There's no such thing as a kid who hates reading. There are kids who love reading, and kids who are reading the wrong books.
-James Patterson
Watching good movie adaptations after reading books
We all want our kids to read for enjoyment. Sometimes that happens and sometimes it doesn't. And sometimes, we want our kids to read, so we reward it with watching the matching movie. Trouble is, sometimes those movies are horrible. Or the books were unenjoyable.
Of course, you always need to judge your kid and interest, but here is a group of books plus their movie counterparts that are great together. And furthermore, as long as you discuss the similarities and differences, likes and dislikes, reading books and watching the matching movie is a good part of your child's required literacy digest.
Of course, you always need to judge your kid and interest, but here is a group of books plus their movie counterparts that are great together. And furthermore, as long as you discuss the similarities and differences, likes and dislikes, reading books and watching the matching movie is a good part of your child's required literacy digest.
| 1. Charlotte's Web E.B. White's book is a perennial favorite. This book combines talking animals with a great plot line. It's content is suited for an even younger audience than its reading level, making this a favorite read aloud. The reading level on Charlotte's Web is level R, which is an on-track 4th graders. But you could start reading this book to your kid in 2nd grade. Or wait until they want to read it on their own. The movie to watch with this one is the original from the 70s. I've watched both versions and the original animated version is just a more enjoyable viewing. Book Guided Reading Level: R Movie Rating: G, 94 minutes |  |
 | 2. Jumanji This book is a great example of the power of illustrations. Chris Van Allsburg is fantastic at telling a story through images. Because of this, his books lends itself especially well to a movie. The book is already so visual that the movie producers didn't need to imagine as much. This book and movie duo is great for kids who have a lot of energy and love a good adventure. The reading level is spot in the middle of 2nd grade, but older kids enjoy this set as well. Book Guided Reading Level: M Movie Rating: PG, 1 hour 44 min |
| 3. Where the Red Fern Grows This book always makes me cry when I read it. But, I read it again and again and I've never met anyone who didn't love it just the same, despite its heartache. It's an upper level reading book, so you'll want to read this book together over time or hand it off to a confident reader. For those who are unfamiliar, it's a story of a boy coming into his own with the help of his hunting coons. Book Guided Reading Level: X Movie Rating: G, 97 minutes |  |
 | 4. The Witches Like most Roald Dahl books, this book has an underbelly. This book's reading level puts it in the middle of 4th grade, and I would recommend not starting it sooner than that. The book explores seemingly caring adults, who are actually witches, trying to rid the world of children by turning them into reviled creatures. Like mice. The boy and his grandmother hatch a plan but it ends on a sour note. This is a great movie/book duo for right around Halloween. This book is frequently on the list of banned books across the United States, so you could discuss why this book in particular would be banned and why others are not. What makes it uncomfortable? Book Guided Reading Level: R Movie Rating: PG, 91 minutes |
Other great books and matching movies:
Enjoy!
