Books matching: boarding school life
45 result(s)
- #1
The Naughtiest Girl in the School is a charming book that follows the story of Elizabeth Allen, a spoilt and naughty child who gets sent to a boarding school to learn how to behave. The book portrays school life positively and focuses on the transformation of Elizabeth as she learns the value of being nice and making friends. The writing style is described as simple yet engaging, making it a delightful read for children.
"YOU'LL have to go to school, Elizabeth!" said Mrs. Allen. "I think your governess is quite right. You are spoilt and naughty, and although Daddy and 1 were going to leave you here with Miss Scott, wh... - #2
Set on the eve of World War II, "The Dragonfly Pool" by Eva Ibbotson follows the story of Tally, a young girl sent to a progressive boarding school in the countryside to protect her from the impending war. Tally finds herself immersed in a world of freedom and self-expression at Delderton School, where she befriends a prince from the fictional country of Bergania. As the threat of Nazis looms, Tally and her schoolmates embark on a journey to Bergania to participate in a folk dancing festival, ultimately getting entangled in a plot to rescue the prince and thwart the evil plans of assassins.
The book combines elements of fairy tales, friendship, courage, and compassion as Tally navigates through challenges, stands up for what is right, and discovers the true meaning of family. With a blend of historical events, delightful characters, and a touch of magic, Eva Ibbotson weaves a heartwarming tale that captures the essence of bravery and camaraderie amidst the backdrop of war.
It was her father who had taught her that knowledge is power—that if one could find out about something one is afraid of, it made the fear less. So now, when she wanted to know what to expect when she... - #3
'To Serve Them All My Days' by R.F. Delderfield is a captivating school story set in Devon, England, between the First and Second World Wars. The novel follows David Powlett Jones, a war veteran who becomes an unqualified teacher at Bamfylde School, where he undergoes personal triumphs and tragedies, eventually rising to headship. The book offers a strong backdrop of historical events from 1918 to 1941, focusing on the insular events of the school while touching on broader historical contexts.
The story delves into David's journey from a shell-shocked war survivor to an inspiring teacher, showcasing his growth and impact on the students and colleagues at Bamfylde. The narrative captures the essence of England between the wars, illuminating themes of courage, humanity, and compassion while exploring the complexities of personal and societal challenges during that period.
- #4
'Boy and Going Solo' by Roald Dahl is an autobiography that offers a glimpse into the life of the author, from his childhood to his experiences as a fighter pilot during World War II. The book captures Dahl's adventures, challenges, and humorous moments, providing readers with a mix of nostalgia, historical context, and personal anecdotes. The writing style is engaging, with a blend of fond memories, funny incidents, and insightful reflections that appeal to both children and adults.
The book delves into Dahl's early years, showcasing his mischievous antics, family life, and inspirations for his future literary works. As the narrative progresses, it transitions into Dahl's wartime experiences, highlighting the intensity of being a fighter pilot and the impact of World War II on his life. Through vivid storytelling and a smooth narrative flow, Dahl takes readers on a journey through his past, offering a unique perspective on growing up in Great Britain and facing the challenges of war.
- #5
First Term at Trebizon is a story about a shy girl named Rebecca Mason who enters a new boarding school as a second year student. The book explores themes of friendship, confidence, and doing the right thing as Rebecca navigates her way through school life. The writing style is easy to follow, and the plot moves along at a good pace, capturing typical girl tiffs and school experiences. The book introduces readers to characters like Tish, Sue, and Mara, as Rebecca tries to find her place in the school and contributes to the school magazine.
Rebecca's journey at Trebizon includes encounters with new friends and challenges, such as facing homesickness and making important contributions to the school magazine. The story is set in a boarding school environment with relatable situations for young readers, focusing on Rebecca's aspirations to become a writer and her interactions with fellow students and teachers. The book captures the essence of school life, friendship, and self-discovery as Rebecca learns to navigate the ups and downs of her first term at Trebizon.
- #6
"Prep" by Curtis Sittenfeld follows the story of Lee Fiora, a scholarship student at a prestigious boarding school in Massachusetts. The narrative delves into Lee's struggles with insecurity, alienation, and self-doubt as she navigates through the complexities and awkwardness of high school life. The writing style captures the bittersweet account of Lee's coming of age, portraying her as a relatable but not always sympathetic character who grapples with fitting into her surroundings while dealing with unrequited love and teenage angst.
Set against the backdrop of a prep school, the novel offers a realistic portrayal of adolescent experiences, showcasing themes of anxiety, insecurity, and the constant struggle for acceptance and belonging. The story unfolds through Lee's perspective, providing insights into her journey of self-discovery and transformation during her years at the boarding school. The plot explores the challenges faced by Lee as she copes with feelings of isolation and inadequacy, ultimately offering a poignant reflection on the complexities of teenage life.
I think that everything, or at least the part of everything that happened to me, started with the Roman architecture mix-up. Ancient History was my first class of the day, occurring after morning chap... - #7
David Blaize by E.F. Benson is a nostalgic novel that follows the life of young David Blaize from his time at preparatory school to his entry to the sixth form at Marchester College. The book portrays the trials and tribulations of life in an English public school during the late Victorian period, drawing heavily on the author's own schoolboy experiences. The writing style resonates with wit and humor as it delves into David's experiences dealing with eccentric masters, enjoying halcyon days on the cricket field, fretting over parental visits, and experiencing personal growth through a platonic friendship with Maddox, a senior boy at Marchester.
The novel captures the essence of English public school life in the early 1900s, with believable and beautifully written characters. Despite the dated attitudes about gay sex, the evolving love story between two boys at a British boarding school is exceptional. The book presents a gentle, humorous, and involving narrative that immerses readers into the world of David Blaize and his adventures.
'The Fifth Form at St. Dominic's' by Talbot Baines Reed is a classic school story set in a fictional public school in the 19th century. It follows the lives of schoolboys engaging in activities like cricket, rugby football, and running a school newspaper. The storyline includes elements like a local swindler, moral dilemmas, and the protagonist's journey to navigate troubles and come out successful. The writing style is described as slightly Boys Own style, focusing on boarding school life with a warm and cozy description, without much excitement or adventure, yet engaging and enlightening about the reality of being a public school boy.
- #9
Old School by Tobias Wolff is a novel set in an elite New England prep school in the 1960s, where the students are obsessed with modern literary heavyweights such as Robert Frost, Ayn Rand, and Ernest Hemingway. The story follows a scholarship boy's experiences as he competes in writing contests to earn the chance to meet these famous authors. The narrative delves into themes of class, honesty, and the pursuit of literary excellence, all while capturing the essence of American sensibilities regarding money, class, and intellectual pursuits. The writing style is described as nuanced, thought-provoking, and evocative, with a focus on the characters' love for literature and the challenges they face in their pursuit of writing and self-discovery.
Robert Frost made his visit in November of 1960, just a week after the general election. It tells you something about our school that the prospect of his arrival cooked up more interest than the conte... - #10
'Mike' in the series 'Psmith' by author P.G. Wodehouse follows the story of Mike Jackson, a cricket wizard, who is exiled from his beloved Wrykyn to a school of no cricket account, where he meets the whimsical Psmith, also exiled from Eton. The narrative delves into the friendship between Mike and Psmith, their adventures, and the cricket matches they participate in, all set against the backdrop of an English public school. The writing style is humorous, filled with witty dialogues and endearing characters, with a focus on the boyish pranks, cricketing episodes, and the antics of the school life.
If Mike had been in time for breakfast that fatal Easter morning hemight have gathered from the expression on his father's face, as Mr.Jackson opened the envelope containing his school report and read...