Book-to-Screen Adaptations, Part 2

Did you catch the first Book-to-Screen Adaptations post? I mentioned an upcoming post with more about the Young Adult [YA] books that have taken screens by storm - and here it is, with a small twist. I know this is probably shocking - but I have not (yet!) seen any of these adaptations. I have read several of the books (I'll let you know which ones), and have all of these on my "To Watch" list, it just hasn't happened. Yet. And so ... a list of popular and "buzzy" YA Book-to-Screen Adaptations.

Note: All of the adaptations listed are available on streaming services. The links posted are to the original book form in the Library catalog, but the streaming platforms are mentioned for each.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before 
How to watch: 3-movie "series" on Netflix
Based on Jenny Han's trilogy of books by the same name, I've heard only good things about these movies. I can say the books were very fun, and Lara Jean is an adorable heroine.

The Summer I Turned Pretty 
How to watch: 7-episode series on Amazon Prime, potentially more seasons?
The first book in another trilogy by Jenny Han, I remember having more weight than you might expect - but that was many, many moons ago. Popular opinion however, says the show is good summer viewing.

Along for the Ride 
How to watch: Netflix
As a tremendous fan of Sarah Dessen (a local author, just down the road in Chapel Hill!), when she posted behind the scenes teasers from the filming of this movie to her Instagram? I squealed. The fact I have not seen this movie yet is a testimony to the whirlwind that is this year, but I have read the book multiple times and look forward to seeing it on screen.

Love & Gelato 
How to watch: Netflix
The covers of this series are so cute, as are the titles - but I haven't read them yet. Rumor has it that the books especially will give you a bad case of wanderlust. (Sounds fun to me!)

Dumplin'
How to watch: Netflix
Julie Murphy knows how to write a character, and anytime I pick up one of her books I devour them. Dumplin' was my first, but nowhere near my last. I've heard only the best feedback about this adaptation, which actually came out in 2018. That may be a sign it should move up my list...

Shadow and Bone
How to watch: Series on Netflix, potentially more seasons?
Honestly, this trilogy by Leigh Bardugo never really hit my radar, other than making sure the Library had copies because they checked out frequently. Then Netflix produced a show, with Ben Barnes in a starring role, and I got intrigued. YA Fantasy is usually a favorite genre for me, so may have to give this one a whirl - on the screen first.

Do any of these catch your eye?
Have you read and/or seen any already - if so, do share so I can decide which to watch first, ha.

Once Upon a Fairytale

There are fairy tales, and then there are fairy tales - those tales so familiar it's almost as if they're embedded in our cultural understanding. To my mind, Cinderella is undoubtedly one of this group. Perhaps you can think back, remembering elementary school explorations of "Cinderella stories around the world" - there are so very many incarnations and versions of this story. Picture book renditions are a delightful indulgence, and could be a whole post in their own right. But did you know Cinderella also manages to be told and told again in novel form? From young students to grown ups, from futuristic science fiction to contemporary romance, there's a Cinderella story for every reader ...

Fairy tale feature: Cinderella
All of the books in this list are adaptations, expansions, novelizations, variations or reimaginings of the original tale, and there's a wide variety so hopefully everyone can find their perfect match.
Note: The "target audience" for these also range from elementary to adult. Brief summaries from Goodreads/Amazon/Publishers/my own reviews when applicable.

"Traditional" / Loosely Historical Fantasy

Ella Enchanted (Gail Carson Levine)
The twist to this retelling is that Ella is cursed by her fairy godmother - to be obedient. In order to find her Happily Ever After, she must find a way to break the curse.  Yes, there is a pumpkin coach and a glass slipper, and even a Prince, but this is quite the unexpected Cinderella story.
There's a movie also, and while diehard Ella fans despair over the changes made for the screen, I happen to be a big fan and think the movie is fun.

Princess of Glass (Jessica Day George)
Picking up the story some time after the events in George's Princess of the Midnight Ball (featured in the first Once Upon a Fairytale), we find Poppy participating in a royal exchange program. What should be an enjoyable experience gets complicated when a vengeful fairy godmother gets involved. This is yet another impressive retelling from George, and shows again her talent at spinning a new story from such a familiar tale.

Science Fiction / Steampunk / Dystopian

Cinder (Marissa Meyer)
A Cinderella story set in a futuristic dystopian society with droids and cyborgs (think really advanced prosthetics implanted in "damaged" humans), but unable to combat a deadly Plague spreading through the population. Also, there's a whole other set of people living on the moon, and they've got their own weird agenda. This is a complex environment, and a lot more issues are covered than "simply Cinderella" - but Meyer does a masterful job of working those traditional story elements into the tale.

Mechanica (Betsy Cornwell)

With Steampunk vibes (think Victorian England + complex technology that's gear/gas/steam based rather than digital), themes of social justice and family shine in this richly imagined Cinderella retelling about an indomitable inventor who finds her prince ... but realizes she doesn't want a fairy tale happy ending after all. 

Contemporary Romance

Geekerella (Ashley Poston)
Part romance, part love letter to nerd culture, and all fun, Geekerella is a fairy tale for anyone who believes in the magic of fandom. Elle lives and breathes "Starfield," the classic sci-fi series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for the new "Starfield" movie, she has to enter. With savings from her job at the Magic Pumpkin food truck and her dad's old costume, Elle's determined to win ... unless her stepsisters get there first. This one was fun and sweet, and an adoring homage to geekiness.

If the Shoe Fits (Julie Murphy)
This retelling has so many fun updates to the story: instead of a ball for the Prince to find A Wife, there's a reality dating show. The family/relationship dynamics between Cindy and the Steps are so much healthier and feel realistic. The whole story feels more believable and realistic - complicated and messy, definitely, but there's a real sense of positivity and sisterhood that infuses the story with new life.

Book Bites Recommends

August might be the most varied selection of books recommended by Book Bites readers yet! It's always so interesting to see what everyone is reading, and to see how our reading journeys reflect our lives.

Have you read any of these highly recommended reads?
Does something on this list catch your attention?

Summer Reads

For Teens and Adults, Summer Reading involves writing short reviews of books read to earn entries in the end-of-summer giveaway(s). Today, we're going to share a selection of those reviews (all from highly rated books), in case you need inspiration for what to read next.

See anything that catches your eye? Have you read any of these?
What have YOU read and loved this summer?