Skip to main content

Books on Screen

Each month, our Books on Screen feature spotlights movies, television shows, miniseries and specials that are based on books of various genres --- including novels, memoirs, comics, children's books, short stories and poetry --- along with the latest DVD releases.

L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

After a long day at the beach or the swimming pool, what's better than putting on your pajamas, making some popcorn and popping in a DVD? Not much! See below for the latest children's book -to-movie adaptation.

On DVD:

August 2014

Even with summer drawing to a close there's still time to check out the latest book adaptations hitting the big screen. August is a big month for YA adaptations with two beloved titles hitting the screens mid-month. First is the long-awaited The Giver, based on Lois Lowry's dystopian classic of the same name. Then comes If I Stay, inspired by Gayle Forman's moving novel about a young girl's choice between life and death --- you'll definitely want to bring a pack of tissues to this one!

If you'd rather spend a night at home after a long day of summer fun, there are a few DVDs coming to stores this month that you'll definitely want to check out. Whether you pick up Divergent or The Amazing Spiderman 2, you won't be lacking for excitement. Don't forget the popcorn!

August 2014

There’s been a lot of grumbling lately about the lack of original material making its way around Hollywood. But with all these exciting book adaptations coming out, it’s hard to get too upset about it! Sure, originality seems to be in shorter supply out there than it should be, but the creative energy that goes into adapting some of our favorite books is nothing short of astounding. Although we could all probably live with one less James Franco pet project.

July 2014

You’re up, summer blockbuster fans! It’s the movie season you’ve been waiting for, when movies get bigger and louder --- and hit harder than a Huffington Post article! Jokes aside, it’s a great month to hunker down in a cool theater or crank up your AC and check out some of the latest books on screen.

June 2014

Summer is here --- the sun is out, the weather is warmer and schools are letting out. June is the perfect time to take a book to the park and relax in the warmth, but it’s also a great time to retreat into the cool dark of a theater and watch one of many summer blockbusters. Quite a few of those movies this month are books on screen.

Cressida Cowell, author of How to Train Your Dragon

Who's ready for the return of Hiccup, Toothless and the gang? How to Train Your Dragon 2 comes to theaters this month on June 13th, and it looks like it's going to be as funny and charming as the first film. Based on the series by Cressica Cowell, this sequel follows Hiccup and his loyal dragon, Toothless, as they once again find themselves fighting to keep the peace between dragons and humans.

: The Fault in Our Stars

It's finally June, and that means on June 6th it's time to grab the tissues and go see The Fault In Our Stars! Based on John Green's mega-popular bestseller, this is definitely the film YA fans are going to be talking about all summer. Whether you've read the book or not, prepare to get a little misty eyed watching the story of Hazel and Gus play out on the big screen.

May 2014

Here we are in May, and spring has finally sprung. The evidence is everywhere around us --- the grass has begun to grow green and thick again , and those tulips you planted last season are finally proving that they are indeed perennial and, despite your best efforts, you didn’t kill them with neglect last summer. This spring, we’ve heard, will be rough on allergy sufferers, but fear not! If the pollen keeps you house-bound, there’s plenty of books on screen to keep you occupied.

May 2014

This month a couple of classic tales get the big screen treatment. You probably read THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ or GRIMM’S FAIRY TALES at bedtime when you were little. I’m sure you know the story of Dorothy and Sleeping Beauty backwards and forwards. This May, both stories get a makeover with Legends of Oz, the next chapter in Dorothy’s adventures, and Maleficent, the timeless tale of Sleeping Beauty told from the villain’s perspective.


April 2014

 

Whether you're a fan of superheroes, inspirational stories or heartfelt love stories, you'll find something just for you in this month's Books on Screen!