Set against the backdrop of World War II in Hungary, the novel follows a young girl sent to a strict boarding school in the countryside by her father, a high-ranking general who fears for her safety amidst the war. Struggling to fit in and feeling abandoned, she eventually discovers the school harbors deep secrets, including the mysterious "Abigél," a statue that seems to be at the center of a clandestine operation protecting those persecuted by the war. As the protagonist navigates the complexities of adolescence, authority, and the harsh realities of her time, she learns valuable lessons about trust, loyalty, and the power of community in the face of adversity.

The novel centers around a teenage girl who is sent to a remote and mysterious boarding school where only a handful of students are enrolled. As she settles into her new environment, she discovers that the school harbors dark secrets and that the students, including herself, are being manipulated by the sinister headmistress and her staff to channel the spirits of dead geniuses. The protagonist must unravel the eerie mysteries of the school and confront the supernatural forces at play to escape the dangerous situation and save herself and her peers from the clutches of the school's malevolent influence.

Set in the 1960s, this coming-of-age novel follows a lonely, rebellious teenage boy who is sent to a boarding school on the bleak English coast. There, he encounters a mysterious and self-sufficient boy living in a dilapidated hut by the sea. As their friendship deepens, the protagonist becomes captivated by the boy's unconventional lifestyle and independence, leading him to question his own identity and the constraints of society. The story explores themes of friendship, identity, and the longing for freedom, all set against the backdrop of the harsh and isolating coastal landscape.

Set in South Africa during the early 1990s, the story follows a young boy named John "Spud" Milton as he navigates his first year at an elite all-boys boarding school. Through Spud's diary entries, readers experience his humorous and often awkward adventures as he deals with eccentric teachers, quirky classmates, and the challenges of adolescence. Amidst the backdrop of a changing political landscape, Spud grapples with issues of identity, friendship, and family, all while trying to fit in and find his place in the world.

Set in the 1960s at a Canadian boarding school for girls, the narrative unfolds through the eyes of Mary Beatrice "Mouse" Bradford, a shy and introspective student. The story delves into themes of identity, gender, and transformation as Mouse navigates the complexities of adolescence and her evolving friendship with the enigmatic Paulie, who is grappling with her own identity crisis. As the girls confront societal norms and personal struggles, the novel explores the boundaries of friendship and the quest for self-discovery in a world that often demands conformity.