Although "the book is always better" this movie was an excellent addition to my class's experience of the novel study. After reading the novel, the movie allowed them to put faces with the characters and feel the drama visually unfold. The movie sticks closely enough to the book's plot that the kids aren't confused and disappointed, but there are also enough differences that they are intrigued. Plus, the twist at the end keeps their interest peaked! They beg me not to turn it off when class is over. They remember the book fondly after seeing the movie. In today's visually stimulated world having novels played out on screen really helps us continue to push literature. I know it sounds crazy, but it works. On that same note, some kids can not fully connect with what they've read, so being able to "really get" what happened in a novel is an awesome thing when they can watch it and catch on. Not enough movies stick to the plot enough to work in the classroom, but this one certainly does.