Janeen Lewis
50 Books/Movies to Motivate Kids to Read
While parents usually want to
limit screen time, movies may be the exception that encourages kids to read during the summer when learning losses often occur. Make reading and movie nights a family affair! Choose books that have been made into movies and set a timeframe for kids—or the family—to read together first. Plan a movie night at the conclusion of each book to celebrate. Here are 50 books in a variety of genres that have been made into movies (there are many others). Check book and movie reviews online to determine if content is appropriate for your family. Many of the movies that go with these books can be checked out at the library for free. Most importantly, be involved and make it fun!
16 • SanDiegofamily.com • July 2018
Picture Books The Lorax by Dr. Seuss Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett The Night at the Museum by Milan Trenc
Classics Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan Pippi Longstocking series by Astrid Lindgren
Realistic Fiction Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Book Talk Watching movies and reading books together gives parents the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with kids. Ask questions such as: • Which was better, the book or the movie? • What were some differences between the book and the movie? Did you like the changes? • Did the movie cast capture the personalities of the book characters? • How would you make the movie (or book) different? • If you could pick any book to make into a movie, what would it be and why? Which actors and actresses would you cast in the movie? Would you change the beginning, middle or ending?