In the shadow of the enchanting and captivating universe of The School for Good and Evil, readers are left with a craving for more magical tales and moral complexities. The purpose of this blog post is not only to feed that desire, but also to guide you on an exploration of new worlds.
This list of recommendations aims to spark the same sense of wonder, challenge, and growth that you experienced in the hallowed halls of the School for Good and Evil.
Brace yourself as we journey together through fairy tale reimaginings, tales of strong female characters, and stories of magical schools and training.
A Look at Similar Themes
The School for Good and Evil is cherished not only for its magical universe, but also for the profound themes it explores. The story delves deep into the nature of good and evil, friendship, self-identity, and courage among others.
These themes are the heart of the novel, offering readers more than just an adventurous tale, but a journey into self-reflection and personal growth. It’s these elements that we want to keep alive as we venture into other literary realms.
Fairy Tale Reimaginings
The beauty of The School for Good and Evil is that it reimagines traditional fairy tales, challenging the familiar narratives we’ve all grown up with. Each book suggested under this theme will introduce you to unique spins on age-old stories, stirring the same sense of intrigue and curiosity.
Strong Female Characters
A compelling aspect of The School for Good and Evil is its strong, complex female protagonists. Their struggles, triumphs, and personal evolution provide readers with relatable figures of strength and resilience. Books under this theme will present you with an array of fierce, independent, and multi-dimensional female characters.
Magic Schools & Training
The titular school itself is a character in The School for Good and Evil. The experiences and growth of the characters within this educational institution make for engaging and meaningful storytelling. Following this theme, the recommended books will transport you to similar environments where learning magic isn’t just about casting spells, but also about personal development and understanding one’s identity.
Book Recommendations: Fairy Tale Reimaginings
Fairy tales have a timeless allure. They’re the first stories many of us hear, and they continue to fascinate us into adulthood. They’ve been told and retold in countless ways, but always manage to surprise us with new perspectives and interpretations. Just like The School for Good and Evil offered a fresh take on the classic good versus evil trope, the following books offer their own enchanting and unique spins on well-known fairy tales.
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
This Newbery Honor-winning novel is a delightful reinterpretation of the Cinderella story. It features Ella, who, unlike the Cinderella we know, is under a “gift” of obedience, which forces her to obey any command given to her. Just as The School for Good and Evil challenges the concept of good and evil, Ella Enchanted questions the idea of obedience and conformity, making us reflect on the value of individuality and free will.
The Land of Stories series by Chris Colfer
If you’re searching for an adventure in a land of fairy tales, then The Land of Stories is a perfect choice. The series follows twins Alex and Conner as they fall into a book of fairy tales and find themselves interacting with well-known characters in unexpected ways. This series, much like The School for Good and Evil, plays with familiar fairy tales and adds depth to these traditional characters, letting readers see them in a whole new light.
Entwined by Heather Dixon
Entwined is a reimagining of the “Twelve Dancing Princesses” fairy tale, where twelve princesses discover a secret passage to a magical land where they dance every night. The book explores themes of family, love, and sacrifice. Just like The School for Good and Evil, it presents a narrative where things aren’t as simple as they initially seem, and choices have consequences that affect not just the characters themselves, but the people they hold dear.
Book Recommendations: Strong Female Characters
From overcoming obstacles to personal growth and self-discovery, the journeys of strong female characters often form the backbone of engaging narratives. Just as Sophie and Agatha are the beating heart of The School for Good and Evil, the protagonists in the following recommendations are powerful, resilient, and multi-dimensional women who leave a lasting impact.
His Dark Materials series by Philip Pullman
In this thought-provoking fantasy trilogy, readers follow the journey of Lyra Belacqua, a fiercely independent girl from a parallel universe. The series, much like The School for Good and Evil, wrestles with complex themes like morality, freedom, and the essence of human nature. Lyra’s courage, resourcefulness, and resilience are sure to inspire readers who admired Sophie and Agatha’s tenacity.
The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins
This critically acclaimed trilogy introduces readers to Katniss Everdeen, a resourceful and determined heroine who volunteers to participate in a deadly competition to save her younger sister. The series delves into themes of survival, sacrifice, and authority, similar to the trials faced by the protagonists in The School for Good and Evil. The fierce determination and complex moral decisions made by Katniss will resonate with those who appreciated the bravery and complexity of Sophie and Agatha.
Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Graceling presents us with Katsa, a strong-willed young woman who is Graced with extraordinary combat skills. As she navigates political intrigue and uncovers dark secrets, readers witness her struggle with her own abilities and identity. Like Sophie and Agatha, Katsa’s journey is not just about external adventures but also inner growth, a journey that The School for Good and Evil fans will surely appreciate.
Book Recommendations: Magic Schools & Training
A central part of The School for Good and Evil is the school itself, where characters learn about magic, morality, and their personal identities. In the following recommendations, we explore more tales set in magical schools, where learning goes beyond academics and into life lessons and self-discovery.
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Inarguably one of the most beloved series in modern literature, the Harry Potter books offer an unforgettable journey into the magical world of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Just like in The School for Good and Evil, readers will find themselves immersed in a realm where students learn about magic and themselves, face perilous adventures, and form bonds that transcend time and trials.
Percy Jackson & The Olympians series by Rick Riordan
Set in Camp Half-Blood, a summer training camp for demigods, the Percy Jackson series follows the thrilling adventures of Percy Jackson, a dyslexic 12-year-old who discovers he’s the son of Poseidon. Similar to The School for Good and Evil, the books delve into the complex nature of good and evil, the importance of friendship, and the process of self-discovery amidst a world of magic and myth.
The Magisterium series by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
The Magisterium series takes readers into an underground school for mages, where the protagonist, Callum Hunt, learns to control his magical abilities while navigating secrets and dangers. Like The School for Good and Evil, this series deftly intertwines personal growth with magical training, offering readers a rich and layered coming-of-age narrative amidst a backdrop of enchantment and intrigue.
Conclusion
After journeying through worlds of enchanted fairy tales, compelling female protagonists, and captivating magical schools, we hope you’ve found new potential favorites to add to your bookshelf. Each recommendation has been selected for its thematic alignment with The School for Good and Evil, and we believe they hold the same capacity to enchant, inspire, and provoke thoughtful reflection.
Recap of Recommended Books
These books offer not just entertainment but also the opportunity to explore diverse narratives, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes:
- Fairy Tale Reimaginings: Ella Enchanted, The Land of Stories series, and Entwined.
- Strong Female Characters: His Dark Materials series, The Hunger Games series, and Graceling.
- Magic Schools & Training: Harry Potter series, Percy Jackson & The Olympians series, and The Magisterium series.
Encouragement for Readers
We hope that these books bring you the same joy, excitement, and thoughtful contemplation that you found in The School for Good and Evil. As you embark on these new literary adventures, remember that every story has something unique to offer.
Invitation to Share
Your thoughts and experiences with these books are a valuable part of the reading journey. We’d love to hear about the worlds you’ve explored, the characters you’ve met, and the lessons you’ve taken away. Join the conversation and share your own recommendations or experiences with the suggested books.
Additional Book Recommendations for Fans of The School for Good and Evil
In the spirit of keeping the magic alive, here are ten more books that promise adventures as enchanting and thought-provoking as those in The School for Good and Evil.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
A timeless classic, this series takes readers on an epic journey in a magical world full of fantastical creatures, epic battles, and moral dilemmas. Its inclusion of complex themes and moral lessons aligns closely with The School for Good and Evil.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
This Newbery Medal-winning novel is a thrilling adventure across time and space, packed with themes of love, courage, and sacrifice. Its strong, complex characters and intriguing plot make it a great recommendation for fans of The School for Good and Evil.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
A thought-provoking novel that explores a seemingly utopian society where sameness is valued above all. The deep exploration of good and evil and the individual’s role in society resonates strongly with the themes in The School for Good and Evil.
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Coraline’s adventure in an alternate reality tests her courage and wits. The book’s exploration of self-identity and the line between good and evil is in tune with the themes in The School for Good and Evil.
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
This book features characters who leap off the page—literally. It’s a love letter to storytelling and the power of imagination, a perfect fit for fans of The School for Good and Evil‘s inventive narrative.
The Spiderwick Chronicles by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi
This series is filled with magic, mystery, and a dash of danger, making it an ideal recommendation for readers who enjoyed the magical adventures and fantastical creatures in The School for Good and Evil.
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
This series features a group of gifted children selected to embark on a mission to save the world. The characters’ journey to understand their talents and identities aligns with the growth experienced by the characters in The School for Good and Evil.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
A story that combines fantasy and reality, featuring children with peculiar abilities. Its exploration of self-discovery and the acceptance of differences mirrors the experiences in The School for Good and Evil.
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
This Newbery Medal-winning book features magic, witches, and a girl who is filled with the magic of the moon. Its exploration of good and evil, love, and sacrifice echoes the themes in The School for Good and Evil.
The Neverending Story by Michael Ende
A tale of a boy who finds himself in a book that comes to life. The book’s exploration of self-discovery and the power of imagination is a fitting continuation of the journey begun in The School for Good and Evil.