I always look forward to seeing books watching a movie version of a favorite book. Watching a movie after reading the book is an incredibly fun experience! It's fascinating to observe all the differences and similarities between the book, which we've imagined in our minds, and the movie, which has been recreated for us onscreen. It's always interesting to debate which is better: the books or the movie.
Seeing your favorite characters brought to life on screen can is exciting for any reader. It gives you a new level of connection to your beloved stories. It also provides an opportunity for discussion in the classroom on key topics relevant to the plot, such as story development and character motivations.
To get ready for some exciting new releases, I've compiled a list of books coming to the big and small screens in 2023! From fantasy to adventure to coming of age and historical fiction – there’s something for everyone!
Title: Are You There God, It's Me Margaret
Author: Judy Blume
Release Date: April 28, 2023
Why you will love it: The classic coming of age story from Judy Blume is making its way to the big screen and follows a girl moving to the suburbs as she navigates life, relationships, and young adulthood.
Title: Percy Jackson & The Olympians
Author: Rick Riordan
Release Date: Late 2023
Why you will love it: This will be an 8 episode series that will be released on Disney+. Fans of the book series have been waiting a long time for Percy to hit the screen and the long anticipated series will become available in late 2023.
Title: White Bird: A Wonder Story
Author: R.J. Palacio
Release Date: August 18, 2023
Why you will love it: Fans of “Wonder” and “White Bird” will be happy to see the screen adaptation of the book which tells the story of Julian's grandmother and allows Wonder fans to see Julian in a different light than his bullying ways of Wonder.
Title: The Magician's Elephant
Author: Kate DiCamillo
Release Date: March 17, 2023
Why you will love it: You will love the magical animation and the powerful message that nothing is impossible when you put your mind to it. The book was released in 2009, and Kate DiCamillo fans will love to see it come to life.
Title: Peter Pan and Wendy (Peter Pan)
Author: J.M. Barrie
Release Date: April 28, 2023
Why you will love it: Live action adaptations are always a favorite and the Peter Pan live action has been highly anticipated. Fans will get to know Wendy Darling in this adaptation.
Title: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Author: Roald Dahl
Release Date: December 15, 2023
Why you will love it: Netflix has acquired the rights to Roald Dahl stories and this is the first release of a screen adaptation. This story will follow Willy Wonka in the earlier years, before opening the famous chocolate factory.
Title: The Spiderwick Chronicles
Author: Tony DiTerlizzi
Release Date: Late 2023
Why you will love it: It will be a six episode series that follows the Grace children after they leave New York and move into a family home in Michigan that is filled with fantasy and magical creatures.
Title: Harold and the Purple Crayon
Author: Crockett Johnson
Release Date: June 30, 2023
Why you will love it: This classic book is sure to be a favorite as it hits the big screen as a live action film this year. While the book is over 70 years old, the movie is sure to bring new life to the beloved story.
You can find these books and more book to screen favorites here:
With so many amazing new books coming to life on the screen this year, I know you and your students will love checking out each of these titles. Enjoy!
