Falcon Four: Series for Back-to-School Nostalgia

By Jay Grummel

For some of us going back to classes is dreadful and for others it’s exciting. Personally, I am happy to be back on campus and with some structure, but I am also happily procrastinating  a lot of my responsibilities. To get back into the groove of things, here’s a Falcon Four of recommend reading for back-to-school series from our childhood/teen years.

Twilight by Stephanie Meyers

We all remember the vampire/werewolf craze from our youth, well Twilight starts with Bella Swan moving to Forks, Washington to move in with her dad for the rest of highschool. Bella is the new student at Forks high school meeting the Cullens soon into her year. As any seventeen year old she quickly falls for the mysterious and odd Edward Cullen, embarking in a supernatural adventure. If you need a bit of romance and supernatural politics this book is a perfect fit.

Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard 

The once very popular TV show originally started as a book series with sixteen books and four main arcs. Aria Montgomery returns to Rosewood after a three year trip to Iceland. It also happens to be three years after her best friend Allison DiLaurentis’s disappearance. She starts the new school year alone and avoiding those she was once close to. Spencer Hastings and Emily Fields were also there the night Allison disappeared and have seemingly moved on. Without her former best friends to rely on Aria is found hanging out at local bars and starting a relationship with her new English teacher Ezra Fritz. All is well in Rosewood and for the girls until they receive threatening messages from “A”. These messages reveal secrets of the present and past, forcing the girls to reconnect.

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Speaking of vampires, Vampire Academy may be perfect for the students who would rather be anywhere, but school. The story follows Rosemarie Hathaway and Vasilisa Dragomir being forced to return back to their school St. Vladimir’s Academy after being on the run for two years, their reasoning is unknown. A perfect read for anyone wanting to experience a darker side of academics with supernatural mysteries.

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson

A newer series debuting in 2018, Truly Devious gives us the dark academia vibes we all want for fall. The story follows Stevie Bell as she starts her junior year at her new school Ellingham Academy. The true crime loving junior detective that’s met with a famous cold case that took place at Ellingham Academy years prior. Determined to solve it Stevie will stop at nothing even when bodies start dropping and horrors of the past start unraveling. A great read for anyone who loves the boarding school trope and mysteries. Perfect for a late night cozy read.

Back-to-school is about new possibilities, people and experiences. The common feelings surrounding the new school year can easily be experienced and found in these books. Especially, if you’re looking for an experience that is out of the normal with mystery and comedic teen angst.