Books

22 Latinx Books That Need To Be Adapted for TV or Film Immediately

Books are leading the way in regards to Latinx representation in media. There are an incredible amount of books by Latinx authors that we think should be adapted for film or TV immediately. Read on for my recommendations, and be sure to add all the books you find interesting to your growing TBR pile.

1. Don’t Date Rosa Santos by Nina Moreno

This book desperately needs to be adapted so that I can see the vibrant Florida town of Port Coral in real life. I imagine that I could get lost in the going-ons of the town like I would in Gilmore Girls’ Stars Hollow, except Port Coral comes complete with amazing sounding pastelitos and dulce de leche from a cute tattooed baker.

2. Labyrinth Lost (Brooklyn Brujas, #1) by Zoraida Córdova

Anything witchy needs to be adapted in my opinion, and the entire Brooklyn Brujas series would be so fantastic for the screen.

3. Nocturna by Maya Motayne

A thief and a prince work together to take on an evil that they let loose? I’ll take high concept fantasy in need of an adaptation for $200, Alex!

**4. Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older**

This urban fantasy is too perfect of a concept to not be adapted. I need Sierra on the screen ASAP.

**5. Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garci**a

If the rave reviews haven’t convinced you to read this book, then the concept will—a lush fantasy based on Mayan mythology and Mexican folklore. I think this book screams movie material.

**6. Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera**

This book about identity, finding yourself and all the magical things that make a classic coming-of-age YA novel deserves to be adapted into what I would imagine to be a highly emotional and stunning movie.

7. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

I’m honestly surprised that this book—one of the most beloved in recent memory—hasn’t been adapted yet for the sheer gorgeousness of its prose and story.

8. Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina

I love middle-grade books, and this thoughtful and heartwarming realistic novel could be just as helpful to kids as a show like Andi Mack.

**9. Strange Birds by Celia Perez**

There’s something about the ensemble in this book that I think young fans would adore seeing on the screen, plus the activism is something that needs to be shared with young audiences.

10. A Dash of Trouble (Love Sugar Magic, #1) by Anna Meriano

If you aren’t sold on the idea of magic cake, then just trust me that this sweet book deserves a cute (maybe animated) movie immediately.

11. Ghost Squad by Claribel A. Ortega

This book is too delightful to miss out on an opportunity to see it as an adaptation. When the book releases in April 2020, you’ll agree with me.

12. Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan

A classic children’s book that is so moving and beautiful that it really should be made into an equally moving and beautifully movie.

**13. We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia**

The political undercurrent of this YA novel reminds me of The Handmaid’s Tale, and I think a teen version would be just as cutting and horrifying on TV as the Hulu series. Also, there needs to be more queer characters on TV, and this book has a romance that I think many queer viewers wouldn’t mind seeing represented.

14. Diamond City by Francesca Flores

This cinematic book is heart-pounding and should be scooped up by a streaming service for adaptation immediately.

15. Woven In Moonlight by Isabel Ibañez

This novel is one of my most anticipated reads of 2020, and I have a feeling it can provide the perfect inspiration for adaptation.

16. Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez

Utterly charming and wacky, Sal and Gabi is so fun, and I would love to see an adaptation even attempt to attain its cleverness.

**17. The Fresh New Face of Griselda by Jennifer Torres**

Another delightful middle grade move, I think young readers would enjoy meeting an adapted version of Griselda, a girl struggling with the loss of her home.

18. The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes

A fresh and silly take on Mayan mythology? An adventurous romp? Sounds made for a movie or TV series!

19. Pride by Ibi Zoboi

It is a truth universally acknowledged that this Pride and Prejudice retelling in need of an adaptation must be done so immediately.

20. I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika Sanchez

This book was shortlisted for the National Book Awards and with good reason. The book, which follows a Chicago teen on her journey to become a writer, has been optioned for adaptation, and I’m sure we’ll hear more about movie or TV news soon! In the meantime, if you live in Chicago, a stage adaptation will be hitting the stage at the Steppenwolf Theater in March 2020.