Read, read, read, and celebrate with a movie party! In theaters in 2014, these movies are based on wonderful books for kids, teens and families. Movies based on books can be exciting, entertaining and even educational. Use movies as an incentive for reluctant readers. Also, help kids compare and contrast the books and movies, and have them explain which they liked better and why.
The Adventurer: The Curse of the Midas Box is based on the book Mariah Mundi and the Midas Box by G.P. Taylor. Thesteam-punk tale is a Victorian-era thriller geared toward kids/young adults about ages 12 and up. The movie has kind of an Indian Jones meets Jack the Ripper vibe, but all in good PG fun, though there is one scene that may be disturbing for some very young viewers.
Based on the popular YA book Divergent, the first in a trilogy by Veronica Roth, this thrilling drama flick will appeal to tweens and teens. The books follow the story of a 16-year-old girl who must take a test to find out which faction she will belong to: Abnegation, Amity, Erudite, Candor, Dauntless or Factionless. The books and movies tell the type of action-filled dystopian tale that are popular right now among older kids and adults.
You've heard of the classic Wizard of Oz books by L. Frank Baum, but did you know his great grandson continued the Oz legacy with a whole new series? Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return is based on one of these books, and it follows Dorothy as she returns to save Oz and reunites with all of her old friends.
And for families who are fans of the land somewhere over the rainbow, here are more Oz related movies and books:
This live-action Disney adaption of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day brings a classic children's picture book to life. The 1972 award-winning children's book by Judith Viorst was inspired by her sons Alexander, Anthony and Nicholas. Kids love this book, because really, who can't relate to a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day?
Now the book doesn't have nearly enough material for a full length Disney movie, so it will be interesting to see what kinds of things happen to Alexander in the movie version of his story. Hopefully, his day will end on a good note.
The Hunger Games trilogy is a bestselling series by Suzanne Collins recommended for teens and older. The suspenseful story is suspenseful and at times horrific, but the dystopian setting lends to a lot of thought-provoking discussions for teens and their families. Mocking Jay is the third book in the series, and the story will be divided into two movies.
The delightful bear from the dark of Peru comes to life on the big screen this December. The first Paddington Bear story by Michael Bond, A Bear Called Paddington, was first published in 1958. Since then, bond has written 12 additional chapter books and picture books as well.
The movie is a mix of live action and CG animation and follows the story of Paddinton as he arrives in London and meets the Brown family who take him in. You can imagine the interesting situations that ensue when a bear from Peru is adopted by a London couple.
The Hobbit movie trilogy is based on the classic book by J.R.R Tolkein, with the lengthy story being divided into three movies: An Unexpected Journey, The Desolation of Smaug, and There and Back Again. The movies are epic style adventures full of intense action and featuring mythical creatures and memorable characters.
: The Adventurer: Curse of the Midas Box (Jan. 10)){kind=link}
1. The Adventurer: Curse of the Midas Box (Jan. 10)
The Adventurer: The Curse of the Midas Box is based on the book Mariah Mundi and the Midas Box by G.P. Taylor. Thesteam-punk tale is a Victorian-era thriller geared toward kids/young adults about ages 12 and up. The movie has kind of an Indian Jones meets Jack the Ripper vibe, but all in good PG fun, though there is one scene that may be disturbing for some very young viewers.
- Read a parent review of the movie The Adventurer: Curse of the Midas Box
- Find out more about steam-punk and its place in teen literature
- Read about more Steam-punk Books for Teens
: Divergent (March 21)){kind=link}
2. Divergent (March 21)
Based on the popular YA book Divergent, the first in a trilogy by Veronica Roth, this thrilling drama flick will appeal to tweens and teens. The books follow the story of a 16-year-old girl who must take a test to find out which faction she will belong to: Abnegation, Amity, Erudite, Candor, Dauntless or Factionless. The books and movies tell the type of action-filled dystopian tale that are popular right now among older kids and adults.
- Read a review of the book Divergent
: Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return (May 9)){kind=link}
3. Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return (May 9)
You've heard of the classic Wizard of Oz books by L. Frank Baum, but did you know his great grandson continued the Oz legacy with a whole new series? Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return is based on one of these books, and it follows Dorothy as she returns to save Oz and reunites with all of her old friends.
And for families who are fans of the land somewhere over the rainbow, here are more Oz related movies and books:
- Oz Related Movies and TV Shows
- Read about The Wizard of Oz on Blu-ray
- Find out more about L. Fran Baum and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
- Read about the available editions of The Wizard of Oz books
- Find fun crafts and activities related to The Wizard of Oz books and movies
: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (Oct. 10)){kind=link}
4. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (Oct. 10)
This live-action Disney adaption of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day brings a classic children's picture book to life. The 1972 award-winning children's book by Judith Viorst was inspired by her sons Alexander, Anthony and Nicholas. Kids love this book, because really, who can't relate to a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day?
Now the book doesn't have nearly enough material for a full length Disney movie, so it will be interesting to see what kinds of things happen to Alexander in the movie version of his story. Hopefully, his day will end on a good note.
- Read more about Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day the movie.
: The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay, Part 1 (Nov. 21)){kind=link}
5. The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay, Part 1 (Nov. 21)
The Hunger Games trilogy is a bestselling series by Suzanne Collins recommended for teens and older. The suspenseful story is suspenseful and at times horrific, but the dystopian setting lends to a lot of thought-provoking discussions for teens and their families. Mocking Jay is the third book in the series, and the story will be divided into two movies.
: Paddington (Dec. 12)){kind=link}
6. Paddington (Dec. 12)
The delightful bear from the dark of Peru comes to life on the big screen this December. The first Paddington Bear story by Michael Bond, A Bear Called Paddington, was first published in 1958. Since then, bond has written 12 additional chapter books and picture books as well.
The movie is a mix of live action and CG animation and follows the story of Paddinton as he arrives in London and meets the Brown family who take him in. You can imagine the interesting situations that ensue when a bear from Peru is adopted by a London couple.
- Read more about the movie Paddington
- Find out more about Paddington books
: The Hobbit: There and Back Again (Dec. 17)){kind=link}
7. The Hobbit: There and Back Again (Dec. 17)
The Hobbit movie trilogy is based on the classic book by J.R.R Tolkein, with the lengthy story being divided into three movies: An Unexpected Journey, The Desolation of Smaug, and There and Back Again. The movies are epic style adventures full of intense action and featuring mythical creatures and memorable characters.
- Read a parent review of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
- Read a review for parents of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug