheridan Hendley, an assistant professor there.

Synopsis:

Although Sheridan Hendley is not a sleuth, when her colleague is murdered, she assists the detective in gathering information. Unfortunately, a close friend quickly becomes the prime suspect, and Sheridan is motivated to prove her innocence.

As Sheridan draws connections among the people in Adam’s life, she realizes many women have a strong motive for murder. Slashed tires are the first indication that her involvement is making someone nervous. When Sheridan is given the task of cleaning out Adam’s office, someone accosts her in the faculty parking lot, afraid of what she might have found.

The Game by Terry Schott

Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian

In this story, a virtual reality program, the Game, has replaced the schooling system. Now, children learn by living multiple lifetimes in a virtual reality world—but there’s a catch . . .

Synopsis:

The Game. A virtual reality contest played by children, it has become the world’s single source of entertainment.

Fans are consumed by it, watching their favorite players and hoping to see one do what only 11 contestants have managed to achieve during the 30-year history of the Game.

Win.

When Alexandra failed out of the Game, they sent her to the slave camps where every day is a vicious struggle to survive. Months later, alone, exhausted, and about to give up on life, she is offered an opportunity rarely given.

A chance to win back her freedom.

Zack, one of the best to have ever competed in the Game, faces a hard choice for his last play. Finish safely, or risk it all to try for the win.

Success will bring him fame and incredible wealth. But failure guarantees losing everything that he has worked his whole life to gain . . .

The Teacher’s Billionaire by Christina Tetreault

Genre: Billionaire Romance

This one doesn’t bring us into the schoolroom, but one of the main characters is an elementary school teacher.

Synopsis:

Callie Taylor’s life is turned upside down when she learns the truth about her birth following the death of her mother. Not only is her father alive, but he’s none other than presidential candidate Senator Warren Sherbrooke.

Billionaire and confirmed bachelor Dylan Talbot is devoted to his family. When his stepfather Warren Sherbrooke receives a letter from a past love telling him they have a daughter together, Dylan is instantly suspicious. In order to keep the media vultures away and protect Warren’s political aspirations, Dylan convinces Warren to let him handle the situation.

As Callie and Dylan spend time together, they can’t resist the feelings that blossom between them. However, when Callie learns the real reason he has been spending time with her, their fledgling romance is put in jeopardy and only complete honesty can save it.

The Social Tutor by Sally Britton

Genre: Historical Romance

Okay, this one may be stretching the school theme, but it does feature a tutor . . . sort of.

Synopsis:

After years of escaping etiquette lessons in favor of the stables, Christine Devon’s grand debut in London is only weeks away, though her deportment lacks the sophisticated polish she needs to achieve her goals of a lofty marriage. Desperate to take her place in society, she needs someone to instruct her in proper behavior.

Thomas Gilbert, newly returned from Italy, is ready to begin his dream of founding a horse farm. But during his time away, the estate’s finances have dwindled to almost nothing. Unless he can find a way to save his family from ruin, he will be forced to sell his horses and give up his dreams entirely.

A chance meeting between them may solve both their problems. Christine gains a tutor in the finer arts of polite behavior, while Thomas is given access to the finest bloodlines in England. But as time passes, the arrangement is less about business, and more about love. Will they see it in time, or will Christine leave Thomas behind for the splendor of London’s ballrooms?

What will you read for this month’s reading challenge? Let us know in the comments below!