It is normal for movies to add or take parts out of books to make them more interesting or to shorten the movie length, but parts of the original plot can be lost in the process.

Many of the recent movies targeted toward teens are based on popular young adult novels, such as The Divergent Trilogy and multiple John Green novels. When it comes to books turned into movies, it can be a hit or miss situation, especially with the teen audience. Today’s teens are often judgmental and opinionated when it comes to their favorite movies. Many movies today come from books from many teens’ childhoods as the books helped many through rough times.

Many movies did well in the box office and others were a flop. Books like The Hunger Games, Harry Potter and The Fault In Our Stars were instant successes, while others like Percy Jackson, A Series Of Unfortunate Events and the Twilight Saga did not do as well in the industry.

There are several things that make a good book to film adaptation. The most important consideration when making a book-based movie is the novel chosen has done well on the seller’s list. Nearly all the books picked to be turned into films were at one point on the New York Times Best Seller List. The books are usually not made into films if they do not do well in the industry.

The only exception would be classics, though the book would be circulating for such a long time it would be well-known and popular in a completely different way.

Another way for a book-based film to be successful is to be done well. If a movie is poorly made and doesn’t follow the storyline, it usually doesn’t do as well in the box office. When young adult novels are made into movies, many teens are very picky about how it is made. There are a large amount of teenage girls who read books in the young adult fiction genre who spend a lot of their time on the internet expressing their love for the books. These girls are often described as fangirls. The best way to make the movie and please the audience  is to keep as close as possible to the plot of the book.

In many ways, what makes the movie are the actors. The actors make or break the movie. If it’s a bad actor, the movie won’t give off the right vibe. All the fans have different views on what the character should be like. When casting the characters, the casting agents look for qualities in an actor that fit the character being casted.

If there is a bad actor, then the movie could not end up the way it could be if there was a better actor portraying the character. Teens expect the same image that they got from the character while reading the book and they have very specific ideas.

Book to movie films are a big part of the movie industry in today’s world as every age group enjoys the newest and best movie out. They are go to movie ideas when the industry notices that the book was a big hit, though sometimes it may take years for the book to become a movie. Though a movie could not turn out as well as it could, there is always a chance it could be the next Harry Potter.

By Tristan Ange

Mr. Stratton is an iconic role model for a all students wishing to progress in English.

He offers classes comprised of Honors English 10 and Enriched English 11. Both classes contain an ethic that is far beyond the expectation of the student, creating an adequate preparation for upper class and college courses.

Guaranteed novels to read for his tenth grade class are “1984” by George Orwell, “Othello” and “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare, “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas and “Something Wicked This Way Comes” by Ray Bradbury. Novels in eleventh grade consists of short stories from a class literature book and “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Discussions among teachers and classmates are a common norm in an educational setting, but Stratton takes it further by providing in depth, elaborate answers and asks questions that most teachers would not dare to ask.

A constructive mind is a must for this class, and if not, do not worry for you will catch on fast. Intuition and a bright tumultuous vocabulary will be apprehended within the first few weeks.

Cheating: do not even think about it. Cheating is on Stratton’s long list of no’s for he always requires students to write their essays in class. A tactic such as this is a prominent tool for the crafting of young students; rehearsing the mind to become responsible, self-reliant and incredibly independent. Websites such as Schmoop and Spark Notes are constantly checked and documented, creating assurance for his students that there will be no easy way out. Working hard and crafting thorough one’s work is a primary goal for Stratton.

The facts remain structural for his many years as an English teacher at Stow High School provide sufficient and well rounded evidence. Many teachers go to this man for help and advice to achieve for their students the same outcome and incentives he displays in his own. He is a legendary icon here at Stow High.

As the cold, snowy weather native to North America reaches it’s end, many people are beginning to feel the effects of the new weather. Girls are trading in their old sweaters for chic tank tops and boys are investing in a new pair of cargo shorts.

Something about the sunshine and cool air have long brought about happier, brighter outlooks on life but according to scientists, the “winter blues” are more than just a state of mind. Bad weather cannot only affect a person’s clothing, but can also alter their state of mind.

Seasonal affective disorder, also known by its appropriate acronym, SAD, is a psychological condition in which a person may experience seasonal depression during periods of bad weather.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, “SAD has been linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain prompted by shorter daylight hours and less sunlight in winter. As seasons change, people experience a shift in their biological internal clock […] that can cause them to be out of step with their daily schedule.”

Website mentalhealthamerica.net said, “SAD is more common in people living far from the equator where there is less daylight hours in the winter. The most difficult months for people with SAD in the US seem to be January and February.”

This proves dually horrible for students living far from the equator, such as the students in northeast Ohio. With AP testing week upon some high school students and the bipolar weather constantly threatening the sanctity of springtime, students suffering from SAD can find themselves at the mercy of extreme stress.

Consult a doctor if signs of depression become apparent during periods of cloudy weather. Besides prescription medication, Vitamin D tablets can brighten symptoms of SAD as well as special UV lights.

We all have been yearning for the signs of spring. This month should bring relief for each desperate Ohioan. Yes, March will be the end of the snow, which definitely makes it a glorious and favorite time.

This month has also brought about many beloved favorites to me and many other students.

The first and most important part of loving March comes with one single day: March 21. This is the first full day of spring; however, it does not mean the weather will hit at least 40 degrees, but we can hope.

Along with spring comes St. Patrick’s day–one of those “what is this holiday even for” holidays. Many question its purpose, including me. Whether or not if someone knows its true meaning, the holiday brings along the darling specialty at McDonald’s: the Shamrock Shake. With the minty flavor and decorative green tint, you do not have to be Irish to know it is delicious.

Shamrock Shakes are not the only delectable part of March: Rita’s finally reopens for their spring and summer hours. Rita’s, which reopens on March 20, is known for their luscious soft serve and their variety of creamy slushies called Blendinis. Some Blendini flavors include raspberry lemonade, cotton candy, mint and lime; however, there are so many more from which to choose. Both the Blendini and regular soft serve ice cream are superb. Rita’s is surely a spot more people should check out for their next ice cream craving. The closest location is on 2328 State Road in Cuyahoga Falls.

March also can bring along many memories for students. This is the time of the year when the I-X Indoor Amusement Park opens. One of the major things I remember doing as a child was going to this indoor park, loving to eat the greasy food and getting extremely dizzy on the rides. The whole experience was such a blast.

Many other students may have the same flashbacks of the live performances, animal shows, huge ferris wheel and spinny rides as well. Some may even remember the old commercial with that little jingle, which was made up of the name of the park being sung by children whose bodies formed into an I and an X, along with the words. No matter the memories associated with this awesome place, it will open on March 26 and run through April 9, so it would be a great idea to go with a younger sibling or child soon. Both of you will have a great time. The I-X Indoor Amusement Park is located in Cleveland on 6200 Riverside Drive.

Another favorite this month will for sure be the movie,“Insurgent.” I am just one of many who read the whole “Divergent” series and fell in love. That fact that the movie for the second book is out in March makes this month so much more exciting. This action-packed movie, featuring a dystopian society, comes out on March 20. Anyone who likes thrilling fiction should certainly read the series and watch the movies.

Lastly, the end of March is always favorable since it is the start of Spring Break. Many will venture to beaches and warmer climates; however, the relief from school is quite enough for some. This Spring Break starts on March 23 and goes until March 27, but there are also weekends at the beginning and end of the break, which extends the time we are off.

There are many events, places and desserts to love in March. Each is only around for a limited time, so take advantage of everything this month because before you know it, someone will be fooling you with a devious practical joke on the first of April.