Springtime means flowers, baby lambs, and The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. Ninth graders all over the country are having their grumbling about having to read Shakespeare turned into surprise and awe as they revel in the timeless romance. It is amazing how much in common teenagers from over 400 years ago have with teens today! To celebrate my favorite time of year, I have compiled a list of books, movies, and TV shows to feed your R and J craving!
Books:
Juliet Immortal By Stacey Jay
A fantasy twist on the story that has Juliet murdered by Romeo and coming back to life as a savior of souls.
Romiette and Julio by Sharon Draper
Romeo and Juliet in modern day Chicago where racial lines divide a high school and try to keep the lovers apart.
Still Star-Crossed By Melinda Taub
Soon to be an ABC TV show! The love story lives on with Rosaline and Benvolio and outside forces are trying to continue the feud between the Capulets and Montagues.
Saving Juliet By Suzanne Selfors
Two teens are thrust back in time to Shakespeare’s Veron and find themselves in the middle of the love story between Romeo and Juliet. Can they change the story and the pair find happiness?
Romeo's Ex: Rosaline's Story – by Lisa Fiedler
Told from Rosaline’s point of view. Independent and headstrong, Rosaline has a plan for her life that doesn’t include love. Until Benvolio comes along and ignites the feelings that Romeo could not.
TV Shows
Star-Crossed
Unfortunately, it only ran for a season, but it can be found on Netflix. Romeo is an alien who lands on Earth. He and the human Juliet form a bond as children, but the world is not ready for an alien and human relationship.
Romeo X Juliet anime series
For Anime fans! A Japanese series based on the story. You can watch subtitled episodes here.
Movies
Romeo Must Die (2000)
Jet Li brings the Romeo and Juliet story to the action movie genre.
China Girl (1987)
Romeo is Italian. Juliet is Chinese. Rival ethnic gangs attempt to keep them apart.
