The best historical books set in boarding schools for girls

Ennie Smith Author Of School of Ladies: The Debutantes
By Ennie Smith

Who am I?

I'm an archaeologist and addicted to reading and writing historical fictions. My first big love is history and I prefer Victorian Era. I’m interested in women’s lives and their habits and relationships in the old times. I was born and raised in Hungary, I’m often stay in London. I was working for years in museums in different cities while I was writing historical short stories and my first novel. School of Ladies – The Debutantes is a historical romance which has won an Audience Award in my country.

I wrote...

School of Ladies: The Debutantes

By Ennie Smith

Book cover of School of Ladies: The Debutantes

What is my book about?

This is a story about six seventeen-year-old girls attending a charm school where they are preparing for the ball of their lives, as they try to find their perfect match in a true gentleman.

Six young ladies and a ball. The Coming Out ball where they can become princesses for an evening, and the charm school where they prepare for their big opportunity. A story about a seventeen-year-old girl, Emma Derkin, and five other young ladies. They all want the same thing - to find the perfect mate. It takes place a long time ago in the Victorian Era, when every girl grew up as a real lady.

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

The Books I Picked & Why

A Little Princess

By Frances Hodgson Burnett

Book cover of A Little Princess

Why this book?

It was my favorite book when I was a child and it made a huge impression on me. A great book for every little girl. The seven-year-old girl, Sara went to Miss Minchin's boarding school. After some time, Miss Minchin learns of Sara’s father's unfortunate demise due to jungle fever and he had lost his entire fortune.  Miss Minchin takes away all of Sara's possessions, makes her live in a cold and poorly attic, and forces her to earn her keep by working as a servant. But finally, there is a happy ending. I think every child needs to know this story. Sara’s features and strengths are exemplary in these hard times.

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

Changeling

By Molly Harper

Book cover of Changeling

Why this book?

Also a YA/Teen historical fantasy story with magic. It reminds me of a little Harry Potter in girl version that I like. It is entertaining and refreshing. The 14-year-old Sarah Smith has a secret. That she's not a member of Guardians the noble magical class that now rules the world. But as one of the non-magical Snipes who possesses magic, her secret must be kept so that she—and her family—can survive. So she has to blend in with the magical class. And attend school for wealthy magical ladies.

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

Anne of Avonlea

By Lucy Maud Montgomery

Book cover of Anne of Avonlea

Why this book?

Anne is one of the most lovable female characters in the whole literature. When I read about her I feel like I’m her good friend and I’m excited about her along with the story. Anne is now 16 years old and she begins her job as the new schoolteacher in this book. It was a great continuation of her story and I love seeing Anne starts to become an adult while still keeping her positive personality. And I really appreciate the very special romantic storyline too. Anne always stays Anne, a great girl.

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

Jane Eyre

By Charlotte Brontë

Book cover of Jane Eyre

Why this book?

This popular novel was well written in a typical gothic Victorian style. It is often very gloomy for me. Jane had suffered a lot as a child. Her life is hard in boarding school. It’s not easy but she finds her place in the world. Finally, her fate turns right thanks to love. It’s exciting that her love has something secret and I like this mystery in the novel. Twisted and unpredictable. The author made an innovation with Jane’s character. She is very confident and strong-willed. I think it’s a timeless work.

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

Abigail

By Magda Szabo, Len Rix

Book cover of Abigail

Why this book?

I can’t forget my very talented compatriot, Magda Szabó’s great writing. I am very proud of her and her success. It was hard work and lasted a lifetime for her to reach as Hungarian her books became popular worldwide. I hope one day I can follow her… This book is set in a religious school in the middle of World War II. The protagonist is young Gina, the daughter of a Hungarian General. The novel analyzes important social problems, teenager problems. At first, Gina is an outcast then we can see how she tries to fit in the class, and she makes friends. Friendship and togetherness are in the spotlight in this novel.

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

Closely Related Book Lists

The best fantasy books about friendship and bravery

Debbie Daley Author Of The Harp of Elvyth Debbie Daley

The best young adult books with an antihero

T.D. Fox Author Of The Walls of Orion T.D. Fox

The best historical fiction for tweens and teens

Lisa Rowe Fraustino Author Of I Walk in Dread: The Diary of Deliverance Trembley, Witness to the Salem Witch Trials, Massachusetts Bay Colony 1691 (Dear America Series) Lisa Rowe Fraustino

The best fiction books that make the political feel intensely personal

Samrat Upadhyay Author Of Mad Country Samrat Upadhyay

Distantly Related Book Lists

The best books on deciphering ancient Egypt – fact and fiction

Angela Cecil Reid Author Of Nile Cat Angela Cecil Reid

The best literary fantasies for young adults

Adina Rishe Gewirtz Author Of Blue Window Adina Rishe Gewirtz

The best dark historical fiction

Michael Stewart Author Of Ill Will Michael Stewart

The best children’s books to send you on fantastic adventures

Claire Fayers Author Of Voyage to Magical North Claire Fayers