From Book to Film: Quality Literature for Kids and Teens

The book is always better. I live by that statement!

However, sometimes the movies can come really close and I’m here to share my full opinion on books vs. the film adaptations!

All four of the books I’m sharing today are appropriate and great for both kids and teens. If you’re looking for a read that is free of any concerning content, these books are perfect. From fantasy to contemporary, these books have it all. 😊

The BFG- by Roald Dahl

“Human beans is not really believing in giants, is they? Human beans is not thinking we exist.”

I have always loved Roald Dahl’s writing! Full of humor, his books always make you laugh and his unique storytelling never disappoints.

The BFG is the story of a young girl named Sophie who is whisked into the world of giants one night from the comfort of her bed. Although this giant is not the Bonecruncher or the Bloodbottler, he’s the Big Friendly Giant! Or better known as the BFG.

The Big Friendly Giant and Sophie develop a unique bond and soon they partner together to save other young children just like Sophie from the child-hungry giants.

Movie–

This book was adapted into a film directed by Steven Spielberg! To be honest, I actually love this movie. For some of the books by Roald Dahl that were adapted into films (eg. Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), I feel that they were unable to capture the uniqueness and magic of the story. I don’t feel that way with this one! I love the movie and the fact that they stayed true to the story.

Out of My Mind- by Sharon M Draper

“Thoughts need words. Words need a voice.”

This book is a great choice for upper elementary and middle school students!

The main character, Melody, is different than what some might initially think. She is physically unable to walk and is non-verbal. A lot of kids and even adults assume she is simply dumb, but she knows better. She’s smart – smarter than most.

This novel is contemporary fiction and is funny, emotional, and definitely a tear-jerker.

Movie-

While I did enjoy the movie, my feelings about the film version are complicated. I think it’s definitely inspirational and fantastic for a younger audience, but I feel like it did make the book seem like it was aimed for a younger audience when it wasn’t. The novel was originally classified as MG and YA, but the movie in my opinion seems like it would mainly appeal to elementary students. That being said- I did not dislike it at all. It just wouldn’t be on the top of my list.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone- by J.K. Rowling

“It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.”

Everyone’s heard of Harry Potter at this point! J.K. Rowling is a legend in the writing world, and most have either read the books or watched the movies.

However, I know some people that have only watched the movies! If this is you, definitely grab at least the first book! I love this fantasy series, especially the first one.

Harry Potter is the boy who lives under the stairs in his aunt and uncle’s house. Contrary to what some might assume, the life he is forced to endure is horrid and nothing like you would expect. His cousin is his biggest bully and makes it his life’s goal to make Harry feel as bad about himself as he possibly can.

All that changes when a mysterious letter arrives.

Warning: If you have a sensitive child, this series (both film and book) may be too much due to frightening scenes/characters. However, the first book is okay for many kids.

Movie-

I love the Harry Potter movies! The characters from the series are incredibly unique and each have specific personality traits that make them so enjoyable to read about. The movies captured that perfectly and I felt no disappointment at all watching them after reading the books.

Fellowship of the Ring- by J.R.R. Tolkien

“Not all those who wander are lost.”

If you’re a reader who loves good adventure and a plot that hooks you from the beginning, don’t miss out on The Lord of the Rings series! While fantasy is not my favorite genre, I definitely recommend this series for fantasy/adventure nerds.

For me, I think the series has a captivating plot, and I may be in the minority here, but I find Tolkien’s writing slightly wordy and that can deter me from finishing the book. (However, I did finish the series!) Even if you were unable to get through the first book, you may still love the movies!

The rings of power have fallen into the wrong hands with the intention of ruling Middle Earth. All except the one ring that rules them all. When a young hobbit named Frodo is thrown into the mix, he is forced to embark on a dangerous quest to destroy the ring and the creature whose only desire is to rule Middle Earth.

Movies-

The Lord of the Rings movies are full of action! They were able to capture the characters and the world they live in really well, and as a reader, I appreciated that. The characters were all very distinct and to me it seemed that they stayed pretty true to the books.

I also know that many people adore the movie series without having read the books!

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