Soman Chainani’s The School for Good and Evil captivates with a unique, fairy tale-esque premise and richly drawn characters. Reviewers praised its imaginative world-building and plot twists, but some noted uneven pacing and an occasionally cluttered narrative. Overall, it’s lauded as an engaging, if imperfect, start to a fresh fantasy series.

Readers who enjoy The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani are typically fans of fantasy, fairy tales, and magical adventures. Comparable to J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series and C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, they revel in intricate world-building, moral dilemmas, and strong character dynamics.

The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani follows Sophie and Agatha, two friends from the village of Gavaldon who are kidnapped and taken to the titular school; ironically, Sophie is placed in the School for Evil while Agatha is placed in the School for Good. Amidst numerous trials and misunderstandings, they must navigate their new roles and discover the true nature of their friendship in a fairy-tale world.

Fantastical / Adventurous / Mysterious / Playful / Emotional

- The School For Good and Evil was a New York Times bestseller, debuting on the list its first week of release in May 2013.
- The book was Chainani's debut novel and he spent several years developing the concept, blending traditional fairy tale elements with a novel twist.
- The School For Good and Evil was adapted into a movie by Netflix, released in 2022, introducing the story to a broader global audience.

**Sophie**  
One of the protagonists who believes her exceptional beauty destines her to be a princess and performs good deeds in her village of Gavaldon to be noticed by the School Master.

**Agatha**  
The other protagonist who initially lives in a cemetery and befriends Sophie, challenging the superficial idea of goodness by understanding its deeper nature.

**Tedros**  
A classically handsome fairy-tale prince and son of King Arthur, whose presence influences the friendship between Sophie and Agatha.

**The School Master**  
The mysterious figure responsible for kidnapping children from Gavaldon every four years to place them in fairy tales, with his true intentions slowly unraveling throughout the story.

**Hester**  
Sophie's roommate with a complex relationship to Good and Evil, who leads her peers in villainy while also showing compassion and support at key moments.

**Dot**  
Another of Sophie’s roommates who can turn anything into chocolate and is known for her kindness, often struggling to fit into the School for Evil.

**Beatrix**  
The popular and beautiful leader of the Evergirls, initially opposed to Agatha but ultimately challenged to reconsider her understanding of true goodness.

Soman Chainani

Middle grade

Novel

The School for Good and Evil

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

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Overview

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Background

The School For Good and Evil Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

The School For Good and Evil Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-10

The School For Good and Evil Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-15

The School For Good and Evil Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-20

The School For Good and Evil Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-25

The School For Good and Evil Chapters 21-25 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 26-30

The School For Good and Evil Chapters 26-30 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The School For Good and Evil Character Analysis

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Introduction

The School For Good and Evil Teacher Introduction

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The School For Good and Evil Reading Context

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The School For Good and Evil Essay Questions

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The School For Good and Evil Cumulative Exam Questions

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The School For Good and Evil Exam Answer Key

The School For Good and Evil

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