I fondly remember those rare days in middle school walking into a classroom to behold the wondrous sight of a television with a built-in VCR sitting atop a rolling cart.
"Class, today we will be viewing the film version of Romeo and Juliet."
As students, we felt like we were getting away with not doing classwork, but my teacher knew the medium of film was a useful tool to engage us in a broader discussion of a written work. With many students not currently in the classroom, a film adaptation is an avenue not only to connect to the underlying themes and emotions carried through middle grade (MG) work but also to connect the students to the world and each other.
MG novels are classified for those aged eight to twelve years old. This category is often confused with its elder counterpart for teenagers thirteen and older known as young adult (YA). Compared to young adult books, middle grade books are less bulky, less racy, and often portray important rites of passage for the tweenage.
This list is made up of ten adaptations that were chosen because the film is a good example of a typical theme in an MG work or the film has an element that elevates the work in a way that only film can do.
Full Disclosure. Unlike YA lit-to-film adaptations, such as The Hate You Give, The Kite Runner, and Love, Simon, MG adaptations are still lacking in diversity. However, just like real MG readers themselves, MG adaptations will undoubtedly catch up to their older siblings soon.
1. Wonder based on the book by R.J. Palacio
Best Example of Following the Golden Rule
A poignant film that follows a young boy entering middle school for the first time after being homeschooled due to facial deformities. The film’s changing point of view emphasizes how not looking like everyone else not only impacts Auggie but also his family, friends, and frenemies. The message of “Choose Kindness” is not subtle but not overly sappy either.
Check out our review of Wonder.
Get your copy of the Wonder 4K Blu-ray by clicking here.
2. The Secret World of Arrietty based on The Borrowers by Mary Norton
Best Example of a Spin on a Classic
This version of the beloved book about miniature people navigating a big world is set in a Japanese household outside of Tokyo rather than a British one. The animation by Studio Ghibli magically transmits the message that one can be small but still mighty and that we are all more the same than we are different.
Check out our review of The Secret World of Arrietty.
3. Hugo based on The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznik
Best Example of Integrating Non-Fiction into Fiction
Fictional Hugo is living in a Paris train station attempting to solve a mystery about an automaton when he becomes involved with real-life pioneering French filmmaker, Georges Méliès. As described in our review, this film directed by Scorsese makes a beautiful case for preserving film as art in a highly entertaining way.
Check out our review of Hugo.
Get your copy of the Hugo DVD by clicking here.
4. Because of Winn-Dixie based on the book by Kate DiCamillo
Best Example of the Animal-Human Connection
A prerequisite for the list is a story with a child and their BFF (Best Furry Friend) because this is the age where that particular bond can be a lifesaver. While the pace of this film is slow, the tender relationship of stray dog and outcast girl is worth the wait. Did I mention it stars Cicely Tyson?
Check out our review of Because of Winn-Dixie.
Get your copy of the Because of Winn-Dixie DVD by clicking here.
5. Coraline based on the book by Neil Gaiman
Best Example of a Cautionary Tale
Anything by Neil Gaiman has the potential of being a bit disturbing but kids go back to this film again and again for a reason. There is something mesmerizing about the possibility of jumping into a parallel life that seems so much better than your own. This stop-motion animated film dazzles while cautioning viewers to be wary of something too good to be true.
Check out our review of Coraline.
Get your copy of the Coraline 4K Blu-ray by clicking here.
6. Bridge to Terabithia based on the book by Katherine Paterson
Best Example Addressing Loss
Remember building a secret hideout in the woods with your best friend? This film captures that wonder of childhood: escaping into your own made-up worlds. Unfortunately, the death of a friend is inescapable. There is no attempt in this story to pretend that loss isn’t hard but it proposes moving forward as a way to honor a loved one.
Check out our review of Bridge to Terabithia.
Get your copy of the Bridge to Terabithia Blu-ray DVD by clicking here.
7. The Lorax based on the book by Theodor Geisel
Best Example of a Dr. Seuss Reimagining
This film is the best of all the Dr. Seuss interpretations. The combination of a soundtrack that will leave you humming long after the viewing and a message that is more relevant than ever regarding climate change makes this film a winner. And it is animated, not live action. Enough said.
Check out our review of The Lorax.
Get your copy of The Lorax Blu-ray DVD by clicking here.
8. A Series of Unfortunate Events based on the series by Daniel Handler
Best Example of a Narrator Reading the Room
The narrator of this film speaks directly to the kids in the audience. He essentially says, “You know how things work. I’m not here to patronize you.” The book series and film adaptation commiserates on the feeling of childhood as a time when events are often happening to you, not always chosen by you.
Check out our review of A Series of Unfortunate Events.
Get your copy of the Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events on Blu-ray DVD by clicking here.
9. Beezus and Ramona based on the book by Beverly Cleary
Best Example of Family: Can’t Live with Them, Can’t Live Without Them
This film captures the drama of ordinary life. The highlights are the interactions of the title characters who, as sisters, are equally irritating and loving to each other. Change is illustrated in multiple examples including the family house renovation, the loss of a parent’s job, and one sister’s growing interest in romance.
Check out our review of Beezus and Ramona.
Get your copy of the Ramona and Beezus Blu-ray DVD by clicking here.
10. Holes based on the book by Louis Sachar
Best Example of a Mash-Up
This one is for the older kids. There is an allusion to violence and outright racism but the lessons of tolerance, forgiveness, character, and justice are prominently displayed. The beauty of this film is the riveting way it delivers its lessons through the main plot about a camp for wayward kids punctuated by sub-plots in the genres of a western, mystery, and fairy tale.
Check out our review of Holes.
Get your copy of the Holes DVD by clicking here.
There you have it. What adaptation would you put on the list? Which middle grade books do you think should be made into a movie but haven't? What adaptation do you wish had never been made?