Media Mania: Book Tie-ins to High-Interest Movies, TV Shows, and More

Joy Fleishhacker -- School Library Journal, 9/17/2008

Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist (PG-13), a movie based on Rachel Cohn and David Levithan’s YA novel (Knopf, 2006), opens in theatres on October 3, 2008. Set against the hip backdrop of late-night lower Manhattan and the indie rock scene, this comedy features two lonely teens who share an evening of romance and revelations. All-around-nice-guy Nick (Michael Cera), the straight bass player in a “queercore band,” is still reeling after being dumped by his girlfriend. Always-dependable Norah (Kat Dennings), a self-confident music maven, finds herself once again responsible for getting her inebriated best friend home to New Jersey. Circumstances and individual motivations propel these two strangers, who happen to be standing next to each other at a club, to commit to a five-minute relationship, and before they know it, they are off on a date. Can one kiss—and an all-night quest to find their favorite band’s secret show—lead to true love? Teens can sample the soundtrack, explore NYC via map and Nick’s Yugo, and link to a virtual book club at the movie’s Web site.

Knopf has issued a movie tie-in edition of the novel with a cover photo of the title characters and an eight-page inset of full-color film photos. Told in chapters that alternate between Nick and Norah’s viewpoints, the narrative sparkles with true-to-teen dialogue, insights, and emotions. Movie fans will not be disappointed.

More than a Football Hero

The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (PG), a sports drama based on a true tale, premieres October 10, 2008. The movie follows the life of Davis (played by Rob Brown), a talented athlete who overcame numerous obstacles to become a star running back for the Syracuse Orangemen, clashing with and learning from Coach Ben Schwartzwalder (Dennis Quaid) along the way. The first African-American to win the coveted Heisman Trophy in 1961, Davis faced the realities of a racially dived America and ultimately broke social boundaries as well as rushing records. Visit the film’s official Web site for a preview.

Robert C. Gallagher’s book, originally published as Ernie Davis: The Elmira Express (Bartleby Press, 1983), has been reissued with the movie’s title and a tie-in cover (Ballantine Books). This readable biography blends sports statistics and action with solid storytelling to describe Davis’s childhood, his amazing accomplishments as a college athlete, his draft as the number one NFL pick by the Cleveland Browns in 1962, and his tragic death from leukemia before ever playing on the professional field. Filled with quotes from family and friends, the book paints a portrait of a courageous and caring young man who faced difficulties and prejudice with dignity. Black-and-white photos of Davis on and off the gridiron are included, and Gallagher does a good job of putting his subject’s accomplishments into perspective by providing historical context and making comparisons between the world of sports today (some statistics have been updated in this edition) and 40 years ago. A solid read for teens interested in finding out more about an inspirational individual.

The Bitter and the Sweet

The Secret Life of Bees (PG-13), based on the best-selling novel by Sue Monk Kidd (Viking, 2002), will be released on October 17. Set in South Carolina in 1964, this story features Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning), a 14-year-old girl haunted by the memory of her mother’s tragic death. Living on a peach farm with an abusive father (Paul Bettany), Lily’s only friend is Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson), the black woman hired to look after her. When Rosaleen has a confrontation with local racists, the two run away to a town that Lily believes has something to do with her mother’s past. There they are taken in by the independent-minded Boatwright sisters (played by Queen Latifah, Sophie Okonedo, and Alicia Keys) and introduced to an unfamiliar world of beekeeping and family relationships. Buzz by the official Web site for tidbits about the film and the actors.

A movie tie-in edition of the novel, with photos of the cast set on a warm-hued honeycomb cover, is available from Penguin. Filled with poignancy and self-discovery, this lyrical coming-of-age story has garnered much critical acclaim. The reissue includes a reader’s guide with an introduction to the novel, an interview with the author, and discussion questions, making it an ideal jumping-off point for teen book groups.

Pub Info

COHN, Rachel & David Levithan. Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Knopf. 2008. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-375-84614-4.

GALLAGHER, Robert C. The Express: The Ernie Davis Story. Ballantine Books. Sept. 2008. pap. $13.00. ISBN 978-0-345-51086-0.