Great YA Books (that also happen to be films) for Older Readers

In recent years, we’ve seen a wealth of young adult fiction being published. From dystopian futures, to far off imagined worlds, to real life tales of what teenagers go through, these books have found fans in people of all ages. In this list, we look at some of our favourite young adult fiction that’s been made into films. Let us know which one you prefer!

One of the most popular series in the world, we really can’t go past mentioning Harry Potter. The books were released from 1997 – 2007, the films were released from 2001 – 2011, with the last book being made into two films – something we often see with the last books. Many people grew up with the books and/or the movies, and new generations of children discover them all the time. Have a look at the gorgeous illustrated editions – The Prisoner of Azkaban has just been released.

If you haven’t read the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants series, you really should. There are four books, and it’s the story of Bridget, Carmen, Lena and Tibby. Friends since birth, one summer they share a pair of great jeans. This is the story of enduring friendship, and is sweet, perceptive and heartwarming. The characters in the movies (they’ve done films of the first two books) are played by Blake Lively, America Ferrera, Alexis Bledel and Amber Tamblyn, and they remain very close friends to this day.

Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland has been delighting readers for years. Dreamt up one ‘golden afternoon’ in 1862 by Lewis Carroll to entertain Alice – the daughter of the dean of his college. This is the nonsensical world of Wonderland where order is turned upside down. Made in to many films over the years, the most recent adaption features Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter.

Twilight was another worldwide phenomenon that got people of all ages reading (and watching). Seventeen year old Bella Swan moves to Forks, Washington to live with her father, and it’s there she encounters the Cullen family. Beautiful, pale and other-worldly, she and Edward soon become intertwined… but life becomes a tad difficult when you’re in love with a vampire. Books and films alike found devoted fans.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is the story of Charlie. Charlie is shy, introspective, intelligent and a wallflower. He’s caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it. But Charlie will learn that though standing on the edges can offer you a unique perspective, sometimes you’ve got to see what it looks like from the dance floor. This film stars Emma Watson, and has a pretty awesome soundtrack.

Divergent (and the two other books that follow, Insurgent and Allegiant) is another series that has sold millions of copies across the world. In Tris’ world, when everyone is sixteen they must make a decision – which faction do they want to devote the rest of their lives to. Her choice has unforeseeable consequences, causing havoc on this seemingly perfect society. This is also not the only time a film starring Shailene Woodley appears on this list.

Percy Jackson was mostly just a normal kid – till he accidentally vaporized his maths teacher. Turns out his half boy, half god, and Zues, God of the Sky, thinks he’s stolen his lightening bolt. Now he’s just trying to stay alive. Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief is the first in this series – there are five altogether, along with some companion works as well. Movies have been made of the first two books, and fans have created their own film of the third book!

Mia is seventeen, with a wonderful family, friends, boyfriend and a bright future ahead of her. And then she’s in a car crash and faced with the most difficult decision of her life – to stay or go. If I Stay is an otherworldly tale, that is haunting, heartrending and ultimately life-affirming, and there’s also a sequel (Where She Went). The film starts Chloe Moretz as Mia.

The Princess Diaries is the story of another Mia. This one is not having the best time – she’s failing maths, she’s five foot nine and she’s flat chested. And then her mother announces she’s dating Mia’s maths teacher. And then her father tops it all, revealing he’s the crown prince of Genovia, making Mia a… princess? This is Anne Hathaway’s first major movie role, and Julie Andrews is very appropriately cast as the Queen.

We love a book where authors take turns writing chapters, and Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist does not disappoint. Nick and Norah meet on a night out, when Nick asks Norah to be his girlfriend for the next 5 minutes. They don’t really have anything in common except for their taste in music and they end up on an epic quest to find a band’s secret show. Told over one night, this is also another film with an amazing soundtrack.

The Fault in our Stars may make you cry – whether you’re reading the book or watching the film. Hazel is sixteen and has cancer, tethered to an oxygen tank. Her life changes when she meets Augustus Waters – gorgeous, in remission, and definitely interested in Hazel. This is our second film on the list starring Shailene Woodley, with Ansel Elgort as Augustus.

The Hunger Games is one of the most successful book and film series of recent times. Set in a dystopian future, sixteen year old Katniss Everdeen chooses to save her sister and represent her district in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. But this year, the competition has the potential to change the lives of all citizens of Panem. Jennifer Lawrence stars in the four movies.