Backlist YA Books in Development for Film
Ava, CJ, Jordan, and Martha (listed in alphabetical order out of fairness) have been friends since kindergarten. Now they're in their senior year, facing their biggest fears about growing up and growing apart. But there's more than just college on the horizon. One of these girls is destined to become the president of the United States. But who is MOST LIKELY? This is the story of four best friends who have one another's backs through every new love, breakup, stumble, and success—proving that great friendships can help young women achieve anything...even a seat in the Oval Office.
Last week I was a guest host on Book Riot’s podcast about all things YA, Hey YA (look for the episode tomorrow!), and Eric and I talked about a bunch of fun books, one of which is a backlist title that’s in development for film. I had sort of forgotten about that, and what with being stuck at home f0r the foreseeable future, I realized that this was my time to hit up some backlist titles I’ve been meaning to read, but definitely want to get to before/if the film comes out. Here are three must-reads!
Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu
Vivian is fed up with the toxic masculinity and blatant sexism that rages through her Texas high school, so she decides to take a page out of her mom’s book—a ’90s riot grrrl—and create a zine to push back, which she circulates through her school. Before she knows it, she has a feminist revolution on her hands! This book was picked up by Amy Poehler, and according to IMDB, is in post-production. No release date yet, but it’s a Netflix film, so it may be dropping sooner than you think!
I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo
Desi is super smart and she knows tons of random facts. But the one thing she doesn’t know to do? Snag a boyfriend. And when the hottest guy she’s ever seen in her life shows up, she decides to change that. Her study guide becomes K-dramas, because after all, the heroine always gets the boy. But the more Desi applies these theories to her pursuit, the more she discovers genuine feelings developing. The announcement that the rights to this book sold is rather recent, but they went to a production company focusing on telling Asian American stories!
There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins
Makani grew up in Hawaii, but for the last year she’s been living with her grandmother in Nebraska, trying to forget her past and fit in. When her classmates begin dying, and the cause of death is very obviously murder, Makani finds that she’ll have to face her past head on. This YA book is slated to become another Netflix Original film, and is in post-production. Maybe that means it’ll drop in time for Halloween 2020?
What YA books do you want to see become movies? Let us know on Twitter or our YA Instagram account.
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