Flipping for Teen Romance
RSSJoy Fleishhacker
Are your patrons (and their adults) growing weary of vampires and action flicks? Flipped (PG), a coming-of-age romantic comedy based on Wendelin Van Draanen's critically acclaimed YA novel (Knopf, 2001), provides the perfect anecdote. A first-rate choice for family viewing, this charmer from Castle Rock Entertainment and Warner Bros. Pictures is scheduled for a limited theatrical opening on August 6, 2010, with a nationwide release on August 27. Though the book takes place in the current day, director Rob Reiner has set the motion picture in the 1950s, infusing the tale with an alluring nostalgia and innocence (as well as some really great tunes). When second-graders and new neighbors Bryce Loski (Callan McAuliffe) and Juli Baker (Madeline Carroll) meet, it's love at first sight-at least from Juli's point of view (Bryce's feelings tend toward the other extreme).
This lopsided liaison endures for the next six years, with Juli fervently pursuing, and Bryce keeping her at arms' length. Then, in junior high, the dynamic shifts, as Bryce and Juli make discoveries about their families, themselves, and one another. Suddenly, their positions and perspectives seem totally "flipped." This heartwarming look at the agonies and glories of first love is sure to appeal to young moviegoers as well as an older crowd looking to reflect on their own romantic long-ago. The teen protagonists are supported by a talented cast of actors including Rebecca De Mornay, Anthony Edwards, Penelope Ann Miller, Aidan Quinn, and John Mahoney as Bryce's wise and truth-telling grandfather.
Kids can visit the official website for a movie trailer and synopsis. Send them to the unofficial "Flipped" fansite for links to the latest news about the movie, info about the cast and crew, a discussion forum, and candid photos taken on location in Michigan during the production's filming.
Knopf has just published a media tie-in edition of Van Draanen's delightful novel with an easy-to-recognize movie poster cover: a sweet and dreamy image of the two teens sitting together on a bough of Juli's beloved sycamore tree and gazing at the wonders of the world. The book includes eight pages of film stills, well chosen to reflect the story's high points and each captioned with a quote from a character. A brief Q&A with the author is appended, as is a reader-hooking excerpt from her Confessions of a Serial Kisser (Knopf, 2008).
The winner of numerous accolades and stellar reviews, Flipped has also become a favorite with kids. The action is described in alternating chapters by Bryce and Juli, two likable characters taking their first steps toward adulthood, and their individual viewpoints, shifting emotions, and changing perceptions are fluently woven into their first-person narratives. Marked by miscommunications, erroneous assumptions, and whole conversations of words-not-said, their relationship is typically adolescent and absolutely believable. Heady themes are balanced with humorous happenings and heartwarming moments. Movie fans will find this book a treat, with much to muse over, laugh about, and enjoy.
Readers can visit the author's website for a biography and interview and info about her other books (including the Sammy Keyes mysteries, the Gecko & Sticky adventures, and more). A link provides access to the Exercise the Right to Read site, a partnership between Van Draanen, Random House, and First Book. This organization is dedicated to improving childhood fitness, promoting reading, and raising funds for books for school libraries across the country. Educators can click on "The School Program" for more info, while teens may enjoy dipping into Wendelin's Jog Blog for posts about her life and work and reflections about the book-to-big-screen process.
Pub Info
VAN DRAANEN, Wendelin. Flipped. Media tie-in ed. Aug. 2010. Pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86347-9.
