National Book Lovers Day: Theater Adjacent Books to Excite and Inspire

In honor of National Book Lovers Day here is a list of 10 books to excite and inspire theater and book lovers of all ages.

1. Finish the Fight by Veronica Chambers – Learn the untold stories of diverse heroines who fought for the 19th Amendment. This New York Times best-seller is listed as one of Broadway’s Suffs Educational Resources and is highly recommended for schools and classrooms.  Click here to Read a Sample
2. The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton – Required reading for many students, S. E. Hinton’s coming-of-age novel has been adapted for the stage and is arguably the hottest ticket in town. Get reacquainted with Hinton’s memorable characters by reading or listening to an audible excerpt. Click Here to read a sample
3. Upstaged by Robin Easter –  A theater camp is the setting for Easter’s quirky graphic novel about relationships, change, and being true to yourself. A great selection for elementary and middle school libraries looking to add age-relevant LGBTQIA+ ­stories to their collections (School Library Journal). Click Here to Read a Sample
4. Wicked Years Series by Gregory Maguire – Maguire’s book Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West inspired the hit musical.  Catch up on Maguire’s original novel and the three sequels before the Wicked film’s release this November. Maguire’s next book Elphie is scheduled for release in March 2025. Click Here to Read an Excerpt
5. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare – With two star-studded Shakespeare productions scheduled to open on Broadway (Romeo and Juliet and Othello), it might be a good time to brush up on The Bard. Fortunately, Folger Library has the entire play available to download for free, along with excellent notes and resources. Click Here to Read or Download the Play
6. Our Town by Thornton Wilder – Like The Outsiders, Our Town is required reading in some academic settings. Before Kenny Leon reimagines Our Town for a new age on Broadway, return to Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, and revisit this American classic. Click Here to Read a Sample
7. Between the  Lines by Jodi Picoult – Fairy tales, young love, and an empowering message about rewriting your own story, Between the Lines was Picoult’s first foray into the YA genre. The book inspired a musical of the same name, which ran off-Broadway in 2022. Last fall,  Music Theatre International (MTI) announced it had acquired the rights to license the show. Flip through the libretto on the MTI website.
8. DIY Circus Lab for Kids by Jackie Leigh Davis – If you have a teen or tween obsessed with the Broadway production of Water for Elephants then DIY Circus Lab for Kids is a great reference book. Build props using items found at home, learn circus skills, and put on a show. Read an Excerpt.
9. Broadway Melody by Jack Viertel – As the Creative Director/Senior Vice President of Jujamcyn Theaters for three decades, Jack Viertel knows something about Broadway. Here he uses his knowledge of the business and history of theater to pen a love story that spans 7000 miles and 70 years. Read an Excerpt
10. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks – It is hard to scroll through social media without seeing the viral video My Days from the Broadway musical The Notebook (watch the official music video below). The show has captivated tearful audiences. The movie just marked its 20th Anniversary. Why not read the book that introduced us to Noah and Allie first? Read an Excerpt

What theater-adjacent books inspire you?