Families who loved The School for Dangerous Girls by Eliot Schrefer often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager feels unfairly labeled as a troublemaker or is struggling with the constraints of overly rigid authority. It is an ideal choice for the child who feels like an outsider and needs to see that their inherent spark, even if it is currently being framed as 'dangerous' by others, is actually a source of strength and survival. The story follows fifteen-year-old Angela, who is sent to a remote reform school in the Colorado mountains. While the school claims to rehabilitate 'difficult' girls, Angela discovers a darker truth: those who don't fit the mold are treated like animals. The book explores heavy themes of institutional abuse, the importance of female friendship, and the courage required to define one's own identity. It is best suited for mature middle schoolers and high school students who enjoy high-stakes survival stories and can handle intense situations.