Walden Media - An Impressive Record

Walden Media is set to produce "The Giver."

According to their press release
"Jeff Bridges is attached to produce, and Todd Alcott is writing the screenplay based on the beloved and Newbery Medal-winning young adult science fiction novel by Lois Lowry. The Giver is the riveting story of Jonas, a 12-year-old boy living in an idyllic future society where all memory of human history has been erased. The sole keeper of the vast range of human emotions that are unknown to the larger community is the 'Giver,' a man chosen as an adviser, whose unique access to knowledge isolates him from the rest of society. Jonas' simple life is thrown into turmoil when he is designated to inherit the Giver's dangerous yet prestigious role. Under the Giver's instruction, Jonas begins to learn increasingly chilling truths about the world he lives in. This growing knowledge sparks the flame of true rebellion in Jonas as he defies his society and risks his own life to save a child in jeopardy. "

Now This makes me pretty impressed with this company. Allow me explain why. First, I think that Young Adult books are perhaps one of our most important social assetts. This group needs stories that are entertaining and spiritually, socially, or politically challenging. Second, in this day and age of film, I think the greatest of these stories need to be told by great filmmakers.

So I present to you a list of the Top 10 Young Adult Books I have Read

1. The Giver - Lois Lowry
2. Magicians Nephew - C.S. Lewis
3. Lion Witch & Wardrobe - C.S. Lewis
4. Johnny Tremaine - Esther Hoskins
5. When the Legends Die - Hal Borland
6. Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkhban - J.K. Rowling
7. Holes - Louis Sachar
8. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh - Robert C. O'Brien
9. A Sound of Thunder - Ray Bradburry
10. Harry Potter & The Sorcer's Stone - J.K. Rowling

Now I present that same list as Movie by Production Company:

1. The Giver - Coming 2005 - Walden Media
2. Magicians Nephew - Coming Soon - Walden Media
3. Lion Witch & Wardrobe - Coming 2005 - Walden Media
4. Johnny Tremaine - No Movie Adaptation
5. When the Legends Die - No Movie Adaptation
6. Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkhban - 2001 - Warner Brothers
7. Holes - 2003- Walden Media
8. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh - 1982 - MGM
9. A Sound of Thunder - No Movie Adaptation
10. Harry Potter & The Sorcer's Stone - 2004 - Warner Brothers

A qucik survey shows their work on 4 out of 10 take out the 3 out of the 10 that have not been made and that puts them at nearly 60% of my list. Pretty Impressive Record if you ask me!