5 Kid and YA Books Becoming Movies in 2017

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"The book is always better than the movie" is something that all kids should learn from a young age. Sure, movies are great, but there's nothing better than getting lost in the words on a page that come together with your imagination to create an incredible story.

If you want to encourage your child to read more — or they're already little bookworms — entice them with these five kid and YA books that are becoming movies in 2017 (they'd make great holiday gifts!).

01
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Ages the book is recommended for: 12 and up

What it's about: A boy named Conor seeks the help of a tree monster to cope with his single mom's terminal illness.

Who's in the movie: Felicity Jones will play Conor's mother and Sigourney Weaver will play his grandmother. Liam Neeson voices the monster.

Get your child a copy of A Monster Calls ($12) and watch the trailer before it comes to theaters on Jan. 6, 2017.

02
Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Ages the book is recommended for: 8-12

What it's about: August Pullman, a fifth grader who was born with a facial deformity, wants to be treated like an ordinary kid, but his classmates can't get over his appearance.

Who's in the movie: Room's Jacob Tremblay is playing Auggie, Julia Roberts will play his mother, and Owen Wilson will play his father.

Get your child a copy of Wonder ($17) before it comes to theaters on April 7, 2017.

03
Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey

Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey

Ages the book is recommended for: 7-10

What it's about: The first book of the series introduces a hypnotized elementary school principal in the form of Captain Underpants, the comic book character creation of two mischievous kids.

Who's in the movie: Kevin Hart will voice George and Ed Helms will voice Mr. Krupp, aka Captain Underpants.

Get a copy of The Adventures of Captain Underpants ($6) before it comes to theaters on June 2, 2017.

04
The Divergent Series: Ascendant (Part Two of Allegiant by Veronica Roth)

The Divergent Series: Ascendant (Part Two of Allegiant by Veronica Roth)

Ages the book is recommended for: 13 and up

What it's about: In this second movie based on Allegiant, Tris and Four fight to end the Bureau of Genetic Welfare's reign over the US.

Who's in the movie: Shailene Woodley, Miles Teller, Naomi Watts, and Theo James will reprise their roles as Tris, Peter, Evelyn, and Four, respectively.

Get a copy of Allegiant ($13) before part two, a TV movie, is released on June 9, 2017.

05
Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg

Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg

Ages the book is recommended for: 6-9

What it's about: When Judy and Peter find a board game — Jumanji — in the park, they hope it will alleviate their boredom. After a lion, crazy monkeys, and a bearded man come flying out of the game, they are no longer bored. (The remake of the 1995 Robin Williams film will feature four teenagers who are sucked into Jumanji's world.)

Who's in the movie: Dwayne Johnson will play Dr. Smolder Bravestone, Kevin Hart will play Moose Finbar, and Jack Black will play Professor Shelly Oberon.

Get a copy of Jumanji ($19) and watch the original '90s film with them before the remake comes to theaters on Dec. 22, 2017.