Top Ten Books that Would Make Great Movies

I rather enjoy this Top Ten Tuesday meme, especially reading other people's responses.   A meme is a chance to share a post with others posting on the same topic.  This week I am trying: Top Ten Books that Would Make Great Movies.  I was thinking as I began, I usually enjoy the books more than the movies!  Isn’t it the worst when a great book becomes a mediocre movie??  I still think these books would be great on the big screen!  As always, I have chosen to highlight children's and YA book characters.  

This meme is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  

Be sure to check out the other great Top Ten Tuesday Lists like mine.

 In No Particular Order:   

Top Ten Books that Would Make for Good Movies:

1. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins.  I loved this book with its complex characters, friendships, and loves.  I also love the idea of a boarding school.  I can just envision a mature but inexperienced Anna meeting her classmates!  I would also love to see each of the famous places visited by Anna and her friends in Paris.  I don’t know a lot about Paris, so for me, this would really enhance the book.  Most of all, it would be great to see an actor portray St. Clair with his sensitive, exciting, and oh so charming personality.  Even as an adult, I would enjoy that kind of movie, but I know teens would be into it for sure.  I bet it would meet PG-13 standards of viewing.

2. 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson. Much Like Anna and the French Kiss, I would enjoy this book because of the trek that Ginny takes across Europe.  The characters are very colorful, the places are amazing to imagine, and both would be fun to see.  I can imagine this movie with a voice-over narration from Ginny or maybe even from her Aunt Peg.  In my mind, Collin Firth (swoon!) would play her uncle.  The movie would be popular with teens and young adults.   For the movie, I might make Ginny a bit older.   Maybe 19 or 20.  I might also up the romance a bit to increase the audience.  This would put the book solidly in the PG-13 category.

3. The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall.  I chose this book because I think middle grade and elementary children deserve a wholesome movie with likable, believable, and adventurous characters.  This book is 100% in the realistic fiction genre and would have audiences with each of the 4 ages of girls.  Think of the adventures, trouble, and good clean fun of this book.  I am sure this movie might not be a blockbuster, but it would be child centered and parent approved.  I think this movie would easily pass for PG.

4. Origami Yoda series by Tom Angleberger. This makes me smile because I could see this book being an awkwardly animated movie, just like the book.  The hand-drawn look of the pages of the book would be a perfect way to tell the story of Origami Yoda, Tommy, Dwight, and each of the classmates featured in Angleberger’s book.  Lovers of Star Wars would be an instant audience, as would lovers of underdog stories.  Maybe this is a stretch for a movie, but I love the idea.  Tween boys lack movies without weapons and fighting as well as movies that have important life themes like bullying, friendship, and social awkwardness.  Movies for this age set rarely represent kids who are able solve problems and think creatively!  A movie for the under 13 crowd equals a PG rating !   

5. The Agency series by Y.S. Lee. This series features Victorian Spies, romance, and suspense.  I would enjoy a beautiful costume movie with dark shadows, suspenseful music, very suggestive (but not over the top) romance, and great stories.  I love the elegance of Downton Abbey and would see this as a suspenseful, undercover agent version.  One book in the series even offers a story inside the Queen’s palace with the protagonist, Mary working as a maid.  The books were mature and definitely of the YA variety with mentions of late night romps and Mary being a young lady, not really a teen.  I would see this being offered as a PG-13 movie for teens and young adults.

6. Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown. This is a nearly 50 year old book. Wow!  If you ever taught 2^nd or 3^rd grade or had a child in those grades you’ve probably met Flat Stanley. I personally love his story.   He was crushed in a household accident but gained the ability to be folder up into an envelope and sent across the globe.  Stanley visits friends and relatives, but in later books goes on many, many adventures.  Kids love this book because they create their own Flat Stanleys to be traveled through the mail or on vacations.  (Photos snapped and collected along the way!)  Can you imagine, with today’s digital technology, being able to portray Stanley as a flat but personality filled child traveling across the globe?  The thought makes me smile.  I don’t know who could resist a movie like this for children of all ages and adults who read the book in the last 50 years.  I easily could see this movie as being rated G.

7. Berlin Boxing Club by Robert Sharenow. I chose this book because there are not many historical fiction accounts of what happened in Berlin before and during WWII.  This book looks at not only the war experiences of a teen jew in the months leading up to WWII, but also the cultural experiences of all teens and children in Nazi Germany.  The scenes in the schools, the inclusion of a transsexual, the portrayal of ‘die Kristallnacht’, and the brutal realities of war all are tangible while reading, but would be very powerful in a movie as well.  All set with a backdrop of a true German celebrity of Nazi Germany, boxer Max Schmeling.   The inclusion of boxing, training, and fighting act as the perfect metaphor for German Jews, but would also lend to beautiful cinematography.  Violence, Mature Content, and Language might lead this movie to be PG-13 or even R.

8. Bigger than a Bread Box by Laurel Snyder.  What I love about this book was the realistic fiction story with a small bit of fantasy.  Rebecca finds a magical breadbox that will magically grant her wishes, as long as her wish can fit inside the breadbox.  As a child, I always knew magic wasn’t real, but still hoped that I could have one little piece of magic, like this, for myself.  The plot would easily play out on the big screen with family, friends, and neighbors all playing a part in Rebecca’s story.  Children would enjoy this magical little story, but also would definitely learn from the tale.  Things aren’t always what they seem when one person’s gain is another person’s loss.  This movie would probably be PG given the child’s point of view in this story.

9. Travel Team/Summer Ball by Mike Lupica.  Maybe I would just enjoy a Mike Lupica story turned into a movie because the stories are so good.  Lupica is a talented writer having honed his skills through years and years of writing non-fiction, MG novels like these basketball books, and countless articles, commentaries, and features for the New York Daily News, not to mention his other work featured in magazines, newspapers, and websites.  His storytelling is what I might like most about him though. He tells stories like he is creating something very personal and real.  He sounds like he is speaking from experience (he is) and that means something to readers.  A movie based on these 2 books would be received by children, parents, and sports lovers as a story with hope.  Plus the cameos from a few star athletes would be nice for fans.  The books are very cleanly written and would easily garner a PG rating.

10. Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick. To me Wonderstruck read like a movie.  The black and white images flying through the book at a quick pace made me imagine an old cinema. Could you see this movie (ala Wizard of OZ) being filmed in either black and white or in color depending which part of the story is being told?  I also think the black and white scenes could be silent?  I love the idea!  Connect this with the heartwarming story, amazing scenes in old theatres, mystical museums, and cold winters and you could have quite a magical experience.  This movie would be PG for it’s not so scary or mature content.

Of course if you want to experience any of these ‘movies’, make sure you read the book with an active and creative imagination.  Books are usually better than the movies anyway!  Make sure you leave a comment and if you have a Top Ten Tuesday I will be sure to visit yours as well.

Top Ten Characters

Another Meme this week.  A meme is a chance to share a post with others posting on the same topic.  This week I am trying: Top Ten All Time Favorite Characters In Books.  I have chosen to highlight children's and YA book characters.  

This meme is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  

Be sure to check out the other great Top Ten Tuesday Lists like mine.

 In No Particular Order:   

Top Ten All Time Favorite Characters In Books

1. Ramona Quimby by Beverly Cleary– I think of Ramona like a best friend from childhood.  We shared so many days reading together, snuggled under blankets, laying in the sun, and everywhere in between.  Ramona was truly the first character that I connected with on a very, very personal level.  It wasn’t because Ramona and her books were ultra-deep, rather they were common.  I mean that as a sincere compliment.  Every child has lived through shameful misunderstandings at school, jealously towards siblings, and worries about being a big girl.  Being 8 years old and reading about Ramona helped me to be a little less self-centered and realize we all struggle to grow up, we all feel crazy sick when we have the flu, and we all love our families, our pets, our books, and our stuffed animals in a way we think no one else could possibly understand. Wow, even writing this makes me want to go back and reread all of the Ramona books.  : )

2. Brian from Hatchet series by Gary Paulsen – I will admit that Hatchet is my beloved favorite book ever.  Some will argue that what makes the book so amazing is the epic battle of Man vs. Nature, with Nature being the star of the show.  I disagree.  To me, Brian is the driving force of the story because we learn from him, want him to succeed, and share his pain, suffering, and finally triumph.  I just love this kid and would read his adventures forever.  Brian is clever, resourceful, thoughtful, and strong.  I admire Brian for many attributes that I, myself don’t have.  Maybe that’s part of the reason why I like him so much.

3, 4, & 5.Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger by J.K. Rowling – These three friends all make my list because I was blessed enough to see them grow, mature, and persevere in an amazing journey.  Each one is very likable to me. First, there is Harry who is smart, powerful, choosing goodness over evil, and guiding us on his journey to find himself and those who seek to ruin him.  I always felt like Harry invited us along on story, sharing himself not only with the cast at Hogwarts, but also with readers.  No doubt, Harry was written to be likable.  Truly, he was able to make me believe in the magic, for that I am very, very grateful for the experience. Then of course, there were the two friends who are way more than sidekicks.  Ron and Hermione weren’t just along for the ride in the Harry Potter series.  They took risks and matured alongside Harry too.  Ron is loyal and funny, scatterbrained, and nervous.  Love him.  And Hermione who is smart and serious, beautiful and delicate, but showed amazing strength and aptitude! These three friends are favorite characters of mine because of their individual strengths, but also because of all they did together.

6. Biscuit the Puppy by Alyssa Satin Capucilli– Woof! Woof! If you have a little one or teach the youngest school aged kids, you know Biscuit.  I love his soft warm yellow fur and his small cries of Woof! Woof!  He always seems to be gentle and kind, loving and sweet.  There is just something about him that makes you feel comfortable.  Whether he is making new friends, going to bed, going to the doctor, a new school, or sharing a snack, Biscuit is a joy.  Preschoolers and Kindergarteners love his stories, and beginning readers love the accessible words and predictable patterns offered in these short and sweet books.

7. Heather Wells by Meg Cabot– (Please note that techniquly Cabot's Heather Wells series is an adult series.) Heather Wells is a former teen sensation.  She finds herself struggling along, living with her ex-fiance’s brother (who she kinda has a thing for), working at a residence hall, struggling to fit into her size 12 jeans, and solving murder mysteries on the side.  Heather Wells is flawed, but lovable.  She makes bad choices, but somehow triumphs.  I love the play on her size, her former stardom, and her painfully tragic lovelife.  She is more mature than college students she works with, and this too gives Heather a unique dynamic.  Of everyone on this list, maybe I like Heather because she is the only character who still is in a current series.  I can’t wait for the next 2 books to come out in this series.

8. Laura Ingalls from Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder – Laura Ingalls was another heroine whose life felt somehow familiar.  Her dynamic with her family, her struggle to decide between right and wrong, and her hardships living on the prairie all connected with me.  Okay, maybe I didn’t live on the prairie, but Laura made me feel like I could have done so.  I have read and reread these books a number of times and always enjoy Laura’s spirit and intelligence.  She taught me a lot about being proud of your strengths, helping others, and valuing family.

9. Wilbur from Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White – It’s Wilbur’s innocence that really makes him lovable to me.  He is born into a world not willing to care for him.  He makes friends with Fern and the most unlikely group of animals.  He also makes famous the farm that is ready to make a meal from him.  Wilbur’s tale is full of hardship and sorrow, but this simple pig always finds a way to put on a brave face and survive despite the odds.

10. D.J. Schwenk from Dairy Queen Series by Catherine Gilbert Murdock – D.J. is the dairy farm tomboy who navigates family hardships, romantic heartbreaks, sports, and learns lessons about herself along the way.  She is full of surprises, but always manages to be herself, not changing for her family, friends, or boyfriend. However she does mature and strengthen throughout her 3 book series.  She isn’t girly or silly, she doesn’t need saved by friends or a boyfriend, she is amazing and the Dairy Queen books are well worth the read. Reviewed Here!!

Top Ten Tuesday

I decided to try a meme this week.  How exciting, right?  It’s a chance to share a post with others posting on the same topic.  This week I am trying: Top Ten Books That Were Totally Deceiving (those covers or titles that don't fit the books, a book that was totally different than its summary, or those books you thought were going to be fluff that turned out to be more serious etc etc.)  This meme is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  Be sure to check out the other great Top Ten Tuesday Lists like mine.

I should begin by saying, this list is full of book that I really liked.  These are book that were surprisingly good, surprisingly funny, or surprisingly new and fresh.  In these cases being deceived wasn't negative. The list is almost like a list of books you might have missed because they weren't what you expected!  Anyway, here is my list:

1. 2. and 3. The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy, The Penderwicks at Point Mouette, and  The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall I’ve added the Penderwicks because I totally thought the book was written in the 1950’s.  I have read and enjoyed some old fashioned books like Ballet Shoes and The Family Under the Bridge, so I thought this one was so well loved by teacher, librarians, and Children’s Literature fans I thought I woud give it a try.  Only after picking up the book did I realize it’s a modern book!

4. It’s a Book by Lane Smith  I love sweet innocent picture books.  Don’t you? I love sharing picture books with children.  I even love sharing certain picture books with snarky teenage readers.  I laughed and laughed and laughed and was deceived by the adorable It’s a Book by Lane Smith.  If you read the book, you know why I was deceived.  Maybe it was the sweet pictures or the simple conversation between the cute monkey and his donkey friend.  Whatever made me think this book would have a sweet ending with an amusing lesson, I was wrong.  The book has a very amusing surprise ending for readers.  I laughed, I maybe even snorted.  I might have shared it with all of my eighth graders.  Ha.

5. and 6. Love That Dog/Hate That Cat by Sharon Creech These books deceive because, let’s face it:  They look and act like novels. They sit on the shelf in your 6^th , 7^th, ort 8^th grade classroom next to copies of Hunger Games, Bud Not Buddy, and The Giver.  Students see each other reading the book, maybe laughing or looking interesting, but it’s not until you pick up the book that you realize it’s a book set in free verse.  The book offers first person written poems from an adolescent perspective.  Whoa.  That’s unexpected, right?  What’s even cooler, the poems are good.  The books are written by Sharon Creech!  Watch kids grab these books and enjoy the simple and poignant poems written just for this age group, secretly hidden in a book that looks like an adolescent novel.

7. Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman This book looks like a serious book about a serious girl, right?  Maybe you would expect to hear about troubled times, hard work, and boring habits of ancient adolescents, right?  Instead readers are treated to a laugh out loud, hilarious tale about a stubborn girl with a mind of her own.  She has an amazing courage and a spirit of adventure that is all set in 13th century England.  The book does offer several other covers, but this one in particular really deceives readers.

8. Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal   I thought it was a rabbit.  I really, really thought it was a rabbit.  Now after reading the book, I see:  It’s a Duck! You fooled me you sneaky rabbit.  I mean duck.  Rabbit? urg.  Duck?  Let this book trick you into seeing things differently. :)

9. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews I absolutely loved this cover.  My thoughts were that it would be maybe silly, funny, or romantic.  I thought maybe it would be a friendship or love triangle.  I wasn’t sure about the title, but I had to go for it.  I was surprised by the ballsy attitude, language, and humor, but I went with it.  I didn’t think I would really come to like the characters, not protagonist Greg, definitely not Earl, and not even ailing Rachel. Then came the end of the book which was sweet touching and very appropriate.  I laughed and cried my way through this book.  It wasn’t what I was expecting at all.  But, I sure did like it.

10. I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen  Ha. Ha ha ha. Some books surprise you.  Some books shock you.  Some books look sweet and innocent.  I want my hat back was just, shocking.  I have to say I am 100% team rabbit.  I also have to say, this is the kind of book that you have to read 3 or 4 times to find the curious looks, the subtle phrasing, and the shocking ending!!! 

That's my list and my first participation in Top Ten Tuesday.  Do you have books that deceived you?  Leave me a comment, I will be sure to check your list.  Thanks.