The novel is set in 1930s Edinburgh and follows the story of six girls under the tutelage of an unconventional teacher, Miss Jean Brodie. Miss Brodie, in her prime, takes it upon herself to educate the girls about life, love, politics, and art, often disregarding the traditional curriculum. The narrative explores the influence of Miss Brodie on the girls, the consequences of her nonconformist teachings, and the ultimate betrayal that leads to her downfall.

The book follows the life of a young orphan girl who is mistakenly sent to live with an elderly brother and sister who originally wanted to adopt a boy to help them with their farm in Prince Edward Island. Despite the initial disappointment, the girl's charm, vivacity, and imagination soon win over her new guardians. The story details her adventures and mishaps in her new home, her struggles and triumphs at school, and her gradual maturing into a smart, independent young woman.

The story follows Nicholas Nickleby, a young man who becomes the head of his family after his father's death. He and his family are left penniless by an unscrupulous uncle, who also sends Nicholas to work in a cruel and abusive boarding school. Nicholas eventually escapes, travels the country, meets a variety of eccentric characters, and has many adventures. Throughout his journey, Nicholas struggles against adversity and the greed and cruelty of others, while aiming to protect his sister and mother. The novel is a social critique, highlighting the terrible conditions of schools and the plight of the poor in 19th-century England.

"Waterland" is a novel that intertwines the personal history of a history teacher with the social history of the English Fens. The narrative alternates between the past and the present, exploring themes of history, memory, and storytelling. The protagonist's personal story of love, tragedy, and madness is inextricably linked to the history of the Fens, a marshy region in eastern England. The novel also addresses the question of whether history is a cyclical process or a linear one, and how the past influences the present.

Half Broke Horses is a novel based on the life of the author's grandmother, Lily Casey Smith, who grew up in the early 1900s on a ranch in Texas. The book follows Lily's journey from a young girl with a thirst for adventure to a strong-willed woman who becomes a teacher, a rancher, and a mother. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Lily remains determined and resilient, forging her own path in a world that often tries to limit her. The book is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of one remarkable woman and a celebration of the American West.

In a war-torn village on a remote island, a young girl named Matilda finds solace and escape in the pages of a book called "Great Expectations". Taught by a mysterious and charismatic teacher, Mr. Watts, Matilda becomes enthralled by the story and its protagonist, Pip. As the conflict escalates and the outside world encroaches upon their isolated community, the power of literature and the transformative impact of storytelling are revealed, leaving a lasting impression on Matilda and those around her.