Johnny Tremain

Screenplay writer: Thomas W. Blackburn

Date: 1957

Distributor: Walt Disnep Film Classics

Upper Elementary

Johnny on the big screen isn't quite the Johnny we all imagined the first time I read the book. I see the same reaction each year when we show the movie after reading the book orally. Johnny Tremain is an amazing, detailed, in-depth book to follow. The movie makes the audience feel a little more connected, but because of its age, students sometimes tune out. Of course, the movie isn't as good as the book (in my opinion). However, the movie does coincide with the main events in the book.

Tuck Everlasting

Director: Jay Russell

Date: 2002

Distributors: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

The Tucks come to life on the big screen. This film directed by Russell incorporates much of the same ideas as the original text. As usual, the book is better than the movie (in my opinion). However, students seem to enjoy the movie just as much as the text and it allows many of them to make concrete connections that the book does not.