---
title: Best YA Books That Should Be Movies: Dream Casting for Novels
description: John Green isn’t the only writer whose stories deserve a big screen adaptation
canonical: https://time.com/55670/8-young-adult-books-that-should-be-movies-and-who-should-star-in-them/
author: ashley Ross
article:opinion: false
article:content_tier: free
article:published_time: 2014-04-09T20:00:18.000Z
article:modified_time: 2026-05-11T05:08:29.070Z
article:section: Entertainment
og:title: Best YA Books That Should Be Movies: Dream Casting for Novels
og:description: John Green isn’t the only writer whose stories deserve a big screen adaptation
og:url: https://time.com/55670/8-young-adult-books-that-should-be-movies-and-who-should-star-in-them/
og:site_name: TIME
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og:image:width: 1200
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og:image:alt: TIME
og:type: article
twitter:card: summary_large_image
twitter:title: Best YA Books That Should Be Movies: Dream Casting for Novels
twitter:description: John Green isn’t the only writer whose stories deserve a big screen adaptation
twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltde093bcdab65f2d0/6988d9b9bc6cfc69913e2a3c/time-logo.jpg?branch=production
---
# 8 Young Adult Books That Should Be Movies (And Who Should Star in Them)
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#### Who is Ally Bank?
Ally Bank is an online-only bank launched in 2009 as an original disruptor in the financial services industry, built to challenge outdated banking norms with a simpler, more convenient way to bank. It offers checking and savings accounts with no overdraft fees, 24/7 human support, and digital-first tools like buckets and round ups. Deposits are FDIC-insured up to the maximum amount allowed by law.
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Ally is built for everyday banking, spending, and saving. Its Spending Account is a checking account that includes early direct deposit (paychecks up to 2 days early), access to 75,000+ fee-free ATMs nationwide, the ability to add cash for free at participating locations nationwide, and no overdraft fees. Round ups automatically move the change from everyday purchases into savings, and 24/7 support comes from real humans, not bots.
#### What bank is built for life today?
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### Sources
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by
[ashley Ross](https://time.com/author/ashley-ross/)
## ashley Ross
Apr 9, 2014 8:00 PM UTC
by
[ashley Ross](https://time.com/author/ashley-ross/)
## ashley Ross
Apr 9, 2014 8:00 PM UTC
With the announcement that Rainbow Rowell’s beloved young adult novel _Eleanor and Park_ will be adapted for film, directly following the news that John Green’s _Paper Towns_ is also headed to the big screen, here are TIME’s recommendations for 8 other YA books worthy of a screenplay — plus, just for fun, the actors who would be perfect in the starring roles.
Betsy-Tacy Series by Maud Hart Lovelace This bunch of literary classics from the 1940s follows best friends Betsy and Tacy for a span of nearly 20 years during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Coming-of-age in industrial America will only get better with the costumes. Dream casting: Hailee Steinfeld (pictured) and Sophie Turner HarperCollins; Getty Images
A Separate Peace by John Knowles Yes, technically already two movies (one in 1972 and a Showtime version in 2004) but a boarding school story never gets old — oh captain, my captain. Dream casting: Miles Teller as Finny — in a tie, of course. Parenthood’s Miles Heizer as Gene. Scribner; Getty Images
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson This story has the opportunity to make a true impact for teens and parents by shedding light on the heartbreaking effects of bulimia and anorexia. Dream casting: Troian Bellisario as Lia, with Bunheads favorite Julia Goldani Telles as Cassie. Speak; Getty Images
Belzhar by Meg Wolitzer This soon-to-be published young adult book by The Interestings’ Meg Wolitzer is inspired by the life of Sylvia Plath and is sure to be an all-too-relatable bestseller. Dream casting: Chloe Grace Moretz as Jam Dutton Juvenile; Getty Images
The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen Two of Dessen’s books were merged together for Mandy Moore’s How to Deal in 2003 but fell quite short of impressive. The Truth About Forever mixes typical adolescent issues with love and loss that would shine on screen. Dream casting: Elle Fanning as Macy Speak; Getty Images
The Magicians by Lev Grossman Harry Potter for the older set still hits a nerve when it comes to young adults in this series by Grossman (who, full disclosure, writes for TIME). Better yet? Its third installment is due out in August. The movie was once picked up as a TV show but the pilot wasn’t green-lit. Dream casting: The Way, Way Back’s Liam James as Quentin Plume; Getty Images
Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld Misfit Lee Fiora heads to a Massachusetts prep school full of questions about her sexuality, identity and where she falls among the WASP-y elite. Think of it as a not-so-popular girl mingling with the Nate Archibalds of the world. Dream casting: Elizabeth Olsen as Lee. Random House; Getty Images
Looking for Alaska by John Green Being honest, everything John Green writes could be adapted for the screen and this heartbreaker is no exception. Dream casting: Logan Lerman as Miles Halter while AnnaSophia Robb (pictured) would work wonders with Alaska’s moody and elusive persona. Speak; Getty Images
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