The original question was about Fantasy specifically any suggestion that isn't fantasy, wouldn't be a valid answer to he question. Plot structure can be found in all works, both how it works and how it doesn't. Not a single book in existence is universally great and approved for any of those reasons.

Sanderson is probably the single biggest name within fantasy outside of already established TV shows of which only the really adult ones have any success. So if Sanderson is disqualified on that foundation, then so is practically ever other author. Would an approachable Urban Fantasy be better? Probably, but I haven't read one so it's hardly something I can suggest.

A students low attention span is unfortunate, but it's something that needs to be accepted, we can wish for a perfect world, but that's not one we have. Not every student is looking for a career in advanced research, expecting otherwise is just being a bad teacher to the others.