Young Adult Book to Television/Movie Adaptations

Reading books that have visual adaptations has many benefits and can be fun for readers of all ages. Books with film or television adaptations can help reluctant readers find texts that they are already invested in, and deepen connections for enthusiastic readers. Readers may find it easier to connect to familiar characters and storylines, and whether they end up being pleased or disappointed with the adaptation - there is always a lot to discuss! It is also a great way to see the image you create while reading come to life.

Contemporary books with tv/movie adaptations can also be an excellent tool for adults who want to foster connection with teens. Educators can use them to encourage further immersion into a book or topic, and lively discussion and analysis. Caregivers can also use them to build kinship with teens who may not otherwise be interested in sharing what they are reading and/or watching.

This collection of young adult book recommendations represents an authentic and diverse set of characters, and a variety of lived experiences. Each of these books resonated so much with readers that they were turned into tv series or movies. Whether you prefer to read before you watch or vice versa, below are some of our favorite YA books that have already been adapted or are coming soon to a screen near you.

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Watch These Now:

There’s Someone Inside Your House

Author: Stephanie Perkins | Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers

You can watch this movie on Netflix.

Shadow and Bone

Author: Leigh Bardugo | Publisher: Square Fish

Shadow and Bone tells the story of Alina and Mal — two people who have been best friends since they met at an orphanage when they were eight. Years later, after watching Mal experience a near-death experience, Alina discovers she not only has the power to save him but the power to possibly save her whole country. Once Alina discovers her powers, she's faced with a lot of new challenges, like how to use them, how to make and keep friends, and how to navigate being someone everyone relies on. The show Shadow and Bone also incorporates the characters from the next duology, Six of Crows. Find this series on Netflix.

Monster

Author: Walter Dean Myers | Publisher: Amistad

Written in the style of a movie script, Walter Dean Myers’ Monster tells the story of sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon, who is in prison on trial for murder. As Steve is pushed through the system and forced to reconcile with his potential future and moments that brought him to where he is, he turns to writing. Throughout his trial, Steve writes everything out as a script, just like a movie, depicting it scene by scene. An intense look into the criminal justice system for a young black boy with a unique and intriguing writing style. You can watch this movie on Netflix.

Moxie

Author: Jennifer Mathieu | Publisher: Square Fish

For the rebellious feminist in your life! Moxie tells the story of Vivian Carter. She is sick and tired of the sexist policies and favoritism towards male athletes that dominate her high school. Following in her punk rock mother’s footsteps, Viv writes and distributes an anonymous feminist zine throughout her school. Soon, something she did not anticipate happens - girls from all ages and social groups join together to fight the patriarchy. This book is full of heart and a whole lot of moxie. Don't miss the film on Netflix!

Five Feet Apart

Author: Rachael Lippincott with Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Iaconis | Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Watch this film on Netflix.

Tiny Pretty Things

Author: Sona Charaipotra | Publisher: HarperTeen

Find this series on Netflix.

The Hate U Give

Author: Angie Thomas | Publisher: Balzer + Bray

This debut novel by award winning author Angie Thomas tells the story of a teenager named Starr Carter. Starr spends her days torn between her two worlds, the poor neighborhood where she lives and the rich, mostly white, suburban prep school she attends. Her world is soon upended when she witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil, an unarmed black teen, by a police officer. As the story gains national attention, secrets about Khalil’s life are revealed, and judgements are made about him, Starr must grapple with her own processing of the event as well as what this will do to her community. Protestors take to the streets, and Starr must decide if it is time to safely retreat or step up to use her voice - for Khalil and others like him. A novel inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement that is an extremely important read for all communities. Watch this movie on Hulu and other streaming services.

The Sun is Also A Star

Author: Nicola Yoon | Publisher: Ember

The Sun is Also A Star tells the story of Natasha and Daniel, skeptics of fate and dealing with the ups and downs of life - but when they meet, they realize that the universe may have other plans for them. Natasha: the girl who loves science and facts and who is working to prevent her family’s deportation that is coming in twelve hours. The last thing on her mind: falling in love. Daniel: the perfect son and perfect student, every decision made for his family and others. Will one moment change the course of their lives, separate and together, forever? This film was released in theaters but you can now find it on many streaming platforms.

One Of Us is Lying

Author: Karen M. McManus | Publisher: Delacorte Press

You can watch this series on Peacock.

Coming Soon

Heartstopper Volume One

Author: Alice Oseman | Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books

A YA graphic novel detailing the lives of Charlie, the openly gay over-analyzer, and Nick, the sweet athlete. The two form a quick friendship and bond. But when Charlie falls hard for Nick, will it hurt their friendship or turn into something more? A heartwarming story of friendship and early love. This series will release in 2022 on Netflix.

The Summer I Turned Pretty

Author: Jenny Han | Publisher: S&S Books for Young Readers

This film will air on Amazon Prime in 2022.

Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass

Author: Meg Medina | Publisher: Candlewick

This film will be released on Hulu later in 2022.

This is My America

Author: Kim Johnson | Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

This series will air on HBO Max later this year.

On The Come Up

Author: Angie Thomas | Publisher: Balzer + Bray

This film will be released in theaters.

Children of Blood and Bone

Author: Tomi Adeyemi | Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

This film will be released in theaters.

Firekeeper's Daughter

Author: Angeline Boulley | Publisher: Faber and Faber

This series will be released on Netflix spring 2022.

I’ll Be The One

Author: Lyla Lee | Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Skye Shin has spent her life being told that fat girls were not made for the spotlight; they shouldn’t dance or wear bright colors. But Skye dreams of smashing those stereotypes and breaking into the world of K-pop. When she nails her audition for an internationally televised competition to find the next K-pop star, she knows it’s her time to shine. But she is soon swept up in the frenzy of the entertainment industry and the fatphobia surrounding beauty standards that come with it. Will Skye become the world’s first plus-sized K-pop star or will the pressure cause her to crumble? Filled with romance and self-acceptance through a singing competition show, I’ll Be The One, is a wonderful YA read for music lovers everywhere. This movie will be released on HBO Max.

Somewhere Only We Know

Author: Maurene Goo | Publisher: Square Fish

This movie will be released on Netflix.

The Girls I've Been

Author: Tess Sharpe | Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

A page turning, action packed read about the daughter of a con artist being held hostage in a bank robbery. It has been five years since Nora O’Malley escaped her mother. Growing up, she was a lot of different girls as she helped her con-artist mother target criminal men. Now, she finds herself in the middle of a bank robbery with her girlfriend Iris, and her ex, Wes, who walked in on the two of them kissing the night before and didn’t know about their relationship. These bank robbers don’t know who they are dealing with! This film stars Milly Bobby Brown and will be released on Netflix.

I Believe in a Thing Called Love

Author: Maureen Goo | Publisher: Square Fish

You can watch this movie on Netflix later this year.

More Happy Than Not

Author: Adam Silvera | Publisher: Soho Teen

In his debut novel, More Happy Than Not, Adam Silvera confronts race, class, sexuality, and grief through the story of Aaron Soto. After a family loss, Aaron finds himself turning to his closest support systems - his girlfriend Genevieve and his best friend Thomas. Genevieve is helping him get back to feeling like himself but it is Thomas who is really making the difference. As the two get closer, Aaron learns things about himself that may change things forever. When a revolutionary memory-alteration procedure comes along, will it help Aaron get back to where he was or will he forget who he truly is and has come to be? You can watch this series on HBO Max later this year.