Lots of great titles are in the works for book-to-screen adaptations — here are the latest updates from Epic Reads! And a huge thank you to Jesse The Reader for all the research!

Epic Adaptations Update: May 2026

Books discussed in this episode:

Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter — Michael, to whom Liz Buxbaum gave her heart long ago, has returned but to get his attention and, perhaps, a prom date she must scheme with her nemesis Wes, her next-door neighbor. Get the eBook

Skyward by Brandon Sanderson — When a long-term attack against her world by the alien Krell escalates, Spensa’s dream of becoming a pilot may come true, despite her deceased father being labeled a deserter. Get the eBook

COMING SOON! Young World by Soman Chainani — From the author of the School for Good and Evil series comes a renegade thriller, about a teenager elected President of the United States, sparking a global revolution of young leaders—until one of them is murdered and he’s the prime suspect. Get the eBook | Get the Audiobook

Animorphs series by K.A Applegate — Science fiction book series about a group of teenagers who gain the power to shapeshift into animals to fight a parasitic alien invasion, exploring mature themes like war, trauma, and morality through the eyes of its young protagonists.

Heartstopper series by Alice Oseman — Shy and softhearted Charlie Spring sits next to rugby player Nick Nelson in class one morning. A warm and intimate friendship follows, and that soon develops into something more for Charlie, who doesn’t think he has a chance. But Nick is struggling with feelings of his own, and as the two grow closer and take on the ups and downs of high school, they come to understand the surprising and delightful ways in which love works. Get the eBook

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han — Belly spends the summer she turns sixteen at the beach just like every other summer of her life, but this time things are very different as she finds herself falling for a boy she has known since childhood. Get the eBook | Get the Audiobook

Welcome back, Gray Wolves — we’ve been adding a lot of new books to the library shelves — both print copies and digital!

Take a look at the CA Library collection in your Sora account — you’ll find thousands of eBooks and audiobooks across many different genres, including:

• Best Fiction For Teens
• New York Times Bestsellers
• Most Popular
• Suspenseful Thrillers
• Mysteries
• Fantasy
• Historical Fiction
• Sports
• Romance
• Science Fiction

…and more! You can also browse the latest audiobooks in Sora, including these new titles:

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt — Now a Netflix film! After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago. Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors — until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova . . . and deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. Also available as an eBook

“An irresistibly wonderful, warm, funny, heartbreaking first novel, full of gentle people (and one octopus) bravely powering through their individual scars” (Library Journal).

The Chismosas Only Book Club by Laekan Zea Kemp — The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants meets Mexikid in this heart-warming novel about four friends and the magical bookstore that holds them together. Cat, Sofia, Ana, and Mari are best friends. Nothing, nada, can break their bond. When Cat’s mom scolds them for their loud cackling at the bookstore, calling them a bunch of chismosas, the name sticks. Cat creates the The Chismosas Only Book Club, giving the girls a way to stay connected as they begin high school. Also available as an eBook

“A nuanced and insightful portrayal of young teen friendship” (Kirkus Reviews). 

Hear Ye Mortals by Yamile Saied Méndez — From the award-winning author of Furia, two brothers struggle against a totalitarian regime in this historical novel about fighting for what you believe in, even when the world around you tries to silence your voice. In 1976 Rosario, Argentina, brothers Daniel and Adriaan Aguirre share a passion for music and a bond as best friends. However, under the authoritarian military government, artists and musicians are considered enemies of the state, even if they’re just teenagers playing at home. When one of their songs unexpectedly gains popularity on the radio, Daniel and Adriaan, along with their band Raio Babel — comprised of children of immigrants from Spain, Palestine, and Germany — face a daunting choice.

“For readers who welcome books that confront tragedy, especially fans of historical fiction, music, and fighting authoritarianism” (Booklist). 

In Case I Go Missing by R.N. Swann — A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder meets Fargo in this fast-paced mystery about a teen detective gone missing and her best friend who must finish her investigation. Seventeen-year-old Fenny Allen has been Sarah Vincenty’s sidekick for as long as she can remember. Over the years, Sarah has built a reputation in their small town as an amateur detective and a vigilante who has dispensed her own form of justice. Now Sarah is missing. The police have written her off as yet another teen runaway, but Fenny is convinced there’s foul play. Also available as an eBook

“A compelling and atmospheric whodunit that promises to keep readers guessing” (Kirkus Reviews). 

Lady Or The Tiger by Heather M. Herrman — A twisty, darkly seductive anti-hero origin story, starring a teenage killer whose trial in the Wild West is upended when her first victim, her husband, arrives alive with a story to tell. Summer 1886: when nineteen-year-old Belle King turns herself in for murder, the last thing she expects to see is her abusive husband Reginald standing outside her Dodge City jail cell, impossibly alive. He’s there to take her back, but Belle is not going without a fight. Reginald was the first man she ever meant to kill, but certainly not the last . . . Also available as an eBook

“Intense hardship and adventure compellingly intertwine in this Old West feminist journey” (Kirkus Reviews). 

The Murder Game by Carrie Doyle — Luke Chase made history as a child when he escaped a kidnapping. Now, all he wants is to be a normal teenager. So when he sneaks out to the woods one night to party with friends and flirt with the new British girl at school, he’s excited to feel some freedom. Except the next morning, one of their teachers is found murdered — in the exact same spot where they had been partying. Soon, Luke’s roommate and best friend Oscar is the #1 suspect.

“A character-driven murder mystery that will leave readers guessing until the big reveal” (SLJ). 

Smash or Pass by Birdie Schae — For 16-year-old Ellie, beach volleyball camp is a disaster until she’s paired with Sierra, an athletic prodigy who teaches her that volleyball…and love are about taking the right shot in this sporty sapphic romance. Ellie dates the Right Guy, says all the Right Things, and acts the Right Way to avoid being ridiculed for her autism. When that Right Guy unceremoniously dumps her right before they’re supposed to go to beach volleyball camp together, Ellie’s perfectly curated world comes crashing down and she’s labeled the boring, weird girl. Desperate to regain her good reputation Ellie goes to Camp SMASH, where she’s paired with Sierra, a mysterious, standoffish volleyball legacy who makes Ellie’s quest to get her boyfriend back even more complicated. Also available as an eBook

“Written with easy prose and gorgeous reflections on neurodivergent and queer existence” (Booklist). 

That Which Feeds Us: A Hawaiian Gothic by Keala Kendall — A native Hawaiian teen travels to a luxury island resort in search of her missing twin and uncovers the dark side of paradise, in this riveting supernatural thriller. For the world’s wealthiest, Kōpaʻa Island Resort is more than a destination. It’s the ultimate escape. With no cell service or Wi-Fi, the Hawaiian island is a coveted wellness retreat renowned for its persimmon orchard and promises of rejuvenation. But their dream vacation is Lehua’s nightmare. When her twin sister, Ohia, goes missing, Lehua follows her trail to Kōpaʻa to find her. Instead, Lehua is cut off from civilization—and help—after the island’s boat leaves without her. Also available as an eBook

“Richly atmospheric supernatural horror that explores diaspora experiences, the ongoing impact of colonization, and the sisters’ complex, dynamic relationship” (Kirkus Reviews). 

They’re Watching You by Chelsea Ichaso — A dark boarding school thriller from the author of Dead Girls Can’t Tell Secrets! It’s been two weeks since Polly St. James went missing. The police, the headmistress of Torrey-Wells Academy, and even her parents have ruled her a runaway. But not Maren, her best friend and roommate. She knows Polly had a secret that she was about to share with Maren before she disappeared — something to do with the elite, ultra-rich crowd at Torrey-Wells. Then Maren finds an envelope hidden among Polly’s things — an invitation to the Gamemaster’s Society. Also available as an eBook

“Frightening crypts, deadly schemes, devastating betrayals, and pulse-pounding chases through dark tunnels abound in this twisty read” (Publishers Weekly). 

What Happens After Midnight by K.L. Walther — Lily Hopper has two more weeks until she’s officially finished with boarding school. With graduation quickly approaching Lily is worried that she’s somehow missed out on the fun of being in high school. So, when she receives a mysterious note inviting her to join the anonymous senior class Jester in executing the end-of-year prank, Lily sees her chance to put her goody-two-shoes reputation behind her. When Lily realizes the Jester is none other than Taggart Swell, her ex-boyfriend, she’s already in too deep to back out. Also available as an eBook

“Walther (The Summer of Broken Rules) fills this edge-of-summer rom-com with mischief and mayhem, delivering swift action and a swoony second-chance romance perfect for soon-to-be-grads suffering from senioritis” (Publishers Weekly). 

Young World by Soman Chainani — From the bestselling author of the School for Good and Evil series comes a renegade thriller, about a teenager elected President of the United States, sparking a global revolution of young leaders — until one of them is murdered and he’s the prime suspect. America is on the brink of collapse, and the youth have lost all faith in their leaders. As a pivotal election approaches, Benton Young, a high school senior trying to impress a girl, impulsively uploads a video, daring everyone to interfere with the vote and write him in for President. The video explodes online, igniting election chaos and a national revolt, until the Supreme Court intervenes to put Benton in the White House. Also available as an eBook

“It is no exaggeration to say that this near-future novel will grip teens from the very first page and stay with them long after” (Booklist). 

We’re always adding new eBooks and Audiobooks to the CA Library collection in the Sora digital reading app — our digital library is open 24/7 all year round!

Take a look at the latest eBooks available in your Sora account, including these great titles:

Ambrosia Lee Drops The Mic by Patricia Park — A Korean American former child actress decides to branch out and stand out in order to pursue her newfound love — stand-up comedy. They say Hollywood is like high school, and has-been child actor Ambrosia Lee feels like she’s at the bottom of the social ladder. Her acting career peaked at the age of eleven— then she was unceremoniously fired from her big break due to her weight. Now after years of rejections and backstabbing auditions, teenage Ambrosia turns to stand-up to speak her truth. Also available as an Audiobook

“Brosh’s sharp-witted, effervescent POV relays a funny, absorbing, and empowering tale of one teen’s embracing truth and integrity over artifice and popularity” (Publishers Weekly). 

Between Sun and Shadow by Laura Genn — Hades and Persephone reimagined on a tidally locked planet, for fans of queer romance, mutant superpowers, eccentric robots, and speculative tech. When sixteen-year-old Kori, the princess of the Daylands, is kidnapped by seventeen-year-old Adria, the mutant queen of the Shadowlands, they develop an unexpected attraction and an advantageous partnership to avert a war between their nations. Also available as an Audiobook

“In this is a fresh take on the Hades and Persephone tale, Kori and Adria’s dynamic is electric, with both suffering from the weight and loneliness that come with duty” (Booklist). 

Girls Like Us by Jennifer Dugan — In this sequel to Some Girls Do, two girls struggle when long distance complicates their relationship. Ruby and Morgan fell for each other during their senior year of high school, and now, almost a year later, they are determined to keep their spark alive, even while they are apart. Morgan is studying public policy on a track scholarship at a university several hours away, while Ruby stayed in their hometown and is exploring her love of mechanics in the automotive engineering program at the local community college. Despite their best efforts, the space between them begins to weigh on the girls. Also available as an Audiobook

“Morgan’s and Ruby’s travails will resonate with many readers, but especially with those who enjoyed their story in the first book” (SLJ). 

The Gravewood by Kelly Andrew — From bestselling author Kelly Andrew comes the first in a darkly romantic duology that explores disability, obsession, and the twisted limits of loyalty. Shea Parker has lived her entire life in the shadow of the Gravewood, an impassable forest that’s cut off her town from the rest of the world. With resources limited and supplies scarce, Shea is forced to carefully ration her hearing aid batteries. When her stash runs out, she’ll be left in the silence. Desperate, Shea turns to the only person who can help — Oliver Lysander, the volatile leader of a vampiric gang that rules the Gravewood. Also available as an Audiobook

“Addictive, atmospheric, and brimming with dark romance, this will leave readers craving more. Perfect for fans of Tracy Deonn’s Legendborn and The Vampire Diaries TV show” (SLJ). 

Holloway by Elana K. Arnold — Award-winning author Elana K. Arnold returns with a boldly visionary, deeply felt story that crosses space and time to examine loss and love in a world on the brink. After losing her mother during the 2021 pandemic, Nora finds herself time traveling to 1946. There, she finds herself taking refuge in an asylum to heal from generational trauma.

“A poignant meditation on what it means to feel understood” (Kirkus Reviews). 

Release Me (Shatter Me: The New Republic, Book 2) by Tahereh Mafi — The searing second volume in a new series set in the #1 global bestselling Shatter Me universe ten years after the fall of The Reestablishment. Rosabelle Wolff had a plan. Now she wants revenge. To save her sister she needs to get back home and destroy the system that created her. Rosabelle’s greatest strength is her ability to deaden her mind and body; it’s the only way to survive the surveillance state of Ark Island. But lately her heart has been beating harder; her thoughts are spiraling; her defenses are coming undone.

“Amid the slowly simmering rising action, Mafi delivers a revelation and a twist that set up a potential series climax” (Kirkus Reviews). 

The Thorn Queen (The Rose Bargain, Book 2) by Sasha Peyton Smith — Bridgerton, The Selection, and The Cruel Prince collide in this Victorian-inspired romantasy; the sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller The Rose Bargain. Now Queen of England, Ivy must navigate the fae court while plotting to overthrow her husband, rescue her sister from the Otherworld, and reunite with her true love.

“Fans who adored The Rose Bargain will open this sequel with high expectations, and they won’t be disappointed as they devour every chapter” (Booklist). 

Wavelength by Cale Plett — Seventeen-year-old pop sensation Sasha may be famous, but they’re always kept a layer of anonymity by covering their face to perform. Facing pressure to appear unmasked in public. Sasha runs away to a nowhere midwestern city, planning to finish senior year and come out away from the limelight. But their plan falters from the moment they meet Wavelength, an alt-rock band, and their lead singer.

“Plett shows the power of music to express one’s feelings and form connections with others, and they emphasize the importance of having safe spaces to exist unapologetically and explore being queer” (Kirkus Reviews). 

We Are Never Getting Together by Janette Rallison — In this reverse Parent Trap, two feuding teenagers pretend to be in love to keep their parents apart, but love has other plans. Madeline and Cooper have had bad blood since junior year when she beat out his sister for the lead in the school play. Ever since, it’s been one petty escalation after another–plastic-wrapped cars, glitter bombs, and even a derogatory viral video. When their latest prank lands them in the principal’s office with their single parents in tow, Madeline and Cooper are shocked to find that their parents have hit it off and now have plans for a dinner date. Also available as an Audiobook

“Perfect for fans of lighthearted YA fiction with a dash of drama and a whole lot of charm” (SLJ).

When The Bones Sing by Ginny Myers Sain — From bestselling author of Dark and Shallow Lies comes a new southern gothic supernatural thriller about a teen girl in a small Ozark town who can hear the bones of the dead. The past three years have been tough for Lucifer’s Creek, Arkansas, a small town quietly tucked away in the Ozark mountains. More than two dozen people have disappeared on the local hiking trails; there one moment, gone the next, not a trace left behind, until their buried bodies are discovered. 17-year-old Dovie doesn’t believe in magic even though she comes from a long line of women who can hear the bones of the dead sing, and for the past few years the bones have been crooning nonstop, calling out to Dovie to dig them up. Also available as an Audiobook

“Like the sulfurous stream that gives Lucifer’s Creek its name, the central mystery twists and turns in unexpected ways, building up to a chilling reveal in the final act that skirts the edge of horror” (Kirkus Reviews).