I have made no attempts to hide that I am an avid book reader. I've spent hours in stores like Barnes & Noble, my iBooks library is just a few books shy of 250, and you don't want to get me started on all the stories I have saved and favorited on websites like Wattpad and Fanfiction.net. And though nothing could compare to the mixture of feelings I get when I finish a series, I'd say a close second would be seeing my favorites get the screen time they so clearly deserve. We've seen a string of book-to-movie adaptations in recent years, but there's plenty more books out there, which means there's plenty more movies that have yet to be made. Here's my list of five YA books that should be movies.
1. 'Fangirl' by Rainbow Rowell
Everything about 'Fangirl' is 100 percent relatable. This coming-of-age story focuses on a girl named Cath who is obsessed with author Simon Snow. She reads and rereads all of Snow's work, is always checked in to some Simon Snow forum, writes Simon Snow fan fiction, and dresses as characters for all of the movies premieres, all while trying to juggle the responsibilities of college and family life. Needless to say, this book is something that a lot of teenage girls can relate to, and is definitely something I would like to see on the big screen.
2. 'The Lunar Chronicles' by Marissa Meyer
'The Lunar Chronicles' is a five-part fantasy series that gives a unique and slightly twisted retelling of your favorite fairy tales, including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Snow White. Best of all, the story takes place in a futuristic world where humans, cyborgs, and androids all exist side by side.
3. 'Thirteen Reasons Why' by Jay Asher
'Thirteen Reasons Why' follows a boy named Clay Jensen, as he listens to the seven tapes of Hannah Baker, Clay's classmate and crush who ended her life two weeks prior to Clay receiving the package of tapes. The tapes have been passed along in chain letter-like style around town after Hannah lists the 13 reasons why she committed suicide. It's a heart-wrenching, tragic, and completely gripping story that will make you think twice about your words and actions and the impact they have on others. I can only imagine the weight these tapes would carry in a movie.
4. 'Eon' and 'Eona' by Alison Goodman
This is an exciting story set in an original world based on Asian myths and customs, rather than the usual European ones. The duology follows a sixteen-year-old girl named Eona who must disguise herself as a twelve-year-old boy named Eon in order to practice Dragon Magic and be chosen as a Dragoneye. This Mulan retelling also discussed sexuality and developed the theme in the eunuch and male-to-female noble characters. This brilliantly envisioned, diverse world, full of deadly politics, dazzling swordplay, and powerful magic deserves to be brought to the big screen.
5. The 'Falling Kingdoms' Series by Morgan Rhodes
Game of Thrones fans will love this series as it collides love, power, and magic with war. Throughout the main series, we follow the viewpoints of four teens: Cleo the princess, Jonas the rebel, Lucia the sorceress, and Lucia's older brother, Magnus the heir. Their kingdoms are at war with one another, and each of them must pick a side. After 'The Hobbit,' we could stand to have another high-fantasy novel hit the big screen, and this would be the one.
In my opinion, these books are due for a film adaptation. Plenty have had a lot of talk about adaptations in the past, but that's all it's been -- talk. I'd love to see some actual action. What book would you like to see on the big screen? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
