With Netflix really upping their game in terms of content with movies and series, I thought it would be fun to make a wish list of YA books that would (or rather Netflix should) make into either a movie or a series. I asked my fellow RiC contributors what their wish list would be and together I think we came up with a great list of movies/series that Netflix should produce ASAP.
Movies
Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz – This was the first book that popped into my head. Saenz’s novel is so well loved by so many and it is such a beautiful story of friendship, finding oneself, and love. Netflix already has some good LGBTQ content, so adding this novel to their YA adaptations would be an excellent move.
When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon– I so want to see Dimple throw her iced coffee on Rishi and then watch how their relationship blossoms into a mutual partnership based on fully accepting the other for who they are. The novel also explores issues of family, fighting for one dreams, has a fun competition that brings our two protagonists together, and is a fun romantic comedy that will would make a fun summer movie.
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo – RiC contributor Jessica recommended this novel and if you read last week’s discussion post, you know why we all loved the book. In addition, I feel it would be great to see a “non-tragic” representation of teen pregnancy and how a village really makes us all successful. In addition, imagine all the cooking scenes….just picture all the shots of delicious food that would make us all hungry.
Pride by Ibi Zoboi – There have been so many movie adaptations of Pride and Prejudice already, so why not Zoboi’s “reboot” of the story. The novel had so many layers to it and is so relevant for our times that I feel like a movie could really make folk think about the effects of gentrification while at the same time have you rooting for Zuri and Darius.
Burn Baby Burn by Meg Medina – While Netflix has been doing mostly movies that are contemporary YA, it would be interesting to see how they tackle historical YA, specifically a movie set in the Summer of Sam (1977). RiC contributor Crystal suggested Medina’s novel as it explores a number of issues (family, independence, community, love) all while under the terror of a serial killer on the loose. Such a movie (imagine the good music too) would definitely show that despite how our society changes, our inner struggles still remain the same.
Series
A Blade So Black by L. L. McKinney– I just finished reading L.L. McKinney’s novel and is what prompted me to come up with this post. The way she described Wonderland I so want to see it on my tv screen. In addition, the structure of the novel is set in such a way that it could make a really fun series. With a clearly diverse cast and an intriguing mystery (plus there is a sequel), A Blade So Black would make a really fun series to binge on a weekend.
Warcross by Marie Lu – RiC contributor Crystal suggested Marie Lu’s fun tech-filled mystery and I completely agree with her. Just imagine the gaming sequences as the way Lu described them they were other-worldly but intense at the same time. You also have the mystery that Erika is trying to solve and there were so many fun plot twists that would make this a fun series to watch also.
Rebel Seoul by Axie Oh – RiC contributor Audrey suggested this action packed novel and the rest of us chimed in with “Yes!” Being that we are all lovers of K-dramas and Oh’s novel is a futuristic action packed “K-dramaesque” type of novel, it makes for a perfect series for Netflix to produce. It has everything – a forbidden romance story, an oppressive military type regime that needs to be overthrown, and lots of intense action sequences.
Not Your Sidekick (Sidekick Squad) by C.B. Lee – It’s no secret that RiC contributor Jessica is a fan of Lee’s fun twist on the superhero genre , so this series was her first suggestion. The Sidekick Squad series is full of good action sequences, humor, and a diverse set of characters that we all root for. We’d all get caught up quickly in their adventures in addition to seeing some really cool effects on the screen.
The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton – Think about it…seeing all the teacup animals on your tv – that’s one reason alone why The Belles should be a Netflix series. Clayton’s world is so fantastical that it would be amazing to see all the excess of beauty on the screen. In addition, having a very smart villain who seems to always been one step ahead of the Belles, and a very sweet romance that develops between Camille and Remy would make this an exciting series to see.
There is so many more books that I know the four of us feel would make great Netflix movies or series, but then we’d be here all day. What about you? What books would you like to see Netflix pick up?