18 Upcoming YA Books Turned Movies

For fans of both captivating literature and the magic of cinema, the anticipation of seeing upcoming YA books turned into movies is an exhilarating journey. Join us as we explore the most anticipated adaptations, where young adult novels' imaginative worlds and beloved characters spring to life on the silver screen.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting YA books turned movies that are set to enchant, thrill, and inspire audiences of all ages.

What are YA Books Turned Movies?

Young adult (YA) books turned into movies have become a significant trend in the film industry. These adaptations breathe life into riveting narratives, transforming written words into visual masterpieces.

They span various genres, from fantasy and science fiction to romance and drama. The transition from page to screen allows for a more immersive experience, often sparking fresh interest in the original novels. Regardless of age, audiences worldwide find these adaptations engaging and relatable.

Upcoming YA Books Turned Movies

On the Come Up

Angie Thomas' “On the Come Up” is catching fire in Hollywood! Paramount Players announced in 2021 that the film adaptation is in progress, with Wanuri Kahiu set to direct. This follows the success of Thomas' previous novel, “The Hate U Give,” which was also adapted into a movie. The screenplay for “On the Come Up” will be written by Kay Oyegun, promising a powerful and authentic depiction of the book's themes of ambition, music, and identity

What's the story about:

Bri harbors the ambition to ascend the ranks and become one of the most renowned rappers, following in the footsteps of her late father. This underground rap icon passed away before achieving mainstream success.

However, when her mother suddenly loses her job, Bri's aspiration to succeed transforms into a necessity—she doesn't merely want to make it big anymore; she absolutely has to.

• Buy On the Come Up now!

This Is My America

Alright, get ready for some exciting news! Erik Feig's Picturestart has snagged the TV rights to Kim Johnson's phenomenal novel “This Is My America,” and they're teaming up with Fake Empire to bring it to HBO Max.

And guess who's on board to write the script and executive produce? It's none other than Jessica Watson, the co-producer of the highly anticipated Freeform series “Single Drunk Female.”

What's the story about:

Over the past seven years, Tracy has been sending weekly letters to Innocence X, pleading for their assistance in her father's case—he's an innocent black man facing execution on death row.

As the clock runs out, Tracy's older brother, Jamal, a track star, is falsely accused of a white girl's murder and becomes a fugitive. Tracy is resolute in her quest for the truth about what transpired between Jamal and Angela at Pike.

• Buy This Is My America now!

More Happy Than Not

HBO Max has an exciting project in the works! They're transforming Adam Silvera's beloved bestselling YA novel, ‘More Happy Than Not,' into a captivating one-hour series.

This adaptation, fueled by Drew Comins' Creative Engine Entertainment and eOne, currently working under an extensive deal, is ready to deliver. With Comins and Silvera spearheading it as executive producers, we're now looking for a brilliant writer and filmmaker to bring this thrilling story to life with heart and humanity!

What's the story about:

Following a heartbreaking family tragedy, Aaron Soto is gradually finding his way back to happiness with the support of his girlfriend, Genevieve, and his newfound best friend, Thomas. However, as their friendship deepens, Aaron stumbles upon some revelations that could jeopardize the peace he's been building.

• Buy More Happy Than Not now!

They Both Die at the End

Exciting news! The mastermind behind ‘Bridgerton,' Chris Van Dusen, is working on a Netflix adaptation of ‘They Both Die at the End.' Netflix is bringing us a fresh and heartwarming YA series,' They Both Die at the End,' centered around two strangers who meet for a once-in-a-lifetime day and spend their final moments together.

What's the story about:

In search of friendship, two young souls, Mateo and Rufus, discover each other through an app called Last Friend. They both have received a call from Death-Cast, announcing that today is their last day. In a poignant twist of fate, they decide to embark on one final, epic adventure together in just a single day.

• Buy They Both Die at the End now!

 

 

What Girls Are Made Of/Hot Pink

“Hot Pink,” the TV adaptation of Elana K. Arnold's “What Girls Are Made Of,” was set to star Sarah Michelle Gellar and was being developed by Amazon Studios.

The series, created by Elisabeth Holm, was a biting coming-of-age comedy that sparked anticipation among audiences. However, recent reports indicate that Amazon has decided not to proceed with the pilot, leaving fans eager for updates on the project's future.

What's the story about:

Nina's world revolves around the boy she adores, willing to go to any length to show him she's the one for him. But when he ends their relationship, her world comes crashing down.

In her search for understanding, she starts volunteering at a high-risk animal shelter, hoping to decipher the intricate puzzle of love. Simultaneously, she reflects on a trip she took with her mother to Italy, where they admired statues of saints who paid the ultimate price for their unwavering devotion. Through these experiences, Nina embarks on a journey to unravel the true essence of love.

• Buy What Girls Are Made Of/Hot Pink now!

Children of Blood and Bone

Paramount Pictures has acquired the movie rights to ‘Children of Blood and Bone,' the best-selling young adult fantasy trilogy by Tomi Adeyemi. The film will be produced by Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, and Karen Rosenfelt. Tomi Adeyemi has also finished scripting the film adaptation.

What's the story about:

Once upon a time, magic was a part of Zélie Adebola's world. But then, a merciless king ordered the murder of all Maji, wiping out magic from her land. Now, with the unexpected aid of a rebellious princess, Zélie sees a glimmer of hope to restore magic.

However, it's not going to be easy. She must stay one step ahead of the crown prince, who is hell-bent on obliterating magic forever.

• Buy Children of Blood and Bone now!

I Believe in a Thing Called Love

This beloved novel by Maurene Goo, is being adapted into a movie by Netflix. The plot revolves around high school senior Desi Lee, who uses her “K-drama Rules to True Love” to pursue her crush.

The latest update reveals that acclaimed actor Lee Byung-hun will produce the film and star as Desi's father, further fueling anticipation among fans. While the official release date remains undisclosed, excitement continues to build for this highly anticipated adaptation.

What's the story about:

Anything is possible if you have a plan, which is why Desi Lee has created her list of “K-drama Rules to True Love.” Using the Korean dramas that her father obsessively watches, she decides to use this list to tackle her love life—and go after the moody artist Luca.

• Buy I Believe in a Thing Called Love now!

Red Queen

The much-anticipated adaptation of Victoria Aveyard's “Red Queen” is finally in the works. After years of silence, it was announced in May 2021 that the project has moved to Peacock for a series adaptation, with Elizabeth Banks still onboard.

Currently, the scriptwriting process is underway. The series, set to be a one-hour drama, will be available on the NBCUniversal-owned streaming service Peacock. Elizabeth Banks will produce, direct, and appear in the series, promising an exciting rendition of this beloved novel.

What's the story about:

In Victoria Aveyard's riveting “Red Queen,” Mare Barrow's world is starkly divided by blood color. The Reds, including Mare, are commoners with no special abilities. The Silvers, however, are an elite group graced with extraordinary powers.

Despite her red blood, Mare uncovers a unique power within herself that shakes the very foundations of the existing regime. This revelation forces the Silvers to brand her as a long-lost Silver princess, drastically altering the course of her life.

• Buy Red Queen now!

The Upside of Unrequited

The film adaptation of Becky Albertalli's “The Upside of Unrequited” is in the pipeline, with the Shakespeare Sisters taking the helm. Hillary and Anna-Elizabeth Shakespeare will write and direct the movie, promising an engaging and faithful representation of the original novel. This news follows the successful adaptations of Albertalli's other works, creating anticipation for another hit.

What's the story about:

• Buy The Upside of Unrequited now!
  

Clap When You Land

Elizabeth Acevedo's acclaimed novel “Clap When You Land” is set to be transformed into a television series. The poignant and lyrical story, known for exploring family secrets, socio-economic complexities, and immigration issues, has been hailed as one of 2020's best books. This adaptation comes when the demand for diverse and authentic narratives peaks.

What's the story about:

Camino eagerly awaits the summer months when her father visits her in the Dominican Republic, but his plane never makes it this time. Meanwhile, in New York City, Yahaira is summoned to the principal's office, where she and her mother are given the heartbreaking news of her father's death in a plane crash. Unbeknownst to each other until now, the girls are suddenly thrust into a new reality where they must acknowledge each other's existence.

• Buy The Upside of Unrequited now!

Somewhere Only We Know

The adaptation of Maurene Goo's novel “Somewhere Only We Know” is making waves. This K-pop romantic comedy, set to be a Netflix film, follows a Korean-American K-pop star and a tabloid photographer on a journey through Hong Kong. The project has stirred excitement, promising an engaging narrative that explores both the glitz and grit of the K-pop industry.

What's the story about:

Camino eagerly awaits the summer months when her father visits her in the Dominican Republic, but this time, his plane never makes it. Meanwhile, in New York City, Yahaira is summoned to the principal's office, where she and her mother are given the heartbreaking news of her father's death in a plane crash. Unbeknownst to each other until now, the girls are suddenly thrust into a new reality where they must acknowledge each other's existence.

• Buy The Upside of Unrequited now!

 

Firekeeper's Daughter

Angeline Boulley's riveting Young Adult novel, “Firekeeper's Daughter,” is being transformed into a Netflix limited series. With the Obamas' Higher Ground Productions at the helm, we will surely be in for a compelling story.

The talented Mickey Fisher, the genius behind “Reverie” and “Extant,” is working his magic to adapt this gripping tale about an 18-year-old girl's life journey. Boulley herself has stressed how crucial it is for the show to represent her culture accurately, so expect authenticity along with the drama.

What's the story about:

Daunis, an 18-year-old yearning for a new beginning in college, has always felt like an outsider in her hometown and the neighboring Ojibwe reservation. However, a family crisis forces her to put her dreams on hold to care for her mother. She meets Jamie, a fresh face on her brother's hockey team, during this time.

Things take a darker turn when Daunis becomes a witness to a horrific crime, drawing her into an FBI investigation about a deadly new drug. She finds herself undercover, tasked with tracing the origin of this lethal substance. This gripping narrative intertwines family, identity, and suspense elements, making it a must-read.

• Buy Firekeeper's Daughter now!

The Girls I've Been

The much-anticipated Netflix original thriller “The Girls I've Been” is based on Tess Sharpe's novel. Millie Bobby Brown shines in the lead role as Nora, a con artist using her unique skills to navigate perilous situations. Although filming details remain under wraps, the project also has Jason Bateman attached as a producer. This gripping adaptation is set to hit the platform next year.

What's the story about:

Nora, her girlfriend Iris, and her ex-boyfriend Wes walk into a bank. Sounds like the start of a bad joke, right? Well, things get complicated quickly. First off, Nora's mom was a con artist who had a knack for deceiving criminal men, but, plot twist, she fell for her last target instead of conning him.

Then there's the awkward love triangle: Wes has no clue that Nora and Iris are items, despite all three being friends. And as if that wasn't enough drama, two guys decide to rob the bank and take them hostage. Talk about a wild day!

• Buy The Girls I've Been now!

I'll Be the One

HBO Max is developing the YA novel “I'll Be the One” into a feature. Nahnatchka Khan will produce this story of a body-positive, bisexual Korean-American teen pursuing K-pop stardom. The adaptation aims to enhance HBO's diverse film slate.

What's the story about:

Skye Shin, an aspiring plus-size K-pop star, has entered a globally televised competition. Her remarkable singing and dancing talents defy societal expectations, securing her place in both segments of the show. Skye, undeterred by fat-phobic attitudes she faces, even from her own mother, is resolute in her quest to defy norms and rise as the world's inaugural plus-size K-pop star.

• Buy I'll Be the One now!

YA Books Turned Movies

The Summer I Turned Pretty

Amazon Prime Video has transformed the novel trilogy “The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han into a captivating TV series. The series, which premiered on June 17, explores the coming-of-age journey of Belly Conklin, caught in a love triangle.

ven though it diverges in some aspects from the book, audiences celebrate the adaptation for its authentic representation of the story. They eagerly anticipate Season 3.

What's the story about:

Belly always spends her summers at Cousins Beach, immersing herself in the company of her favorite people: Susannah, her mother's best friend, and Susannah's sons, Conrad and Jeremiah.

This summer, though, Belly's hoping things will be different. For the longest time, she has harbored a crush on Conrad. Recently, Jeremiah and a new guy named Cam have started giving her looks suggesting they see her as more than a friend. It seems like this summer might turn everything upside down!

• Buy The Summer I Turned Pretty now!
• Watch The Summer I Turned Pretty now!

Heartstopper

Netflix has adapted Alice Oseman's ‘Heartstopper' into an eight-part series. Directed by Euros Lyn, the story notably revolves around Charlie and Nick, two schoolboys exploring friendship and young romance. However, despite its success, creator Alice Oseman has emphatically ruled out any spin-offs.

What's the story about:

When the boy encounters the boy, friendship blossoms and that friendship soon deepens into love. Charlie, always the overthinker, finds himself wrestling with his feelings for Nick, a rugby player from his school. While Charlie doubts that Nick could reciprocate his feelings, he's in for a surprise when Nick starts nurturing his affection for Charlie. And so, their tender love story takes flight.

• Buy Heartstopper now!
• Watch Heartstopper now!

One of Us Is Lying

“One of Us Is Lying,” currently streaming on Peacock and Netflix and one of the YA books turned movies, is a captivating teen drama mystery series. Described as “The Breakfast Club meets Gossip Girl,” this series is based on the best-selling YA novel by Karen M. McManus.

The gripping story unfolds when five students enter detention, but only four walk out alive, igniting a whirlwind of suspense and mystery. Each student becomes a suspect, all having motives but claiming innocence. This thrilling adaptation actively engages the audience to unravel the truth.

What's the story about:

In a gripping tale, five students enter detention, but only four emerge. The story revolves around Bronwyn, the intellectual; Addy, the beauty queen; Nate, the rogue; and Cooper, the sports star.

Their lives dramatically turn when Simon, their outcast classmate and the brain behind Bayview High's notorious gossip app, dies under mysterious circumstances. Simon planned to drop scandalous secrets about the other four the next day, making them the prime suspects in this intriguing mystery.

• Buy One of Us Is Lying now!
• Watch One of Us Is Lying now!

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret

“Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, a classic 1970 novel by Judy Blume that has resonated with many childhood memories, is one of the YA books turned movies. Released on April 28, 2023, Kelly Fremon Craig directs the movie and stars Abby Ryder Fortson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, and Benny Safdie. The film faithfully captures the novel's complex insights into the life of an 11-year-old.

What's the story about:

Related Posts:

• 20 Books to Read Aloud and Watch the Movie
• 10 Movies Based on Books on Netflix
• 40+ Netflix Movies Based On Books (For Kids 8-10)
• Listen to these 44 Books that Became Movies
• 11 Awesome Books That Became Movies

Sharing is caring!