Is your local library closed? If so, now is the perfect time to take advantage of online book offerings, especially those that include free trials. Give your child time to read the book. Then, grab some snacks and sit down together to watch the movie version of the book. As a final review, have your child compare the book to the movie. Continue reading to get a copy of the homemade resource I use with my middle school and high school daughters. 

Where To Find Books Online

Start with your library’s website. Many libraries use the Libby app, or something similar, to allow cardholders to borrow e-books and digital downloads. Next, try Audible. Kids can listen to books through Audible by using the site’s free 30 day trial subscription. Finally, check out Scribd’s vast digital library. They also have a free 30 day trial and you can sign up without using a credit card.  

Book First, Then Movie

Once kids have listened to or read the book, you can stream the movie for them to watch. Here’s a great list of book titles that have become movies: 

For Younger Students:

• Charlotte’s Web 
• Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
• The Lorax
• Mr. Popper’s Penguins
• Jumanji
• Stuart Little
• The Polar Express

For Fans of Roald Dahl:

• Matilda
• James and the Giant Peach
• The BFG
• Fantastic Mr. Fox
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 

For Middle School Students:

• Bridge to Teribithia
• A Wrinkle in Time
• The Outsiders
• The Maze Runner
• Holes
• Because of Winn Dixie
• A Series of Unfortunate Events
• The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
• Percy Jackson and the Olympians
• Inkheart
• Ella Enchanted
• Watership Down
• Lord of the Rings
• The Hobbit
• The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

For High School Students

• The Help
• The Color Purple
• The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
• To Kill a Mockingbird
• Lord of the Flies
• A Separate Peace
• Jurassic Park
• The Hunger Games
• The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman
• Ender’s Game
• The Queen of Katwe
• Divergent
• Their Eyes Were Watching God
• Twelve Years a Slave

Book vs Movie Extension Activity

After the movie ends, provide your child the opportunity to do some critical thinking by completing a printable Book vs Movie activity page. This easy to use set of worksheets can be used with any book and movie. Click the red button to download your free copy.

 

Did I miss your favorite book and movie? If so, leave your recommendation in the comments.