Entertainment
Young adult books have served as the basis for some huge movie franchises, and it looks like this trend is going to continue for a long time. Generally fast-paced and packed with relatable characters, young adult books appeal to readers of all ages. Seriously, these are not just “kid’s books.” So don’t let the next Harry Potter or Hunger Games sneak up on you, and read these young adult books before they become movies.
Reading the book first means you get the chance to let your imagination flesh out the characters. When you watch the film first, it can be more difficult to picture anyone but the actors. Not to mention, reading gives you greater insight into the characters’ backgrounds and other aspects of plot development that probably can’t make it to the screen. And of course you get to have the smug satisfaction of announcing that you’ve read the book to your fellow moviegoers. (Or maybe you have more chill than that.)
These are engaging, quick reads, so you can load up your Kindle and power through most of them in no time. From classic works to current series, these books should appeal to anyone with a sense of fun and adventure. They might even help you feel like a kid again.
1
'Allegiant' by Veronica Roth
The final installment of Veronica Roth's Divergent Series, Allegiant reunites readers with Tris and Tobias and their trials in a Chicago of the future. Politics, intrigue, and even romance make up this riveting book.
Film Release Date: March 18, 2015
2
'The Jungle Book' by Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book has delighted readers for well over a century. All your favorite characters (such as Mowgli and Baloo) are present, and the original stories are a charming and adventurous look at life in the Indian jungle.
Film Release Date: April 15, 2015
3
'Through The Looking-Glass' by Lewis Carol
A sequel to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Through the Looking-Glass welcomes readers to Lewis Carroll's freaky fever-dream world inside a looking glass, where chess pieces are alive and strange creatures populate the land. This charming book may be even more enjoyable when you're old enough to appreciate the subtle, clever humor.
Film Release Date: May 27, 2015
4
'The BFG' by Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl's The BFG follows the adventures of the Big Friendly Giant and Sophie, the girl he kidnapped. Fortunately for Sophie, he's one of the good guys — but the rest of the giants are another story entirely.
Film Release Date: July 1, 2016
5
'Middle School, The Worst Years Of My Life' by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts
A YA James Patterson book? Yes! Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life (co-authored by Chris Tebbetts) follows Rafe Khatchadorian's quest to break every rule his school has. It's a funny, quick read.
Film Release Date: October 7, 2016
6
'Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them' by J.K. Rowling
Presented as a Hogwarts textbook, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them provides an alphabetized listing of the interesting creatures that populate the Harry Potter universe. You too can become a magizoologist.
Film Release Date: November 18, 2016
7
'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' by Ransom Riggs
Ransom Riggs' Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children features a freaky abandoned orphanage, old photographs of mysterious children, and a young narrator struggling to come to terms with a death in the family. And naturally the film is directed by Tim Burton.
Film Release Date: December 25, 2016
