The Emergence of Dystopia in Young Adult Pop Culture
As dystopia has become increasingly popular in YA literature we have seen it influence pop culture, making amazingly awesome YA novels more accessible to a broader audience.
In Movies
Lots of times people will not know of a books existence until they see the movie. Making movies out of popular novels like the Hunger Games and Divergent have increased the popularity of YA literature. Here are some recent examples:
The Hunger Games
The film was released in March 2012 and set records for opening day sales - $67.3 million. The movie was a blockbuster success, and is the third highest grossing film in the US (“The Hunger Games (film),” 2013). The second instalment in the series, Hunger Games: Catching Fire is expected to be released in November 2013.
Watch the following trailer for the Hunger Games film!
In Movies
Lots of times people will not know of a books existence until they see the movie. Making movies out of popular novels like the Hunger Games and Divergent have increased the popularity of YA literature. Here are some recent examples:
The Hunger Games
The film was released in March 2012 and set records for opening day sales - $67.3 million. The movie was a blockbuster success, and is the third highest grossing film in the US (“The Hunger Games (film),” 2013). The second instalment in the series, Hunger Games: Catching Fire is expected to be released in November 2013.
Watch the following trailer for the Hunger Games film!
Divergent
The film Divergent is set to be released in 2014. It is based on the novel by Veronica Roth and while is not set to released for some time still, it is highly anticipated and creating lots of interest!
Articles such as this one have appeared on Hollywoodlife.com and express the sheer excitement of seeing stud-muffin Theo James on screen with Shailene Woodley (they play love interests Tris and Four). The actors were at the July 18, 2013 Comic-Con Panel and gave some sneak-peak info about the film. Looks like Comic-Con fans are just as excited as we are!
The film Divergent is set to be released in 2014. It is based on the novel by Veronica Roth and while is not set to released for some time still, it is highly anticipated and creating lots of interest!
Articles such as this one have appeared on Hollywoodlife.com and express the sheer excitement of seeing stud-muffin Theo James on screen with Shailene Woodley (they play love interests Tris and Four). The actors were at the July 18, 2013 Comic-Con Panel and gave some sneak-peak info about the film. Looks like Comic-Con fans are just as excited as we are!
The Maze Runner
Based on the 2009 novel by James Dashner, dystopian enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting for the February 2014 movie release. Can't wait? Well, unfortunately the movie trailer has yet to be released. Here is a book trailer for those of you who have yet to read the novel.
Based on the 2009 novel by James Dashner, dystopian enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting for the February 2014 movie release. Can't wait? Well, unfortunately the movie trailer has yet to be released. Here is a book trailer for those of you who have yet to read the novel.
Other YA Dystopian New/Upcoming Movie Releases
Moira Young's best-selling novel Blood Red Road which won the Costa's Children Award (2011), is in movie production, and will be produced by Ridley Scott.
How I live now by Meg Rosoff is another YA dystopian novel being turned into a movie.
Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman was adapted by the RSC into a play (Craig, 2012).
The Giver by Lois Lowry is almost being turned into a film. Actor Jeff Bridges will play the Giver, the film is directed by Phillip Noyce. Check out more about the films progress on Lois Lowry's blog.
Moira Young's best-selling novel Blood Red Road which won the Costa's Children Award (2011), is in movie production, and will be produced by Ridley Scott.
How I live now by Meg Rosoff is another YA dystopian novel being turned into a movie.
Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman was adapted by the RSC into a play (Craig, 2012).
The Giver by Lois Lowry is almost being turned into a film. Actor Jeff Bridges will play the Giver, the film is directed by Phillip Noyce. Check out more about the films progress on Lois Lowry's blog.
In Social Activism
Hunger is not a Game
As explored in the article Fantasy spurs teens into social activism teens are being fuelled to create change after exploring dystopian views and the possible consequences of the future world. Created by the Harry Potter Alliance, the group created their first ever campaign - Hunger is not a Game Campaign which promotes hunger reform.
Hunger is not a Game: In the Media
Oxfam on tour with Coldplay
Fan Power: Hunger is not a game, revisited - The New York Times Opinionator
As explored in the article Fantasy spurs teens into social activism teens are being fuelled to create change after exploring dystopian views and the possible consequences of the future world. Created by the Harry Potter Alliance, the group created their first ever campaign - Hunger is not a Game Campaign which promotes hunger reform.
Hunger is not a Game: In the Media
Oxfam on tour with Coldplay
Fan Power: Hunger is not a game, revisited - The New York Times Opinionator
In Social Media
Twitter
YA Dystopian Literature is alive and well on the twitterverse! Start following to keep up-to-date on your YA Dystopian Lit News.
@Divergent | quotes, announcements and reviews
@VeronicaRoth | author of Divergent book series. You can check out her website here veronicarothbooks
@PitchDarkBooks | you can check these guys out online at pitchdark.com
@Teen_RC | lower mainland teen reading club
@suzcollins1 | author of the Hunger Games Trilogy
Pinterest
YA dystopian literature is also alive and well on Pinterest.
YA Dystopian Literature is alive and well on the twitterverse! Start following to keep up-to-date on your YA Dystopian Lit News.
@Divergent | quotes, announcements and reviews
@VeronicaRoth | author of Divergent book series. You can check out her website here veronicarothbooks
@PitchDarkBooks | you can check these guys out online at pitchdark.com
@Teen_RC | lower mainland teen reading club
@suzcollins1 | author of the Hunger Games Trilogy
YA dystopian literature is also alive and well on Pinterest.
- Start pinning your favourite Hunger Games: Catching Fire scenes!
- Search Divergent to find quotes, movie posters and much more
- Pin your favourite YA Dystopian Novels