Read the Book, Watch the Movie!: Kids Edition
ANIMALS
Book: Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Opal is the daughter of a preacher. While looking for a friend, she meets a lovable dog named Winn Dixie. Through Winn Dixie, she learns the importance of friendship in this sweet story.
Book: Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
Fern, a young girl, saves a young pig’s life when he’s born the runt of the litter. Wilbur grows up on the farm, healthy and happy, thanks to Fern, but longs for a friend. He develops an odd relationship with a spider named Charlotte. E.B White’s story is one of true love and friendship.
Book: The Great Mouse Detective by Eve Titus
Basil, a famous sleuth in his village, lives in the cellar of Sherlock Holmes. He greatly admires the detective and strives to be just as great. Basil’s skills are put to the test in this entertaining mystery!
Book: Hotel for Dogs by Lois Duncan
After being kicked out of a foster home because they don’t allow pets, Andi and Bruce pave their own path and use an abandoned hotel as a safe haven for dogs! Follow them on this risky adventure!
Book: The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford
Follow these two dogs and cat as they make the “incredible journey” home. They feel a pull to head west, but what lies ahead isn’t only home. This touching tale is a great family read!
When Joe’s father loses his job, they’re forced to give their dog, Lassie, up for sale. Although, despite being placed with a different home three times, Lassie continues to find her way back to Joe. Lassie is taken to a remote part of Scotland to assure that she’ll stay with her new home, but will she?
Book: Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
When Marty finds Shiloh hiding out behind his home, he takes the dog in and makes it his own. He soon discovers Shiloh belongs to Judd, an angry alcoholic who abuses his pets. Marty decides to keep Shiloh his own little secret, but what risks does this come with?
Book: Stuart Little by E.B White
Stuart Little is a small mouse living with a family of Humans in the Big Apple. He loves his home, but also has a huge sense of adventure. When his friend Margalo, a small bird goes missing, Stuart ventures out to find her. Follow him on this thrilling and fun adventure! Stuart Little 2 is more similar to the book.
Book: The Tale of Desperaux by Kate DiCamillo
Desperaux Tilling is a young mouse who loves music and stories. Roscuro is a rat who lives in darkness. Miggery Snow is a servant girl who wishes for a different life all cross paths. Follow them on a unique and random journey of fear, strength, and love in this tale!
Book: The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B White
Despite being a trumpeter swan, Louis, unlike the rest of his siblings, isn’t able to trumpet beautifully. While it may not seem like a big deal, since he can’t make any noise, Louis cannot win over Serena, the swan he loves. He tries and tries and finally his father buys him an actual trumpet. Will this instrument be the key to solving Louis’s problem?
ACTION/ADVENTURE
Book: Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Ella’s whole world falls apart when her father dies and she’s left to live with her mean stepmother and sisters. Not only are her parents gone, but her whole life she’s lived with this “gift” where she must obey anything and everything and it’s now even harder to navigate. Ella pushes through and eventually finds herself in the place she’s meant to be.
When Stanley Yelnats is wrongly accused of stealing a pair of shoes, he finds himself in the middle of the desert serving time on a youth workforce. Despite the miserable environment, Stanley realizes he may be doing more than just digging holes during his time served. Holes is one of my favorite books and movies. Find the movie study here!
David’s entire lifetime has been spent in a European prison camp. He knows nothing of the world that lies outside of the barbed wire. So what happens when he gets the chance to escape and takes it? Follow him on a journey to find truth and to find a home.
Book: How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
Follow Hiccup as he attempts to follow in his father’s dragon catching steps despite his small stature and goofy personality. He pushes and pushes to prove himself no matter who or what stands in his way. Find the movie study here!
Book: The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S Lewis
When a group of siblings is sent to live with their uncle, they realize he’s much more than he and his home are much more than they appear to be. When playing a game of hide and seek, they discover an old wardrobe and an opening to an entirely different world. This classic tale is perfect to read aloud as a family. Find the movie studies here!
COMEDY
Book: Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Greg Heffley is at an awkward stage in life. Middle school is starting and things are overwhelming and new. This fun read is perfect for kids who like illustrations along with words and is written in such a relatable and entertaining way.
Book: Ramona and Beezus by Beverly Clearly
Having a younger sister can be tough, especially when they have a wild imagination like Ramona. Beezus loves her sister, but sometimes it’s hard keeping track of her and keeping her out of trouble. Will she find a way to keep Ramona from ruining her birthday party in a loving way?
Matilda is a sweet, young genius whose parents think she is a nuisance. When she begins school, she faces the child-hating Miss Trunchbull and she discovers she has a special gift!
GENERAL
Young Auggie was born with a facial deformity that required several surgeries. He’s up for one of his biggest challenges yet: public school. This story is told from multiple perspectives and is a great story about kindness.
Sophie has always heard of bone-crushing giants, but not big and friendly ones. When she’s scooped up by a giant, she’s worried at first, but realizes he’s different from the others. And not only is he friendly, but he wants to help her stop the unfriendly giants! This classic story is such a fun read.
Book: The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
A young boy living in the walls of a busy train station, spending his days working on the clocks and stealing to survive provides readers with an interesting plot already. Yet, things get even more interesting when he’s discovered and two strangers offer him clues into the death of his father and who he is.
Book: Mary Poppins by Dr. P.L Travers
This classic story takes a young family on the adventure of a lifetime when Mary Poppins, a nanny who is capable of much more than cheering people up, shows up. The Banks family finds themselves in total bliss and attempts to understand what was missing before Mary showed up. Important lessons on love and family show up again and again in this tale.
Book: Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff
Hollis, a 12 year old foster girl is finally sent to a home she wants to stay in, but Josie, the artist that lives there, is growing old and is losing more of her memory each day. If Social Services knew about this, they’d take Hollis away from Josie. While Hollis wants nothing more than to stay with Josie forever, she moves between dreaming of their future together and her past. Read along as Hollis discovers the importance of friendship and sympathy in this poignant story.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Book: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
When Charlie, a poor boy who lives with his parents and grandparents, hears of Willy Wonka’s golden tickets, he dreams of finding one for himself. This ticket would allow him to tour the mysterious candy factory that’s had its gates shut for so long now. Although, when he did receive his chance, is it what he expected it would be? Follow along as Charlie discovers the importance of being grateful and being yourself in this well known and fun story.
Book: Winnie the Pooh by A.A Milne
These classic children’s tales take us deep into the Hundred Acre Woods where Christopher Robin often visits his friends, going on adventures, and getting into all kinds of messes. Get to know Pooh Bear and the rest of his friends, as well as their unique personalities in this charming story that any child will fall in love with.
Book: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
Meg and her little brother Charles, have always wondered what happened to their father in his mysterious disappearance 5 years ago. His scientific discoveries have also been of interest to the children, but apparently not only them. With the help of Calvin O’Keefe, their classmate and three mysterious astral travelers known as Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who and Mrs. Which, the children brave a dangerous journey to a unknown evil planet.
Book: Meet Samantha by Susan S. Alder
Jump right into 1904 with Samantha as she navigates life as an orphan upon uncovering some family secrets. While things may be heavy for Samantha, she realizes girls like Nellie struggle too, meaning she’s not alone. Understand the importance of honesty and friendship as well as what life was like during 1904 where classes were heavily judged. All American Girl stories are great ones to introduce to your children as both entertainment and history lessons.
CLASSICS
Book: Anne of Green Gables by L. M Montgomery
Anne, a young orphan girl, is sent to live with Matthew and Marilla who are just as surprised by her arrival as she is. They had asked for a young boy, who they could ask to help out on the farm, but learn to love Anne, even through her quirky characteristics and big imagination. Follow Anne through crazy situations and mishaps as she navigates life on Prince Edward Island and grows up with Matthew and Marilla.
Book: Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
This classic tale is one of the best selling novels of all time, not only because of it’s contents, but because of the way it was written. Navigate through Sewell’s beautiful words as she covers animal welfare and teaches on kindness and sympathy.
Book: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Ebenezer Scrooge hates Christmas. He hoards his wealth, lacks understanding for other’s celebrations, and despises everything about the holiday. Although, when three ghosts visit him in one night, taking him through parts of his life and possible life, what will change?
Heidi loves life up in the mountains with her grandpa, but when her aunt arrives and sends her down to the valley to live, things are hard. She wants to be back up in the Alps where life is simple and calm. Will she find her way back up?
Book: A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Sarah doesn’t mind boarding school. She’s treated well, loved by the staff, and enjoys her days. Although, when her dad is said to be dead, her wealth disappears and so does her normal treatment. Will Sarah be able to continue at the school and how will she endure the sudden transition?
Book: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
When Mary moves in with her uncle, her world changes drastically. His house is dark and mysterious, just like him. When Mary begins to wonder through the halls, she finds a secret garden and aims to bring it back to life. But, what else will spring to life with it?
NONFICTION
Ben Carson, a world-renowned neurosurgeon, has saved thousands of lives and impacted our society in so many different ways. He was taught, from a young age, to believe in himself, to never give up. Read along as his story is told in a way that the lesson of perseverance is clear to any young reader. Find the movie study here.
Book: Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton
Surfing was everything to Bethany Hamilton and her future was headed in the direction of being a professional surfer, until the day of her shark attack. Bethany bounced back, with the help of so many different influences and still surfs to this day. Read the story of Bethany’s fall and rise back to the top through the love of the people around her and belief in herself. Find the movie study here!
PICTURE BOOKS
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Book: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett
What would it be like if food was apart of the weather and started falling from the sky? You’ll know while you turn through the pages of this hilarious story of a ridiculous possibility. This is an entertaining read that will get anyone to laugh.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Book: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
Alexander woke up with gum in his hair. His day started off terrible and got even worse step by step. This funny story shows kid what its like to endure even the worst of days and the importance of the family beside us.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Book: How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Suess
The Grinch hates the village he lives above. The Whos are constantly cheerful, especially around Christmas. They’re aware of the Grinch and his despise of them, fearing his presence. So, what happens when the two collide? Is it the Whos that will be sorry? Or will the Grinch finally learn?
Book: Meet the Robinsons by Jasmine Jones
Lewis is constantly imagining, working to invent, and missing his family. When he finally figures out how to create a time machine, he anticipates the joy it could bring to his life. But, when an evil villain ruins Lewis’s big moment and a random guy shows up, taking Lewis away to the future, everything is in jeopardy. Find the movie study here!
