Top Ten Tuesdays: Books That Should Be Adapted Into Netflix Shows/Movies

     Hi, and welcome to another Top Ten Tuesday list! I was very excited about this list's theme, as I am always finding books I think are good enough to be made into movies. Some of these are more recent reads, while some I've kept close to me through the years, hoping that someone else with the right connections will also see the "big-screen" potential in these books.

    Click below to see the list, including the genre, age target, why I chose the book for my list, and any issues I can remember for whoever wants to check it out. I've also included a link to the book's Amazon page.

    Since it was hard for me to choose just ten this time, I did some extra credit and put in three runner-up titles, just for the fun of it! I hope you enjoy these additional book recommendations.

    All of these Top Ten Tuesday lists are supposed to be spoiler-free, though minor spoilers may sneak in a few times. 

    To view all my Top Ten Tuesday lists, click here.

Top Ten Books That Should Be Adapted Into Netflix Shows/Movies

(in no particular order)

1. The Map To Everywhere by Carrie Ryan and John Parke Davis

(Note: The cover's font has been revised from when it was first published.)

Genre: Fantasy

Age Target: Middle Grade

Why It Should Be Adapted: Not only is this a fabulous book and book series which touches on topics like friendship, loyalty, and second chances, but in my opinion it's a moviemaker's dream. The authors describe many wondrous, vibrant settings (such as an unpredictable ocean, a living, word-storing jungle, and an artic tundra that freezes words and emotions, to name a few) that would be thrilling if brought to life. Not to mention the diversity of the Khaznot Quay, and the personal journeys Fin and Marrill go through. Although for now (and probably forever) I'm listing all my TTTs in no particular order, I think this choice may be my number one. Whether in animated form or real life with CGI form, The Map To Everywhere could be the perfect series for people with big imaginations, big hearts, and a thirst for big adventures!

This book also made it on my TTT list for Books That Make Me Smile. 

Things To Know: The characters are in mortal peril a couple of times. One of the main characters, Marrill, has a sick mom and ends up entering the fantasy world to try and save her. The other main character, Fin, has a missing mom, and for now is an orphaned Master Thief. Zany, wild magic is a common element in the series. The Pirate Stream, the setting of the book, is apparently an offshoot of a River of Creation.

2. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

Genre: Mystery/Contemporary Fiction

Age Target: Middle Grade

Why It Should Be Adapted: The book has remained popular for years, and since each kid is so different from each other, any big-screen remake would generate a lot of viewers. The story is remarkably clever, challenging whoever reads it to think through interesting puzzles and exciting mysteries along with the main characters. The plot also has enough twists to keep viewers guessing! For this book, I'm thinking a live action remake that focuses on the strong bond that the Mysterious Benedict Society has with each other.

Things To Know: There is some danger and mayhem. One of the members of the Mysterious Benedict Society (akin to her name) can be very bossy and condescending. There is some lying.

3. The Dragon With A Chocolate Heart by Stephanie Burgis

Genre: Fantasy

Age Target: Middle Grade (though great for Young Adult readers, too!) 

Why It Should Be Adapted: This is a peppy, dragon-fierce tale that not only is a joy to read, but celebrates diversity in a number of ways. Adventurine's POV narration is wonderfully unique, and Burgis's world building, plotting, and tone is enough to make any fantasy reader interested. Burgis not only gives us a good story to love, but also gives a great message about being true to yourself. And if you've already read this one, the following two books are even better! I'm imagining this as either a live action series with CGI, or an animated feature done in a similar style as the Pixar movies. 

Things To Know: There's at least one use of language, as well as mentions of cursing. Also some mortal peril. As a human Adventurine experiences some misconceived notions of dragons, and a situation that may or may not be considered abuse. One of her newfound friends lies about her background. Magic is an accepted and often-used part of the book. 

4. Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Age Target: Middle Grade

Why It Should Be Adapted: Aven Green is one of the most memorable characters I've ever met in literature. I absolutely loved her confidence and humor. As well as taking us on a relatable, down-to-earth journey on what it means to live with a disability, Aven also shows us how to not let circumstances, or our own struggles, take us down. Her growing friendship with Zion and Connor was also fun to watch. Bowling taught me so much about life in this funny and heartfelt book. With all of Netflix's focus on diversity, live action series, and telling stories about people from all sorts of experiences, I think that this is the most likely candidate to actually be adapted. 

Things To Know: Aven plays a lot of pranks and tells tall tales about "losing" her arms. As well as being born without arms, Tourette's syndrome and the culture's view on overweight people is touched on. A lot of people have reactions to finding out Aven doesn't have arms, most often in a rude or insensitive way. Zion and Aven joke about not getting to watch an R-rated movie. Once a metaphor from the Bible is mentioned. One woman decides not to marry before getting pregnant. 

5. Joshua Dread by Lee Bacon

Genre: Superheroes

Age Target: Middle Grade

Why It Should Be Adapted: Especially with (or due to?) all the Marvel and DC movies out there, superhero films and series often get pushed in the spotlight. Meant for a younger audience, but still perfect for any superhero fan, Joshua Dread looks at the perspective of a supervillain's kid, who's trying his best to live a normal life. Unfortunately, things don't work out that way. As Joshua meets up with a few unexpected allies, tries to get used to his own new powers, and wonders what it's like to be a hero, I had a blast following him through the pages. There's enough action, intrigue, and adventure in here to thrill anyone who's looking for a new superhero remake. I'd say live action with CGI again, but I may be a bit biased, since I watch those type of TV shows all the time. 

Things To Know: There is some danger and mayhem. At the beginning of the story, Joshua is bullied by a bigger kid at school. Joshua temporarily hides his suspicions about who may be behind the kidnapping of supervillains from his friends, and he's also required to conceal his identity and his parents'. Zombies (treated like pets) are a part of the story. It's mentioned that the new girl (and one of Joshua's allies) has a dead mom.

6. Story Thieves by James Riley

Genre: Fantasy

Age Target: Middle Grade

Why It Should Be Adapted: Story Thieves, and all the books following it, is a rollicking, humorous, and meta-cracking adventure for bookworms, thrill seekers, reluctant readers, and anyone who's ever wondered what it would be like to jump into the pages of your favorite book. Riley's narration is lighthearted and humorous, while at the same time delivering some powerful ideas about writing, reading, and everything in between. I think that this would be especially good in the live action with CGI format, as a lot of the scenes in the book require you to use your imagination!

Things To Know: There is some mortal peril, and some mentions of cursing. In the book the main character (Owen) wants to jump into, there are two separate places: a kingdom of all science, and a kingdom of all magic. It's implied that Owen has a crush on the book's tough female character. There are many references to books, book genres, and authors in Story Thieves. Once the antagonist of the story magically puts a helpless author in one of Stephen King's novels.

7. The Great Historic Mystery by Jordyn Hadden

(Click HERE to read my full review of the book, including my interview with the author.)

Genre: Science Fiction

Age Target: Young Adult

Why It Should Be Adapted: Like The Mysterious Benedict Society, The Great Historic Mystery is not only a thrilling adventure, but it encourages readers of all ages to think and to enjoy learning. Also like The Mysterious Benedict Society, The Great Historic Mystery's main focus is on friendship, problem solving, and teamwork, something that in my opinion isn't seen enough in TV shows and movies. I enjoyed getting to know Tyme and her team, and look forward to when they go on another adventure! This would be another great live action with CGI feature, or great converted to animation. 

Things To Know: There is a fair amount of death/near-death experience here. Electricity is a strong part of the book, and several people are electrocuted. Tyme and her friends are able to travel back in time and meet their ancestors (Isaac Newton, Vincent Van Gogh, Orville Wright, and Thomas Edison), which may or may not be seen as "magical". There are several Biblical references. Tyme struggles with the death of her grandmother, who died of brain cancer. At first she believes she can solve the main problem on her own and goes to great lengths to ensure she can. 

8. 100 Dresses: If The Magic Fits by Susan Maupin Schmid

Genre: Fantasy

Age Target: Middle Grade

Why It Should Be Adapted: From the very first page, I was enchanted by Susan Maupin Schmid's expert characterization and world building, as well as all the charming illustrations. Darling is the perfect, brave heroine, and I loved the idea of finding a closet with dresses that could disguise you as someone else! I think this would be perfect as an animated feature. 

Things To Know: There is some danger and mayhem. The resident royal of Darling's workplace (Princess Marisol) is supposed to marry before she becomes queen, and the quest of many elite men to win her hand is touched on. To keep her sneaking around the castle a secret, Darling lies to her coworkers and closest friends about what she's been doing.

9. Spirit Animals: Wild Born by Brandon Mull

(Note: This series came out a few years ago. Because of that, the website and computer game they advertise and mention in every book is no longer available online.)

Genre: Fantasy

Age Target: Middle Grade

Why It Should Be Adapted: I loved this series A LOT when I was younger. So much that I went ahead and made up names, pasts, and lives for all the actors who would play the main characters, based on my wild imagination and limited knowledge of the film business. In all seriousness, this book, and the series that follows it, is perfect for anyone who enjoys books filled with action, friendship, and fantasy worlds. It's also a great way to start introducing young readers to stories that celebrate a diverse cast, since all of the continents in Erdas are based on real-life countries and cultures. Too bad the originally-planned movie (written by John Fusco and produced by Deborah Forte and Universal) never made it to screens! 

Things To Know: Magic is a big theme in this series, since it's the reason that "spirit animals" even exist. There is a fair amount of fighting, danger, and death/threats of death. There are also some mentions of cursing. A character worries that becoming part of the Greencloaks (the organization of good guys) as a kid forces you to grow up before your time.

10. Once Upon A Marigold by Jean Ferris

Genre: Fantasy

Age Target: Middle Grade

Why It Should Be Adapted: Once Upon A Marigold was praised when it first came out because of its clever take on fairytales and wry humor. If the similarly-narrated A Series of Unfortunate Events can become a hit Netflix series, why can't this? Filled with romance for the believers-in-true-love, action and unexpected plot twists for the thrill seekers, strong family themes, and deep, honest observations on life masquerading as witty, lighthearted prose, this book would be a great live action or animated feature to bring laughter to homes and a world to escape to.

Things To Know: Olympia, the queen and the main princess's mother, is very cruel and it's mentioned her daughters have been abused/neglected by her. There is some danger and mayhem. Magic is a part of the story, but inventions and engineering are relied on too. Love is one of the main themes of the book, and there is some non-detailed to semi-detailed hugging, kissing, and crush-like feelings. It's mentioned that some mothers were young village girls who "had made mistakes" and wanted a better life for their babies. 

Books That Almost Made It On The List

My Brother is a Superhero by David Solomons

(Note: If you're interested in buying a copy, try to get the American English version. This book was published in both American and British English via two different publishing companies.)

Genre: Superheroes

Age Target: Middle Grade

Why It Should Be Adapted: What happens when you have all the superhero knowledge, but your brother gets the superpowers? This lighthearted take on heroism, superheroes, and family relationships is too good of a story to miss out on. With an engaging narrator, lots of action, and enough superhero references to satisfy any Marvel or DC fan, My Brother Is A Superhero is a laugh-out-loud book perfect for reluctant readers. I think it'd be best either in a fun, animated style or as a live action remake.

Things To Know: There is some bathroom humor. While trying to sniff out a story, wannabe reporter Kara lies and tricks adults to get the information she wants. (Later this lying/tricking is used to help save the world.) It's mentioned that the main character's brother, Zach, has a crush on a non-interested girl who has a "secret boyfriend", and the main character observes couples "canoodling" right before the end of the world.

Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George

Genre: Fantasy

Age Target: Middle Grade

Why It Should Be Adapted: Think the family dynamics of The Vanderbeekers, the suspense and problem-solving skills of The Boxcar Children series, and a dash of Princess Juniper of the Hourglass. Full of enough adventure and fairytale charm to delight any bookworm, Tuesdays at the Castle features a determined heroine (make that more than one), a thrilling group of antagonists, and a setting that is as unpredictable and magical as the author's writing. This would be a perfect, feel-good series for anyone to jump into. Plus, it'd be perfect for live action or animation!

Things To Know: There is some violence as the main characters fight to get back their castle. For a while, it's feared that some of the main characters' family is dead. One of the allies is a bit of a flirt, and once the main character's brother teases her about kissing. Later the heroes work pranking into their "attack plan".

The Reb and the Redcoats by Constance Savery

Genre: Historical Fiction

Age Target: Middle Grade

Why It Should Be Adapted: This relatively unknown classic takes a different approach to the Revolutionary War by bringing us to the other side! As four English children are caught between two sides after their uncle brings a young rebel to his estate, issues like true freedom, loyalty, and friendship are put to the test like never before. Adapting this book into a movie or show, especially through something as well known as Netflix, would bring attention to the old classic, provide a way for kids to actually get interested in history, and remind us all about the value of remembering how America came to where it is today. I would prefer an adaptation of this in live action, but it would be great either way.

Things To Know: There is a bunch of mischief, due to the children being children. One of the boys can be especially obstinate towards his authorities. Though it's not a main part of the story, the main characters are religious, as prayers about different happenings in the book, going to church services, and a sermon are mentioned. There are several escape attempts. Once the "Reb" gets very feverish. The four children learn that their uncle lost a dear friend in a Revolutionary War battle. Their uncle acts scarred as a result.

    I hope you enjoyed this Top Ten Tuesday list! I had a lot of fun making it, and know I'll be internally adding more books to this list in the future.

    Which books have you read from this list? Was there one that particularly caught your attention? Which books do you think would be good movies/shows? 

    Do you want me to do a review on a specific book on the list? Let me know, and I'll definitely consider it! To request a different book for me to review, check out my Review Policy page before posting away.

    This week I'm also doing my first Book Beginnings on Fridays (hosted by Rose City Reader). If you're interested, feel free to stop by this Friday and look at the line I posted, as well as my thoughts while reading it.