Read the Book, See the Movie

As young adult fiction becomes increasingly popular, so do the movies based on those books.  Here are a few books you might want to read before they make it to the movie screen….

Before Tomorrowland

by Jeff Jensen, Damon Lindelof, Brad Bird, Jonathan Case

This is the story that leads up the movie Tomorrowland and tells the story of a secret group of scientists about to release important findings in the midst of world villains, cyborgs and Nazis; the book includes a comic book story which is referenced in the main story.

Movie: Tomorrowland (set to release May 2015)

Found at: Public Library

Why Chosen: A fun combination of history, science fiction, and comics for 12-18 year olds.

Paper Towns

By John Greene

In a mystery of sorts, the main character, Quentin, searches for his friend (and first love) Margo only to realize that she does not belong on the pedestal upon which people have placed her; and that all of us deserve to be viewed as we are, not judged by how things seem to be.

Movie: Paper Towns (set to release July 2015)

Found at: Public Library

Why Chosen: Written by the uber popular John Greene, need I say more.

The Fifth Wave

By Rick Yancey

After a series of phased alien attacks has mostly wiped the earth clear of humans, the few remaining are left to figure out a way to survive, despite not knowing who is friend and who is foe;  Cassie is not afraid to use any means necessary to find and rescue her brother.

Movie: The Fifth Wave (set to release January 2016)

Found at: Public Library

Why Chosen: An exciting, fast-paced story with a strong female protagonist.

Me and Early and The Dying Girl

By Jesse Andrews

The story of an awkward teen with lots of self doubt who has managed to fly under the radar most of his high school years until he realizes that he can’t just spend his life fading into the background.

Movie: Me and Early and The Dying Girl (set to release June 2015)

Found at: Public Library

Why Chosen: “It is sure to be popular with many boys, including reluctant readers, and will not require much selling on the part of the librarian.” VOYA Review

Bringing History to Life

Historical fiction can add a layer to classroom lessons and spark an interest in history. The books outlined here are all historical fictions telling the many stories of civil rights movements in the United States during the late 1950’s and the 60’s.  These books make history more personal and students will relate to the power of voice and action taken by young people close to their age.

The Lions of Little Rock

by Kristin Levine

Set in the late 1950s in Arkansas after schools were ordered to integrate and then shut down, this book tells the story of the friendship between two middle school students – one black and one white – who take a stand against segregation and racism.

Found at: Public Library

Why chosen: Even the shiest of people can make their voice heard.

The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano

by Sonia Manzano

Set in the late 1960’s in New York, this book tells the story of the Young Lords movement in Spanish Harlem in New York and the “evolution” of Evelyn Serrano as she comes to accept and take pride in her heritage.

Found at: Public Library

Why chosen:  This book discusses the overlooked civil rights protests of Puerto Ricans in the United States, but is also a story about a young woman as a new immigrant coming to appreciate her family and heritage.

The Rock and The River

by  Kekla Magoon

Set in the late 1960’s in Chicago, a fourteen year old must decide what path of protest he will choose after Martin Luther King’s assassination – will it be the non-violent path espoused by his father or the sometimes violent path of the Black Panthers.

Found at: Public Library

Why Chosen: This books gives a different perspective on protest and civil rights movement through the eyes of a young African American teen.

The Help

by Kathryn Stockett

Set in the early 1960s in Mississippi, a young woman just home from college decides to write the stories of black women who provide services to the white privileged class, not realizing that the stories would be considered an act of protest and incite turmoil in the community at large.

Found at: Public Library

Why chosen: Although an adult book, the main character’s youth and writing aspiration will make it relatable to teens.