Summer is finally here, and what better way to celebrate than by hanging out with friends, eating snacks, and diving into some awesome book-to-movie adaptations? Check out these adaptations of some of the most popular YA books (the ones that made you laugh, cry, and stay up way too late reading “just one more chapter”). Whether you’ve read the book or are just in it for the popcorn, gather your friends, lots of snacks, and get ready to host an awesome movie marathon!
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Just finished Sunrise on the Reaping and can’t possibly wait for next November’s movie release? Jump back into The Hunger Games! There are dystopian thrills, fierce characters, and a movie adaptation that actually does the book justice!
The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp
When self-destructive party-boy Sutter meets Aimee, the outcast desperate to be shown the ropes of the social world, the pair form an odd relationship. Sutter figures he can show her a good time and change her boring life for the better, but is surprised to find her outlook might be changing his life instead.
The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
When self-destructive party-boy Sutter meets Aimee, the outcast desperate to be shown the ropes of the social world, the pair form an odd relationship. Sutter figures he can show her a good time and change her boring life for the better, but is surprised to find her outlook might be changing his life instead.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
When Jacob stumbles into the world of supernatural superpowers and an orphanage literally stuck in time, Jacob must use his own peculiarities to save everyone from a tragic fate. Creepy, magical, and full of Tim Burton’s signature flair, this one brings the book’s weird world to life.
Love, Simon by Becky Albertalli
A story of self-discovery and finding your place in the world, Simon falls head over heels for a guy he meets online known only as “Blue”. As Simon tries to figure out which of his classmates is the anonymous cutie, he’s ‘outed’ as gay to his whole school. Simon has to deal with the challenges of coming out in a not-always-tolerant high school, the relationships and drama of his closest friends, and finding love before it’s too late.
After the movie, chill and chat about what you watched. Here are a few questions to get the conversation going (no pop quizzes, promise!):
- What did the movie do better than the book—and what did the book totally nail that the movie missed?
- How would you have cast the main character? Did the actor match how you pictured them while reading?
- If you could rewrite the ending, what would you change?
The best part of these events? You don’t have to be a superfan or even a big reader. It’s all about sharing stories, hanging out, and kicking back together. So grab your friends, mark your calendar, and let’s get summer started the right way—one book, movie, and giant bowl of popcorn at a time.
