Back to School Books, Movies and Music

Today I am the proud parent of a high school freshman! Wow, how did that happen? If you or your child is starting school this week I hope it’s an easy transition. Just think, it won’t be long until winter break, right?

I’ve been a little preoccupied with the BTS prep this week so I thought I’d go with that topic for the blog and share some favorite high school themed books, movies and music.

Favorite YA Book Adaptations:

I just saw The Spectacular Now last week in New York. Such a great movie (look for a Movie Date review soon!) I have a copy of the book and recently started it- I hear the book ending is a little different so you’ll want to check it out to compare. Goodreads * Amazon * IMDB

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is one of my all-time favorite book adaptations. It’s the rare movie that lives up to the book, but I like both versions of Perks least equally well. And it’s appropriately about starting high school, meeting new friends and confronting your demons. Highly recommended. Goodreads * Amazon * IMDB * Book review * Movie review

Funny story (haha) – my daughter likes this movie a lot and wanted to read the book, and we went to many, many bookstores in NYC before we found it. The Strand came through on our third trip! It’s Kind of a Funny Story I think will appeal to Perks of Being a Wallflower fans. The movie is well acted and powerful, and we’re interested in seeing how the book compares. Goodreads * Amazon * IMDB

I read Queen Bees and Wannabees way back when my daughter was a little kid- and wow it scared me for the high school years! I still don’t think I’m ready. The story goes that Tina Fey thought the book was hilarious and used it as the inspiration for Mean Girls. Mean Girls never gets old and we watch it every year and quote from it often. And the director Mark Waters is also directing The Vampire Academy movie! Goodreads * Amazon * IMDB

Did you know that Clueless is loosely based on Jane Austen’s Emma? I’m not suggesting you watch Clueless instead of reading Emma for class but they do make a good pairing. Clueless holds up really well and has some great lines. Goodreads * Amazon * IMDB

Blast from the past movie favorites – give it up for John Hughes and revisit these classics:

And here’s a little back to school playlist I put together to bridge the gap between summer and fall:

Your turn! I’d love to hear what some of your back to school favorites are. Let me know what you’re watching, reading or listening to in the comments.

Ornament

10 thoughts on “Back to School Books, Movies and Music

  1. BermudaOnion says:

    I didn’t realize you’re old enough to have a child in high school. I hope y’all have a great school year!

    1. Lucy says:

      Thank you! I think I’m in denial that I have a child in high school 🙂

  2. Rory says:

    My oldest started kindergarten today. I can’t believe it. I FEAR high school in a major way. My high school years were fine, but everything seems so vicious now (and with social media, it’s hard to escape).

    I love Clueless and anything by John Hughes. I’ll be looking for The Spectacular Now too.

    1. Lucy says:

      Starting kindergarten is huge! I cried. Hope the first day went well for you both! Agreed – I can’t imagine going to high school now with all the social media added stress.
      Hope you enjoy The Spectacular Now.

  3. I can’t believe how early kids start school now. I’ve been wanting to see The Spectacular Now for awhile. Great post!

    1. Lucy says:

      It is early isn’t it? It’s still so hot and summery- I feel bad they start school in August! Hope you love The Spectacular Now 🙂

  4. My son id 15 and my daughter 13- high school is crazy. We actually all watched Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off-they loved them!!

    1. Lucy says:

      It’s great that the John Hughes movies hold up so well. My daughter and her friends like them too. Yes, high school is crazy! Glad you can relate 🙂

      1. Kids loved The Breakfast Club- I had to control myself from reciting it line by line- was actually “spoken to” by my husband- said I was ruining the first viewing for the kids- just couldnt help myself!

  5. I want to read Queen Bees and Wannabees! Sounds interesting!

Leave a Reply

(Enter your URL then click here to include a link to one of your blog posts.)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.