There are two movies set to film in 2008, both based on teen novels. There’s one other interesting thing they have in common. Each features one of the stars of the Academy Award winning film Juno.
Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist
by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
The movie is due to be released in theaters in the Fall, starring Michael Cera (Paulie Bleeker in Juno).
A marathon first date is the subject of this story about two teens who meet at a punk concert. Nick O’Leary asks Norah Silverberg to be his girfriend for five minutes in order to avoid his ex. She agrees, since she knows the ex and would love to show her up. Press play.
From there, Nick and Norah are off on a first date adventure that spans the length of 24 hours in New York City. In alternating voices, (Levithan writes Nick’s part, Cohn writes Norah’s part,) their date falls into a rhythm that eventually syncs up, and can only be compared to a mix tape that makes sense in the end.
David Levithan and Rachel Cohn are both successful authors of teen fiction. This collaboration is an amazing showcase of their talent. It captures the awkwardness and excitement of a first date perfectly.
by Shauna Cross
The movie version of this title will be called Whip It! It will feature Ellen Page (Juno herself) in the starring role, and will be directed by Drew Barrymore. Look for it on the big screen in the Spring of 2009.
Bliss Cavendar is a sixteen-year-old, blue-haired, Indie rock-loving rebel who stands out in the small town of Bodeen, Texas. When her mother urges her to compete in the local beauty pageant, she revolts. In search of a place to fit in, she discovers a roller derby league in nearby Austin, and joins. Her life is changed forever.
In case you haven’t heard, roller derby is becoming hotter with rebellious young women than vintage clothing shops and tattoos. It’s sweeping North America, with leagues popping up in every major city in the U.S. and Canada. The author of Derby Girl is a roller derby queen herself, and a screenwriter. Her novel gives the reader a good feel of the excitement and appeal of roller derby, bruises and all.
Read it or Weep 