📚 Back to School, Back to Stories: Campus Tales & Classroom Favorites ✏️✨

There’s something about the start of a new school year that feels a little bit like opening the first page of a brand-new book. The smell of sharpened pencils, the squeak of fresh sneakers on shiny gym floors, the fluttery nerves of finding your new seat in class… it’s all part of that magical back-to-school energy. And what better way to celebrate than with stories that capture the highs, lows, and hilarity of school life?

At Clip Chicks, we know that planners, notebooks, and textbooks don’t stay organized on their own (that’s where our whimsical school-themed clips step in 💁🏼♀️). But we also know that sometimes the best way to relive school days—or survive them—is with a really good book. So, we’ve rounded up 10 school-inspired novels for adults and 10 picks for middle & high school readers that pair perfectly with our clips, your backpack, and maybe even your favorite back-to-school snack.

🎒 10 Novels for Adults Who Love Campus & Classroom Stories

1. The Secret History by Donna Tartt
   Dark academia at its finest—this novel follows a group of eccentric classics students whose bond leads them into dangerous territory. It’s moody, haunting, and will make you want to wear tweed and carry a fountain pen.

2. Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld
   A witty, sharp look at life in a New England boarding school through the eyes of an outsider. It’s equal parts coming-of-age story and social commentary.

3. The Lying Game by Ruth Ware
   A twisty thriller about four women who once played a dangerous game at boarding school… until the past comes back to haunt them. Perfect if you like your school stories with a side of secrets.

4. The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
   While not just about school, it begins with a grad student discovering a mysterious book in his university library. From there, it spirals into a lush, magical adventure.

5. The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides
   College in the 1980s, complete with love triangles, English majors, and intellectual debates. A witty, bookish romp for literature lovers.

6. My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan
   An American student heads to Oxford for a year abroad, only to discover love, heartbreak, and a dash of British charm. Funny, heartfelt, and very book-clubbable.

7. Real Life by Brandon Taylor
   A PhD student navigating academia, identity, and relationships. Tender, raw, and brilliantly observed.

8. The Rules of Attraction by Bret Easton Ellis
   Set at a liberal arts college, this chaotic novel dives into messy relationships and campus drama with biting humor. Think: college life unfiltered.

9. The Admissions by Meg Mitchell Moore
   This family drama shows the pressures of getting into the right school—and the secrets that might derail it all. A timely, smart read for anyone who survived (or is surviving) college applications.

10. Wonder Boys by Michael Chabon
    A struggling professor, a chaotic weekend, and one very long manuscript. Funny, quirky, and full of literary charm.

📖 10 Novels for Middle & High School Readers

1. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
   College freshman Cath struggles to balance fanfiction, writing dreams, and first love. Perfect for anyone who’s ever been nervous about growing up.

2. Looking for Alaska by John Green
   Boarding school shenanigans meet deep questions about life and loss. Poignant and unforgettable.

3. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
   Imagine Harry Potter but with more sass, romance, and meta magic. A boarding school fantasy with heart and humor.

4. We Are Okay by Nina LaCour
   A college freshman grapples with grief, friendship, and identity during winter break. Quiet, emotional, and beautifully written.

5. A Separate Peace by John Knowles
   Classic boarding school novel about friendship, rivalry, and the impact of war. Still resonates decades later.

6. American Royals: Rivals by Katharine McGee
   Think Gossip Girl meets monarchy—in school settings, with royal drama and rivalries. Juicy, fun, and binge-worthy.

7. Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon
   Two high school rivals team up during an epic 24-hour scavenger hunt in Seattle. A swoony, fast-paced rom-com.

8. Charming as a Verb by Ben Philippe
   A witty high school story about hustle, ambition, and unexpected romance. Perfect for fans of laugh-out-loud banter.

9. One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
   Breakfast Club meets murder mystery when five students walk into detention and only four walk out. Twisty, fast-paced, and impossible to put down.

10. Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia
    A high schooler living a double life as a famous webcomic creator struggles with anxiety, secrets, and love. Relatable, funny, and heartfelt.

✨ Back to School + Back to Books = Pure Magic

So whether you’re stuffing a new backpack, cracking open a fresh planner, or just looking for a story that takes you back to the classroom, these books are the perfect companions. And hey—our school-themed novelty clips make adorable back-to-school gifts for readers, students, and teachers who need a little extra organization (and whimsy) in their lives.

📌 Because let’s be honest: the best way to survive a thousand assignments? A little flair, a little fun, and a paper clip that makes you smile.