Every writer has a dream of seeing their manuscript published. To hold the bound pages and sniff the fresh ink would bring a euphoric state of mind. Those who’ve never slaved over writing a manuscript may not be able to relate.

Then there is the ultimate dream the dream of having your book optioned for a movie! I’m talking the double payday. During a break in my “binge blog pre-scheduling”, I surfed the net to see how many books for children have actually made it to the big screen. Of course, there were the obvious ones:

• Harry Potter
• Coraline
• The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
• Black Beauty, Charlotte’s Web
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Divergent
• The Lorax
• Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
• Little Women
• Nancy Drew
• Twilight
• And so many more.

I perused to see what was interesting about the books, meaning I read a LOT of opening pages on Amazon and book blurbs (for the books I haven’t read yet). The honest truth is what we’ve all heard so often. You just need a damn good story! (And, of course, good writing skills and voice.)

It’s an interesting list, and it may not be absolute. If you want to check out the stories that have made it to the “big screen”, go to this Wikipedia link. Have fun reading, or watching (if that’s what you choose).

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.