book vs movie assignment

Book vs. Movie Discussion Questions and Activity

A book versus movie comparison provides an excellent opportunity for students to think critically about specific details, make connections between written and visual mediums, and focus on the concept of visualization.  The questions listed below are designed to get students thinking about the similarities and differences between the information presented in the book versus the information presented in the movie. 

Think about the setting in the book and the movie. Did the setting in the movie look like what you imagined? Click here to download a free visualization worksheet that can be used before students answer this question. 

Were there any changes in the characters between the book and the movie? Did the characters look and act like you pictured? 

What parts of the book did the movie leave out? Why do you think the moviemakers decided to leave out those parts?

Did you notice anything in the movie that was not in the book? Why do you think the moviemakers decided on those additions? 

Which did you like more, the book or the movie? Explain why.

After discussing each of the questions listed above, students will be prepared to write about the similarities and differences between the book and movie. The lesson explained below moves students through each step of the comparison process. Click here to download the NO PREP book vs. movie materials in printable and digital formats.

Inquiry Chart

An inquiry chart like the one shown below will help students organize and identify the characters, setting, plot, and theme presented in the book and the movie.

Graphic Organizer

A compare and contrast graphic organizer will give students a chance to record two similarities and two differences between the book and the movie. This step helps students organize their thoughts before they start writing.

Paragraph Outline

Guide students through the compare and contrast writing process using a fill-in-the blank paragraph template. This step can be modified as needed for differentiation.  

A clear paragraph grading rubric will ensure student understanding of the paragraph expectations and required criteria. 

Click the link below to download all the teaching materials shown above. The printable and digital lesson includes everything you need for a successful book vs. movie comparison!

Book vs. Movie Compare and Contrast Writing Activity 

“I really enjoyed using this resource with my class. It was easy for me to prepare and use. My students were engaged while working on it. Thank you!” -Lisa C.

Book vs Movie Worksheet (free printable)

Posted on Last updated: May 17, 2022

One of the great debates from young children through adults is which one is better, your favorite book or the movie version? This book vs movie worksheet pack is a great way to compare important characters, story lines, and important scenes. It is a great opportunity for an in depth discussion or even a debate.

These no prep resources include a chart and a graphic organizer (a venn diagram). Students can use them independently or in a small group to compare and contrast the main content of the book vs the film version.

Questions to Ask about the Book vs Movie

• How is the main character different in the book versus on the big screen?
• Which characters showed up in the movie that weren’t in the book?
• Are there any small differences between the setting of the book and the setting of the movie?
• What did you think of the ending of the movie? Was it the same ending that was in the book?
• Are there any extra problems in the book or movie versions of the story that you weren’t expecting.
• Did you imagine the characters to look the way they did in the movie?
• If you could make one change to the movie version, what would it be?
• Do you think the author of the book and the director of the movie collaborated?

Popular Children’s Books that are also movies

The Wonder book is a popular choice to be read by teachers and students across the country to spread the message of acceptance and kindness. Use the book vs movie worksheets to compare the two versions and vote to see which one is liked better. You can use these extra Wonder Lesson Plans to extend student learning.

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory

How does Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl differ from the movie? There are a few different movies to choose from to compare to the book. I recommend watching the movie you choose before you play it for your class of 3rd graders on up.

Many children have seen the movie Holes, but have not read the book. Louis Sachar is the brilliant author of this book and he also wrote the Wayside series. This is a popular book and movie for fourth graders and fifth graders.

There are many versions of Pinnocchio the movie to compare the book or story to. Go on an adventure with the puppet that comes to life. 

Follow Sophie and the Big Friendly Giant to convince the Queen to help them get rid of the other mean giants once and for all. 

A fascinating story about a young girl who uses her powers to deal with her family and her kind teacher. 

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

The queen sets out to destroy Lucy and her siblings in this book by C.S. Lewis. That is the main focus of the story although there are other problems along the way that the children face. 

Harry Potter

A very popular series of books turned into movies that have been enjoyed by many!

101 Dalmatians

There is an animated film produced by Disney of 101 Dalmations. Then in 1996 a realistic movie was released. Cruella is another movie that is a prequel to 101 Dalmations, but it has very little to do with the original book and story. 

The Wizard of Oz

There are 17 versions of the Wizard of Oz since the first story in 1900.

Alice in Wonderland

There are three films to choose from to compare to this beloved book. 

Mary Poppins

There are two movie versions of Mary Poppins, one from 1964 and one from 2018.

Little Women

Since the novel was published in 1968, there have been so many versions of Little Women created. Check out Oprah’s List of all of the Little Women adaptations created. 

The Jungle Book

There are four different movies made of The Jungle Book. There are many differences between the book and the movie. 

Call of the Wild

The Call of the Wild by Jack London is an adventurous story about a dog that was taken from his home. 

Charlotte’s Web

There are animated and real life versions of Charlotte’s Web to choose from. Follow the adventures of Wilbur and his friend Charlotte. 

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

A popular chapter book series turned into movies. These movies are rated PG. 

Harriet the Spy

Harriet the Spy was written by Louise Fitzhugh and published in 1964. It was turned into a movie in 1996.

How to Train Your Dragon

How to Train Your Dragon is a series of 12 books. There are 3 films that go with these books. 

Mr. Popper’s Penguins

Mr. Popper (played by Jim Carrey in the movie) is a story about a man that gets a final gift from his father, a penguin!

Pippi Longstocking

There are four original Pippi Longstocking movies that follow this adorable girl through her adventures. 

The Polar Express

A popular story and movie at Christmas time that kids of all ages enjoy. 

Stuart Little

The Littles go to the orphanage to adopt a new member of their family and decide on Stuart who is a mouse. 

Download the Free Book vs Movie Worksheets

Whether you are a teacher that is leading your class through a book study and comparing it to a movie or a family that has a movie night of a book they just read, these book vs movie worksheets are sure to get the thinking and discussion started.

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Lesson Plans Using Film Adaptations of Novels, Short Stories or Plays

— with discussion questions and assignments.

For a list of movies frequently shown as adaptations of literary works, see TWM’s Adaptations Index .

Used appropriately, movies based on novels or short stories can supplement units based on the written original, enhance students’ interest in analyzing the written work, and motivate classes to excel in completing assignments that teach the skills required by the ELA curriculum. Filmed versions of plays supply the same benefits and often provide an experience that is close to viewing a live performance. Studying a cinematic adaptation of a literary work will show students how words are converted to visual media and allow a comparison of the written original to the cinematic version, permitting teachers to highlight the techniques of both film and the written word in telling a story. Presenting a filmed adaptation with high production values will demonstrate that movies can be an art form which communicates differently, but no less importantly, than the written word. Moreover, when used as a reward for having read a novel, a filmed adaptation can demonstrate that novel-length works of fiction usually contain a wealth of detail, information, and subplot that cannot be included in a movie. For all of these reasons, filmed adaptations of novels, short stories, or plays, are excellent resources for lessons requiring students to learn and exercise the analytical and writing skills required by ELA curriculum standards.

Note that novels and short stories can be analyzed for their use of the devices of fiction. Plays employ most of the devices of fiction but add the theatrical devices of music, sound effects, lighting, acting, set design, etc. Movies employ most of the fictional and theatrical devices as well as a separate set of cinematic techniques such as shot angle, focus, editing, etc. This essay focuses of the literary devices shared by written works, theatrical works, and film. For an analysis of theatrical and cinematic devices, see TWM’s Introducing Cinematic and Theatrical Elements in Film .

I. SHOWING THE FILM BEFORE READING A NOVEL, SHORT STORY, OR THE SCRIPT OF A PLAY

Usually, a filmed adaptation of a written work is best shown after a novel or short story has been read by students. This avoids the problem of students watching the movie in place of reading the book or story. However, in certain instances, where the written work is hard to follow or when students have limited reading skills, it is better to show the film before reading the written work or to show segments of the film while the writing is being read. Students who have difficulty reading a novel or a short story can often follow the conflicts, complications, and resolutions in a screened version that they would otherwise miss. For example, obscure vocabulary and difficult sentence structure in The Scarlet Letter and Billy Budd make these classics difficult reading for today’s students. The PBS version of The Scarlet Letter and the Ustinov version of Billy Budd are excellent adaptations which can serve as an introduction and make the reading more understandable. Viewing a filmed adaptation of a book by Jane Austen enables students to understand the story and avoid getting lost in the language as they read. (See “Emma Thompson’s Sense and Sensibility as Gateway to Austen’s Novel” by Cheryl L. Nixon, contained in Jane Austen in Hollywood, Edited by Linda Troost and Sayre Greenfield, 1998, University of Kentucky Press, pages 140 – 147.)

Plays, which were meant to be watched rather than read, are usually a different matter. Viewing a staged presentation with actors, a set, sound, and lighting is an experience more like watching a movie than reading a script. One of the few exceptions are the plays of Shakespeare which are usually better when read and studied before they are seen. Students need to be introduced to the Bard’s language in order appreciate a performance.

II. SCREENING ALL OR PART OF THE MOVIE IN SEGMENTS

A film can be segmented, or chunked, and shown before or after the corresponding segment is read by students studying the novel, story or play on which the movie is based. Have students keep up with the reading so that the timing is accurate and the events in the film do not get ahead of their presentation in the written work.

Several of the assignments suggested in Section IV can be modified for segmented viewing. The following assignment will allow students to exercise their analytical and writing skills after a segment of the film has been shown. The assignments can be modified to focus on specific elements of fiction or literary devices.

Discussion Question: What is the difference in the presentation of the story between this segment of the film and the corresponding sections of the [novel/story/play]? [Lead students into a discussion of any important elements of fiction or literary devices which are present in both or which are present in one but not the other.]

Assignment: [Describe a scene in the film.] Compare this segment of the movie with the corresponding sections of the [novel/story/play]. Cite specific examples to illustrate how the presentation in the two media either differ or are the same. Your comparison should include: (1) any elements of fiction and literary devices which are present in both or which are present in one but not in the other; (2) a discussion of the tone of the two presentations; and (3) an evaluation of the two presentations stating which you think is more effective in communicating the ideas contained in the story, including your reasons for that opinion. When you refer to the [novel/story/play], list specific pages on which the language you are referring to appears.

III. WATCHING THE MOVIE AFTER THE BOOK HAS BEEN READ

Comparing film adaptations with their literary sources can enhance students’ ability to analyze, think, and critique the writing, imagery, and tone of a literary work. Differences between the movie and the written work can be used to explicate various literary devices. The discussion questions and assignments set out below, as they are written or modified to take into account the needs of the class, will assist teachers in making good use of a filmed adaptation of a novel, short story, or play.

Before showing the film, think about whether you want to point the students’ attention toward any issues that you want them to think about as they watch the movie. This could be the use of a motif or other literary device or changes in theme. Many of the discussion question and assignments set out below can be easily adapted to be given to students before they watch the film, the discussion to be held, and the assignment completed after the movie is over.

IV. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS FOR USE WITH FILMED ADAPTATIONS

Fill in the blanks with a number appropriate to the abilities of the class and the relationship of the written work to the filmed adaptation. To make sure that students complete the assigned reading, the exercises set out below require a thorough knowledge of the written work with references to page numbers of the text.

• Discussion Question: How is the presentation of [name a major character who appears in both versions] different in the [book/story/play] and the movie? [Follow up with:] Why did the filmmakers change the way in which this character was presented?

Assignment: Describe _____ characters which appear in both the film and the [book/story/play]. At least one of them should be a minor character. Specify how dialogue, action, and physical appearance in the movie define the individual. Using direct quotes from the written work, citing page numbers, describe the characters using the same criteria. Evaluate which presentation is best in allowing either the viewer or the reader to fully grasp the nature of the characters.

• Discussion Question: Were any scenes described in the [book/story/play] substantially altered in the filmed adaptation? [Follow up with:] Why did the filmmakers change the scene?

Assignment: Select at least _____ scenes from the film that were altered considerably from similar scenes described in the [novel/story/play]. Use direct reference to details in order to illustrate the differences. Cite specific page numbers when you are referring to anything appearing in the [book/story/script]. Evaluate the changes in terms of how well the intention of the scene is made manifest in either media.

• Discussion Question: What elements of fiction appear in the [book/story/play] but not in the film? Did this detract from the quality of the story told by the movie?

Assignment: Note _____ examples of elements of fiction that have been left out of the film but seem important in the [book/story/play]. Suggest reasons that may justify the elimination of the scenes, characters, subplots, or settings. Be sure to use direct reference, with page numbers, to the written work in order to support the opinion offered.

• Discussion Question: Did the filmmakers add any characters or events that do not appear in the [book/story/play]? Did this help to tell the story first suggested in the literary work?

Assignment: Often in movies, the screenwriters will add characters or events that do not appear in the original [book/story/play]. Note _____ examples of these additions and suggest reasons that they may have been written into the film.

• Discussion Question: How does the tone of the story told in the film differ from the tone of the story told in the [book/story/play]?

Assignment: Evaluate the tone created in the movie. Cite clear examples of color, visuals, editing, and music that may have contributed to the tone of any particular scene. Compare the tone created in the film to the tone created in the [book/story/play] using the same scene. Cite specific examples, giving page numbers, of the description that created the tone in the written work.

• Discussion Question: Did this film change the theme or any of the ideas presented in the [novel/story/play]? What were they? Did these changes improve on the story underlying both the written work and the movie?

Assignment: Ideas are the reasons stories are told. Themes are the major ideas in a story; however, most stories contain other ideas as well. Some films change the ideas presented in the work of literature from which they were adapted. Pay close attention to theme and other ideas in both the written version and in the movie and write about how they were changed. Evaluate the changes.

• Discussion Question: Which told the story better, the [novel/story/play] or the movie?

Assignment: Often a story will seem to be deprived of beauty or meaning by the changes made in a filmed adaptation. On other occasions, the experience of the written story will be enriched by watching a filmed version. Write an informal essay stating your opinion of the quality of the story told by the movie as compared to the [novel/story/play]. Justify your opinion with direct reference to both the film and the written work; for the latter, cite the specific page numbers for the passages on which you rely.

• Discussion Question: Compare the settings of the story in the written work and in the movie. Is the movie faithful to the [novel/short story/play] in terms of the settings used?

Assignment: How do the settings in the movie reflect the images of place found in the [novel/story/play]? Describe specific details in both the film and the work of literature that support your conclusion. When referring to the written work, cite page numbers.

• Discussion Question: Compare the use of visual images in the movie and in the [novel/story/play] in the description of the various characters.

Assignment: Using specific examples of written descriptions in the literary work and visuals in the movie, discuss the presentation of character contained in both.

• Discussion Question: Describe any important differences in theme between the story appearing in the written work and the story told on screen.

Assignment: Attitude toward subject, meaning the basic topic (such as war, love, politics) can shift dramatically between a [novel/story/play] and its movie adaptation. Explain through example any changes that can be seen between the attitude toward the subject expressed by the filmmakers and presented by the author of the [book/story/play].

• Discussion Question: Were any important motifs, symbols, or allusions included in the work of literature missing or changed in the movie adaptation? Why do you think the filmmakers made these changes?

Assignment: Important motifs, symbols, or allusions contained in a written work of fiction are sometimes missing or changed in the movie. Specify examples of these literary tools that are not a part of the filmed adaptation. Note any replacement motifs, symbols or allusions contained in the movie.

• Discussion Question: What, if any, were the changes in the plot between the [book/story/play] and the film?

Assignment: Rising action, an important part in the plots of both written fiction and movies, may be different in filmed adaptations. Note any changes. Describe details which are important in the written work that have been removed from the movie and details which are not in the [book/story/play] which have been added by the filmmakers. When referring to the written work, give the page numbers of any passages or details to which you refer. Justify the changes.

• Discussion Question: Which ending did you like better, the conclusion of the [book/story/play] or the way in which the movie ended? Explain why.

Assignment: Compare the ending of the [book/story/play] to the ending of the film. Illustrate how any differences either reiterate or obscure the intention of the original work. Cite specifics and support all assertions.

Movies with screenplays that are carefully adapted from novels, short stories, and plays can be an important part of lesson planning. Using the techniques described above, teachers can make film adaptations an integral part of the learning process.

Written by Mary RedClay and James Frieden .

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Book Vs Movie Compare and Contrast Activity

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How to teach Compare and Contrast

Using Book Vs Movie Compare and Contrast Activity, students make connections between the text of a story or drama and a visual or oral presentation of the text.

Making connections as they read will help your students understand what they are reading better. This activity guides your students through making connections as they read and watch two versions of the same story.

Students will read a book and then watch the movie version of the book. Then, student fill in the graphic organizer with similarities and differences.

Other resources to use with this Book Vs Movie Activity

If you are using this activity, your students are probably learning about compare and contrast.

Use this How are They the Same Compare and Contrast Story Elements Activity as an additional resource for your students.

Introduce this activity by showing reading the passage on this Using Your Five Senses Worksheet . Next, watch Senses Song . Once finished watching, students share similarities and differences between the two versions. Then, students use graphic organizer to compare and contrast book and movie versions of the same story. Finally, students share what they have found to be similar and different in the stories. Students can use the graphic organizers to write a full paragraph or essay to share complete thoughts.

Be sure to check outmore Compare and Contrast Activities .

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Analyzing an Adaptation: Book vs. Movie

Is the movie ever as good as the book? Let your students decide! This engaging worksheet, Analyzing an Adaptation: Book vs. Movie, gives students the opportunity to analyze the extent to which a filmed production of a story stays faithful to or departs from the related text. Students will use this graphic organizer to evaluate the choices made by the director and actors when adapting a book for the screen. After reading the book and while watching the film, students will take notes on the characters and overall development of the plot, recording similarities and differences between the book and movie adaptation.

View aligned standards

Books Vs. Movies: Similarities and Differences Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Books Vs. Movies – Introduction

Similarities between books and movies, difference between books and movies, works cited.

This paper examines the similarities and differences between books and movies. Although both tell stories and evoke emotions, they also have distinct characteristics. For example, books rely on the reader’s imagination, while movies present a pre-determined visual interpretation. Another difference between books and movies is that books typically offer a more in-depth exploration of characters, while movies may prioritize visual spectacle over character development. Despite these contrasts, both books and movies have the power to entertain, educate, and inspire. This essay compares and contrasts the two products in detail and provides examples from famous works.

Books and movies are two of the most important mediums for communicating ideas to an audience. The two can be used for various purposes, including entertaining and informing. Books make use of written words to communicate with the reader. On the other hand, movies utilize audio-visual technology to communicate with the viewing audience. Books and Movies have several significant similarities and differences.

A major similarity is that both books and movies set out to tell stories that are often fascinating to the audience. Regardless of which medium is being used, efforts are made to create stories that are going to be engaging to the reader or viewer. For both movies and books, the story is a central part, and the authors or directors come up with themes and plotlines that can captivate and entertain the audience (Bordwell and Staiger 262). By using elements such as characters, setting, conflict, and resolution at the end, book authors and movie directors can come up with successful stories.

Another similarity is that both books and movies make great use of characters through whom the story is told. Bordwell and Staiger note that the characters used must be well suited to the story, and they must be clearly distinguished from one another (262). They are given personalities and used to fulfill the key elements of the story being told through the book or the movie. In most cases, it is the characters that make the audience regard a movie or book as superior or inferior.

A significant difference between books and movies is in the manner in which the visual images are created. When reading a book, the reader has to use his/her imagination to create a visual image from the words contained in the book (Mayer 17). For example, in the Harry Potter books, the reader is required to form his/her own image of the various magical creatures. On the other hand, movies present the reader with a ready visual image. In the Harry Potter Movies, the images of creatures such as trolls and goblins are presented to the audience. The imagination of the viewer is not required since the movie makers have already created the image they want the audience to have.

Books and movies differ in the level of detail provided. In books, the author spends a lot of time providing details of characters, events, objects, and places. These lengthy descriptions are necessary to help the reader to create a mental image of the story. With movies, there are no lengthy details used. Movies do not have to engage in detailed descriptions since a complicated image can be shown in a single movie shot. Mayer notes that a movie can, within the span of a few seconds, graphically show a mass of details to the viewer (17).

Books and movies are both adequate means of telling a story. While the two make use of different technologies to communicate with an audience, they have some similarities. These include the use of stories and the reliance on characters to tell the story. However, the two have major differences in terms of the level of imagination required of the audience and the use of details. Overall, books and movies are important communication mediums that play a great role in our society.

Bordwell, David, and Janet Staiger. The Classical Hollywood Cinema: Film Style and Mode of Production to 1960. NY: Routledge, 2003. Print.

Mayer, Robert. Eighteenth-Century Fiction on Screen . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002. Print.

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• The Invention of Cinema at the End of the XIX Century
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IvyPanda. (2020, June 17). Books Vs. Movies: Similarities and Differences Essay. https://ivypanda.com/essays/books-vs-movies-similarities-and-differences/

"Books Vs. Movies: Similarities and Differences Essay." IvyPanda , 17 June 2020, ivypanda.com/essays/books-vs-movies-similarities-and-differences/.

IvyPanda . (2020) 'Books Vs. Movies: Similarities and Differences Essay'. 17 June.

IvyPanda . 2020. "Books Vs. Movies: Similarities and Differences Essay." June 17, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/books-vs-movies-similarities-and-differences/.

1. IvyPanda . "Books Vs. Movies: Similarities and Differences Essay." June 17, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/books-vs-movies-similarities-and-differences/.

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IvyPanda . "Books Vs. Movies: Similarities and Differences Essay." June 17, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/books-vs-movies-similarities-and-differences/.

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Books vs. Movies

What's the difference.

Books and movies are both forms of storytelling, but they differ in their presentation and engagement. Books allow readers to use their imagination to visualize the characters, settings, and events described in the text. They provide a deeper insight into the characters' thoughts and emotions, allowing readers to form a personal connection with them. On the other hand, movies bring stories to life through visual and auditory elements. They offer a more passive experience, as viewers rely on the director's interpretation of the story. Movies can captivate audiences with stunning visuals, special effects, and powerful performances. While books offer a more intimate and immersive experience, movies have the advantage of showcasing action and spectacle. Ultimately, both mediums have their unique strengths and can provide enjoyable and thought-provoking experiences.

Further Detail

Introduction.

Books and movies are two popular forms of entertainment that have captivated audiences for decades. While both mediums have their own unique qualities, they also share similarities in terms of storytelling and the ability to transport us to different worlds. In this article, we will explore the attributes of books and movies, highlighting their strengths and differences.

Imagination and Visualization

One of the key advantages of books is their ability to stimulate the reader's imagination. Through vivid descriptions and detailed narratives, books allow readers to create their own mental images of characters, settings, and events. This imaginative process can be highly personal and unique to each reader, as they bring their own interpretations to the story.

Movies, on the other hand, provide a visual representation of the story. With the help of talented directors, cinematographers, and visual effects artists, movies can bring the author's vision to life on the screen. The visual medium of movies allows for stunning visuals, breathtaking landscapes, and larger-than-life action sequences that can be difficult to replicate in books.

While books encourage readers to use their imagination, movies provide a ready-made visual experience that can be enjoyed by a wider audience. Both mediums have their own merits when it comes to visualization, catering to different preferences and levels of engagement.

Depth and Detail

Books have the advantage of being able to delve into great depth and detail. Authors have the freedom to explore complex characters, intricate plotlines, and rich backstories. Through the written word, authors can provide readers with a deep understanding of the characters' thoughts, emotions, and motivations. This depth allows readers to form strong connections with the characters and become fully immersed in the story.

Movies, on the other hand, often have limited time constraints and must condense the story into a shorter timeframe. While this can result in a more streamlined narrative, it may also mean sacrificing some of the depth and complexity found in books. However, movies have their own strengths in visual storytelling, using cinematography, acting, and music to convey emotions and create impactful moments.

Both books and movies offer different levels of depth and detail, catering to different preferences and storytelling styles. Some may prefer the immersive experience of reading a book, while others may enjoy the visual spectacle of a well-crafted movie.

Pacing and Engagement

Books often allow for a slower pace, giving readers the opportunity to savor the story and spend more time with the characters. The written word allows authors to explore tangents, delve into introspection, and provide extensive descriptions. This leisurely pace can create a sense of anticipation and build tension throughout the story.

Movies, on the other hand, generally have a faster pace due to their limited runtime. Scenes transition quickly, and the visual medium allows for dynamic action sequences and rapid storytelling. Movies can engage the audience through visual and auditory stimulation, keeping them on the edge of their seats.

While books may offer a more immersive and introspective experience, movies excel in their ability to engage the audience through fast-paced storytelling and visual spectacle. Both mediums have their own unique ways of captivating audiences and creating a sense of excitement.

Flexibility and Adaptation

Books have the advantage of being highly flexible in terms of storytelling. Authors can experiment with different narrative structures, perspectives, and writing styles. They have the freedom to explore complex themes and ideas, pushing the boundaries of storytelling. Additionally, books can span multiple volumes, allowing for long and intricate series that can be enjoyed over an extended period of time.

Movies, on the other hand, often require a more condensed and streamlined approach. Filmmakers must adapt the story to fit within a limited runtime, making choices about what to include and what to omit. While this can result in changes to the original source material, it also allows for creative reinterpretations and visual storytelling techniques that are unique to the medium.

Both books and movies have their own strengths when it comes to flexibility and adaptation. Books offer the freedom to explore complex narratives, while movies provide a visual and condensed experience that can bring a story to life in a different way.

Books and movies are both powerful mediums of storytelling, each with their own unique attributes. Books allow for imaginative exploration, depth, and a slower pace, while movies provide visual spectacle, engagement, and condensed storytelling. Both mediums have their own strengths and cater to different preferences and storytelling styles. Ultimately, whether you prefer the immersive experience of reading a book or the visual excitement of watching a movie, both offer a world of entertainment and endless possibilities.

Comparisons may contain inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. Please report any issues.

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Comparing Book to Film: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

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Use this lesson plan with your class!

After both reading the book The Boy in the Striped Pajamas and watching the movie, students should be able to identify many similarities and differences. While reading, students can often let their imaginations create the characters and settings. When viewing a movie that has been based off of a book, the characters or settings may seem different than what the reader imagined them to be. When students both read and watch a production of the same story, it can be interesting to see their different reactions.

With that in mind, have students read the entire book. Then, show them the movie adaptation. Once they have read and watched, have them create a comparison chart like the one above.

Examples of Differences

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Student Instructions

Create a storyboard comparing and contrasting the book and film. Be sure to highlight key changes or similarities.

• Click "Start Assignment".
• Identify key similarities and differences between the book and movie in the title boxes.
• In the first row, describe how that element is portrayed in the book.
• In the second row, describe how the element is portrayed in the film.
• Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
• Click "Save & Exit" when done.

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 6-8

Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)

Type of Assignment Individual, Partner, or Group

Type of Activity: Compare and Contrast with T-Charts

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric .)

Boy in the Striped Pajamas, The

• 23154-Auschwitz • xiquinhosilva • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
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• prisoners at Dachau Concentration Camp • dalecruse • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)

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