YA books that NEED to be made into movies

Recently I came across a post from the always funny Sarah Rees Brennan wherein she lists the YA books she would like to see turned into a movie. I am so with her on multiple choices - I think the steampunky Leviathan would be a smash hit as well as Kelley Armstrong's Darkest Powers series - I very much want to see an unlikely hero with mountains of potential like Derek running around fighting evil. And of course it got me to thinking about those books I would dearly love to see brought to life too. Here's my short-list - many more could be on the list, but these are the ones I feel should already be in production.

Beauty by Robin McKinkley I am constantly telling people to read this book. It is by far my favorite Beauty and the Beast retelling, with some truly magical characters. Everyone loves a happily ever after and this book delivers on so many levels. It should be made in a movie immediately. Like right now.
Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer Whoa, talk about your dystopian nightmare. I'm not sure how Hollywood would pull of this diary style narrative, but there is more than enough material to make a truly engrossing flick. And special effects? They would blow your mind.
Fire by Kristin Cashore I for one am dying to see the colorful variety of Cashore's monsters come to life. From Fire's hair, to the killer dragons, to all the little monster-creatures roaming around, Fire wold be visually astounding. And I want to watch Brigand striding purposefully around the Dells. That, I would pay good money to see.

Of course, one book that I cannot wait to see made into a movie is actually really and truly going to happen! Thanks to Angie, I heard that Meg Rosoff's dystopian book of awesome How I Live Now will be headed to the big screen. I will be waiting in line for that one.

What YA books would you like to see turned into a movie?

6 comments:

Brenda said...

I'd love to see Fire made into a movie. Good choice! Also would like to see the Uglies series, but I think maybe that's already in the works--I don't know.

Anonymous said...

Totally concur on both Fire and Beauty-they are such, such marvelous books.
I know Suzanne Collins is writing the screenplay for The Hunger Games, but I nominate it anyway.

Chachic said...

Totally agree with Beauty and Fire! I think Fire would be awesome in 3D. I'd love to see Crown Duel, the Queen's Thief series and The Blue Sword made into movies although I love the books so much that I'm bound to get disappointed if they don't do a great job with the movies. Oh and I think Ender's Game would make a fantastic movie.

Ashley B. said...

I can always count on you for some great suggestions - thanks!

Angiegirl said...

I agree so very strongly with BEAUTY and FIRE.

And can I just say that I would happily pay to see a movie of PERFECT CHEMISTRY? Happily. With a big, fat smile on my face.

I would also love to see THE DEMON'S LEXICON because Alan & Nick large and in charge and in color would float my boat.

Lastly, I have long thought they could do some lovely things with any of Eva Ibbotson's books. If they asked me, I'd vote for A SONG FOR SUMMER or A COMPANY OF SWANS.

Michelle said...

Brenda- Oohh. I hadn't heard that about Uglies. That could be quite interesting.

hardwriting - Perfect in every way! Also yes on the Hunger Games front - I'd love to see Cinna's creations come to life.

Chachic - It goes without saying the Queen's Thief series would be amazing - and yes, they would have to be perfection - I couldn't bear it if Hollywood managed to mangle such wonderful stories.

Smashley - Anytime girlie!

Angie - Very good suggestions all. I would also be tickled pink with a Perfect Chemistry movie. Yum. And how funny, I almost added A Song for Summer to the list as well - but after thinking, perhaps A Company of Swans would actually make a more visually appealing movie. Maybe? Ah, they should just make both!