Read It Before You See It
You might have noticed that recent movies have a striking resemblance to your 14-year-old’s favorite reads. Movie theatres, Netflix, and other streaming platforms are stocked with adaptations of popular young adult novels. Hollywood has consistently turned to books for their next big hits, with many contemporary films using young adult titles as their source material. Just like the novels themselves, these adaptations have spanned a wide range of genres from romance to horror. If you want to get a sneak peek at what TV shows and movies are coming soon to a screen near you, look no further.
“The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas: This contemporary title is a must read with both the novel and film receiving rave reviews from critics. The story is told from the perspective of Starr Carter who witnesses the shooting death of her friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Starr thinks that telling the truth about what happened to Khalil will get her in trouble, but she also knows that she has to stand up for what she believes in.
“The Kissing Booth” by Beth Reekles: Already a huge teen romance movie hit for Netflix, “The Kissing Booth” is the perfect choice if you love comparing the book to the movie. Rochelle Evans, despite her popularity, has never been kissed. Rochelle’s life is turned upside down when she kisses one of the most popular boys at her school while running the kissing booth she put together for her school’s spring carnival.
“Dumplin” by Julie Murphy: All sixteen-year-old Willowdean wants to do is prove to everyone that she is more than just the fat girl. In an effort to prove she has what it takes, Willowdean decides to enter the beauty pageant that her mother runs. This book tells a great story of self-acceptance, first love, and friendship that anyone can enjoy. The heartwarming comedy is soon to appear on Netflix starring Jennifer Aniston as Willowdean’s mother.
“The Beast Is an Animal” by Peternelle Van Arsdale: Alys was seven when the soul eaters took all the adults of her small village. Settling into her life with a new family has not been easy. Guarding the wooden gate at night with other children of the village is equally as hard. How long can Alys go before the darkness of the nearby forest and her developing powers begin to take over? Ridley Scott of “Alien” fame is producing the forthcoming dark-fantasy movie.
“Five Feet Apart” by Rachael Lippincott: Perfect for those who enjoy John Green’s tearjerker plots, this book tells the story of Stella and Will who are both living with cystic fibrosis. In order to stay on the lung transplant list, they must stay five feet away from each other. But, as their relationship grows the distance between them seems insurmountable. This book will be published in November, so put it on hold before the movie release in March.
Melisa Martinez is a Youth and Young Adult Services Librarian at the Hinsdale Public Library.