"Every Heart a Doorway" is a fantasy novel by Seanan McGuire that explores the lives of teens who have discovered doorways to other realms, only to return to the mundane world. The story centers around Eleanor West, who runs a boarding school called Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children to help these lost souls. The children are struggling to adapt after experiencing the magic of other worlds, each with its own unique rules and wonders. They often feel out of place in their original lives, and the home provides them a safe haven to process their feelings and find community.
As the narrative unfolds, the readers are introduced to a diverse cast of characters, each with distinct backgrounds and stories related to the doorways they've encountered. They grapple with their identities and the trauma of leaving behind the fantastical experiences they've had. The plot thickens with a murder mystery that shakes the foundation of the school, forcing the characters to confront their pasts and the complex emotions tied to their magical journeys.