Chapter Books for Kids with Movie Counterparts

As an elementary school librarian I love the draw of turning on kids to books that have movies to go along with them. Some reluctant readers may be enticed into reading a book that has a movie as a reward when the reading is done. There are many great chapter books for kids with movie counterparts. While some movies are only loosely based on the original book, these movies keep the true essence of the book at the core.

Because of Winn-Dixie. This adorable book by Kate DiCamillo is a great read for students in grades 2-5. A cute and touching tale in both book form and movie form, Because of Winn Dixie is a great chapter book for kids with a movie counterpart.

Tale of Despereaux. Another book by author Kate DiCamillo, this fun adventure is a great read for students in grades 2-5. While the movie may come across a little more child-like than the book, Tale of Despereaux is still a good pick for a chapter book for kids with a movie counterpart.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Appropriate for grades 4-6, this masterpiece by Roald Dahl has been turned into a movie twice. While the original movie is beloved, the more recent screen adaptation stays a little more true to the original book. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a great chapter book for kids with a movie counterpart.

A Series of Unfortunate Events. While the movie does leave out quite a few parts of this chapter book series by Lemony Snicket, the first three books are indeed summed up in the movie starring Jim Carey. Most appropriate for grades 5-6, A Series of Unfortunate Events is a great chapter book series for kids with a movie counterpart.

The Mouse and the Motorcycle. This Beverly Cleary classic is best suited for grades 2-4. While the movie counterpart of this chapter book is actually an after school special, and is a little dated, kids still enjoy it. This classic is another great chapter book for kids with a movie counterpart.

Ella Enchanted. To be honest, the movie version of this Gail Carson Levine fantasy book, isn't very accurate to the story, but both the book and movie are endearing in their own right. And the basic story of Ella Enchanted does come through in the movie making it a great chapter book for kids with a movie counterpart.

There are dozens of great movies out there that were books first. Help motivate the reluctant young reader in your life by introducing these great chapter books for kids with movie counterparts.