KIDS FIRST! Screenplay Titles
KIDS FIRST! has endorsed 114 total Screenplay titles
Below are up to 26 of them
KIDS FIRST!
has linked to external websites through which you may order many of the KIDS FIRST! endorsed titles
LIFE AND AFTERLIFE OF JING JIN WANG, THE
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JAMIE READ
Series:
SCREENPLAY FOR AGES 12-18
Description -
With a new life in the Afterlife, eight-year-old Jing Jing forms friends of diverse origins, finds her path through the notorious Portland Underground and her wise spirit leads the way home.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say -
This story draws you in from the start. There are a few confusing moments, but they are always resolved. It's got a certain creepiness (hungry ghosts, wailing woman in the underground) without really being scary. Puts an innocent young girl's face on the afterlife. An amazing trip, like being on a fast moving train through history. We get a behind-the-scene's view of a few historical moments, from 1924 to Present day in Portland, OR, and realize that time moves forward no matter how bad things get. It teaches us to accept and forgive ourselves, and only then will we find inner-peace.
Juror Recommended Age:
8-18
Suggested Retail Price:
$ 0
Media:
CODE OF THE CANDY CANE
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JIMMY MONACK
Series:
SCREENPLAY FOR AGES 12-18
Description -
When a friendly competition at the North Pole leads to a rebellious elf trying to start a new high tech Christmas, it is up to her best friend to find a handmade toy that could save Christmas and restore the Code of the Candy Cane.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say -
An interesting holiday story about two elves, Mandy and Sandy, who are partners and friends, and how their extreme competitiveness almost ruins their friendship… and Christmas. The concept is very original, making elves real and accessible, while teaching lessons about the importance of friendship and imagination. Interesting montages, well-explained scenes. Uncomfortable references to "gateway bush" and elf drunkenness caused this title to get a lower rating than it would otherwise deserve. The message was positive: preferring imagination over video games, friendship is more important than competition and holiday spirit is not about the toys you receive.
Juror Recommended Age:
15-18
Suggested Retail Price:
$ 0
Media:
SAINT ANTHONY'S MOVIE SCRIPT
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MATTHEW FEELY
Series:
SCREENPLAY FOR AGES 8-12
Description -
A ten year old boy must navigate the treacherous waters of adolescence and Catholicism in order to win the heart of the girl he loves.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say -
Although this screenplay addresses uncomfortable issues head-on - a boy lusts after a teacher, the use of "Jesus Christ" as an expletive - it is all part of the context and appropriate to the story. It is almost a late-1970s take on Diary of a Wimpy Kid, with religion thrown in to make it unique. Deals with life, from friendships to tough teachers, to Christmas wishes and budding romances. Follows an entire school year, showing growth and maturity, as well as lessons learned. It is great to see a screenplay that addresses religion, questions it a bit, but still shows respect and appreciation for church lessons. The characters are realistic and the good and bad in each is shown, making them more real and well-rounded. Some blatant sexual attraction could be downplayed for better suitability for children viewers.
Juror Recommended Age:
10-14
Suggested Retail Price:
$ 0
Media:
BECOMING LANA LUI
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METROPOLIS 1
Series:
SCREENPLAY FOR AGES 12-18
Description -
Lana Liu, disguised as a boy, enters a Chinese martial arts academy, only to be discovered. She fights to support her grandmother, and begin her journey to the home of her father, the USA.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say -
A modern twist on Mulan - showing how a girl can dominate in what is considered a man's sport (martial arts) The fighting is in a controlled setting and shows how fighting is not the most important thing. Interesting to see a different culture and Lana's character is pretty realistic. Lana's personality is very distinct. The fighting is interesting. There is a portrayed level of respect within it.
Juror Recommended Age:
8-12
Suggested Retail Price:
$ 0
Media:
SECRET CHRISTMAS
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JOEY DECOURT
Series:
SCREENPLAY FOR AGES 8-12
Description -
Two boys experience an unusual Christmas Eve.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say -
In this short screenplay, two kids have a Santa encounter on Christmas Eve. Time honored theme, but not particularly original. The demeanor of the story is sweet and childlike and very kid-appropriate, it portrays the innocence of childhood well. Very little character development, but the boys are very likeable and the dialogue believable. We are impressed with the ability of this ten-year-old writer, Joey DeCourt, who has excellent grammar and is very adept at telling a story. The screenplay would benefit greatly from more detail. Young Joey has a lot of promise as a writer and it will be exciting to watch him mature in his craft.
Juror Recommended Age:
3-11
Suggested Retail Price:
$ 0
Media:
ELLA & SEBASTIAN
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STACEY HENDRICKS
Series:
SCREENPLAY FOR AGES 8-12
Description -
Ella Mortimer is a bright nine-year-old girl with leukemia. Diagnosed at the age of six, the long hospital visits, chemotherapy, blood transfusions, bouts of nausea and lack of energy are taking their toll. On vacation to an aged amusement park, Ella meets an intriguing boy named Sebastian. With the help of this strange boy she soon learns that dreaming is every bit as important as the reality of her illness.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say -
This captivating script mixes the magic and imagination that can only be experienced in childhood, with the delicate tragedy of facing reality, and creates a beautiful, heartwarming story that can be enjoyed by all ages. The relationships and interactions between characters were defined and believable, including Ella's imaginary friendship with Sebastian. A strong script and the story lingers with it's audience far after the scene is over.
Juror Recommended Age:
8-12
Suggested Retail Price:
$ 0
Media:
GOLDEN TREE, THE (SCREENPLAY)
-
RYAN BYRNE
Series:
SCREENPLAY FOR AGES 8-12
Description -
Trip's life changes dramatically one day when a bizarre little boy shows up on his doorstep dressed in a super hero outfit marked "Captain Coo."
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say -
A unique perspective from the eyes of a child, and shows us how thing adults view as a hassle can be an exciting opportunity from another point of view. An imaginative and compassionate story about how perspective changes everything and that happiness can be found by changing one's view, and not by running away.
Juror Recommended Age:
8-12
Suggested Retail Price:
$ 0
Media:
BUGGED
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ANGELA BLEEKER
Series:
SCREENPLAY FOR AGES 8-12
Description -
A young boy meets a new friend on his windowsill. His new friend, a vegetarian spider, tells him about a wonderful place where life is perfect. Soon, the duo set off on a great adventure as they head to Costa Rica to find a mythical, bug paradise.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say -
A boy tries to overcome his grief over the loss of his parents by running away from home. He undertakes a journey to a mystical place to help his spider friend. In the process, he is able to reconcile with his uncle and begin to heal. Though the tone is inconsistent at points, veering from silly to seriously creepy, this screenplay offers interesting visual potential in the fantasy world it creates. An exciting journey with mythical creatures and a feel-good resolution.
Juror Recommended Age:
5-10
Suggested Retail Price:
$ 0
Media:
SHOE IN
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P.K. GRAJNERT
Series:
SCREENPLAY FOR AGES 8-12
Description -
Two brother shoes are separated and struggle to be reunited.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say -
A modern day twist to the age-old classic Cinderella, with an artsy pair of running shoes - that can talk! - replacing the glass slipper, and a teen heartthrob boy, replacing Prince Charming. A lovely animated tale, suitable for boys and girls. The characters are likeable and realistic. The moral: if you dream big enough, you can achieve your goals. A coming-of-age story, in which a girl leaves her "girly" ways behind and blossoms into a young woman, growing up before her mother's very own eyes, intellectually, through making good choices (proper footwear for the occasion) and by letting go of her childhood ideology (hand-decorated shoes which demonstrated her teenage crush on a music heartthrob), and instead opting for a more adult view of the world, "It doesn't matter if I don't get into the concert, it's just a concert."
Juror Recommended Age:
10-14
Suggested Retail Price:
$ 0
Media:
MISCHIEF MAKERS
-
ELISE JACKSON
Series:
SCREENPLAY FOR AGES 8-12
Description -
A spunky group of mischievous young foster kids embark on the most important adventure of their lives when the search for a treasure hidden under an abandoned house is their only hope for keeping their family together. A modern day mix of 'Little Rascals' and 'The Goonies,' 'Mischief Makers' is a family-friendly feature film with dynamic characters, non-stop action, and huge franchise potential.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say -
Shows the importance of friendship and that love doesn't only grow within a family that is bound together by blood, but can also grow within a mixed up group of orphans. The plot is very clever and is full of surprises. It focuses on orphan children that have had to rise above their circumstances and learn to have a good attitude toward life. A funny, thrilling and adventurous story that entertains.
Juror Recommended Age:
5-14
Suggested Retail Price:
$ 0
Media:
ADVENTURES OF APHRODITE'S ISLAND
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AMP FILM WORKS LTD
Series:
SCREENPLAY FOR AGES 5-8
Description -
A family adventure, over the island of Cyprus, about a brother and a sister, who unite forces to retrieve the stolen statue of Aphrodite - the goddess of love - believing that its magical powers will save their parents broken marriage.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say -
Families don't always live happily every after. Brothers and sisters argue, but can still love each other. The characters are believable and the story is engaging right from the start. This story has mystery, adventure, hopefulness and family love.
Juror Recommended Age:
7-15
Suggested Retail Price:
$ 0
Media:
WIENER DOG NATIONALS
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FROMAGE PICTURES
Series:
SCREENPLAY FOR AGES 8-12
Description -
A family adopts a runt of a dachshund from a shelter. Only time will tell if little 'Shelly' and her new family are up for the challenges of entering the nation's greatest wiener dog race, Wiener schnitzel's 'Wiener Dog Nationals.' One Nation, one race, one wiener.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say -
Nine-year-old Danny brings his family together by involving them in his quest to find a dachshund who can (and does) win the Wiener Nationals. They encounter cheaters and scoundrels along the way, portrayed more as flawed individuals than villains, and are aided by strangers who become friends. The characters are true-to-life, not deep, but credible and likeable. Shines in it's portrayal of healthy family behavior and how it handles cheating.
Juror Recommended Age:
5-12
Suggested Retail Price:
$ 0
Media:
WINSLOW AND THE EMPEROR
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D.H. MARTIN
Series:
SCREENPLAY FOR AGES 12-18
Description -
An earthquake in the San Francisco Bay Area opens a time portal in the Berkeley Hills, and three eleven-year-olds travel more than a hundred years back in time. When they return, they are followed by the incorrigible 'Emperor Norton' of old San Francisco.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say -
The story blends well with the fictionalized account of San Francisco in 1875. It takes a known figure, Emperor Norton, and brings him to life while still retaining many of the eccentricities that he was reported to have. The children are entertaining. Some instances of foul language (2 instances of "Damn") and questionable behavior. Shows the importance of feeling loved and wanted. Winslow wants his family to love him and feel like he matters to them, because they always seem to be immersed in work. Norton wants to feel like people care about him and remember him in his time. The screenplay is easy-going, humorous and poignant.
Juror Recommended Age:
8-12
Suggested Retail Price:
$ 0
Media:
SPIRIT OF THE EVERGLADES
-
MICHAEL F. BAVOTA
Series:
SCREENPLAY FOR AGES 5-8
Description -
The wonderful joy of this screenplay is that it has persuaded us all to be a better person. The story encourages us to think about our environment and how our lives actually affect some of this Earth's natural wonders, in addition to perhaps sublimely reminding us to cherish and care for our loved ones in this world that we call home.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say -
A simple tale of a wild panther trying to rescue a potential, domesticated panther and all the danger and trials that goes along with the process. Script has a lot of heart, but lacks in originality and remains two-dimensional. The journey to rescue Paseo becomes long and drawn out and the wait for Felis' return is even more unbearing. The story has imagination which shines most through the character's dialogue. This script is entertaining and I enjoy how it glorifies the importance of animals being in the wild. Children can benefit from this script because it teaches about the wild and the cycle of life and how everything depends on each other to survive.
Juror Recommended Age:
5-8
Suggested Retail Price:
$ 0
Media:
PIPSQUEAK
-
KATHI WAHED
Series:
SCREENPLAY FOR AGES 8-12
Description -
A miniature pony who must become a seeing eye 'dog' to stay with the boy he loves.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say -
A story with great appeal for children. Its lead characters, a blind boy and a miniature pony, are both sympathetic. It presents a world of talking animals in in the midst of "reality," and it offers a hopeful story about how the friendship between a boy and a horse helps them both overcome terrible obstacles. While the characters are mostly well drawn, they do fall into stereotypical behavior and speech, particularly the secondary characters (the parents, Otto and Tug, Rio). The portrayal of Otto could be construed as insulting to German language and culture especially. There is aggressive behavior as well, which could be scary for younger audiences, although for the most part the slapstick tone softens the suggestion of violence. The ending on Golden Gate bridge is very suspenseful and the resolution offers a fairy tale ending that is appealing.
Juror Recommended Age:
6-10
Suggested Retail Price:
$ 0
Media:
MEMOIRS OF A DOG, BY COUSCOUS MACKEY
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BARBARA MACKEY AND DAWN IRELAND
Series:
SCREENPLAY FOR AGES 5-12
Description -
Magical things can happen to anyone, even to a dog. And, that is exactly what happens one late summer morning to Feathers, a purebred Pekinese.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say -
This is a story of a couple of dogs and their other animal friends who get together after one of the dog's puppy is stolen. The puppy is found by a man who takes it home and his dog and cats care for it. The mom and dad of the puppy set up a network of animals to try to find her. The dad's human makes flyers and puts them up. The puppy's mom makes a wish on the first star she sees one night and just feels her puppy will be returned soon. The man who found the puppy brings home a flyer and the cat eats it. It's Christmas Eve and the man and his animals decide the right thing to do is take the puppy back to her mom and dad. There is a wonderful reunion with mom, dad and puppy. Kids will love the talking animals and the way all the animals work together to solve the mystery of the missing puppy. Not recommended for younger children due to excessive drinking, swearing and abusive behaviors by some of the human characters.
Juror Recommended Age:
6-12
Suggested Retail Price:
$ 0
Media:
HIGH SIERRA
-
BRIAN BOSE
Series:
SCREENPLAY FOR AGES 8-12
Description -
On a summer vacation to visit her estranged father, a shy girl finds confidence and happiness through the friendship with a stray dog.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say -
A girl's relationship with a dog transforms her from a shy 10-year-old to one of confidence. The story provides hope for kids from "broken homes" with parents who are dealing with problems of their own. Some clearly objectionable behavior by adults who drink too much and mistreat their dogs; and some VERY poor role models. The relationship between the young girl, Kerrie, and Sierra the dog, is very appealing.
Juror Recommended Age:
910-15
Suggested Retail Price:
$ 0
Media:
CAN'T SEE SEA MONSTER, THE
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BARBARA ASHLEY HERZOG
Series:
SCREENPLAY FOR AGES 8-12
Description -
Motivated by curiosity and their sense of adventure, Hoshi, Sanura, Megan, Winona, Rachel, Diego, Nicky, Chen, Jafar and their teachers search for a "sea monster" or whatever is responsible for several disappearances and other disturbing phenomena.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say -
About encouraging the use of scientific method in children. Stimulates children's natural curiosity by showing that all the characters have an equal voice that is respected by other children and adults. The facts are accurate and give us insight into a variety of cultures and ethnic backgrounds. Encourages imaginative solutions to problems, setting goals and working to attain them. Educational and entertaining. There was concern over the image of a child using a tranquilizer gun and the scene depicting what happens after people and animals drown and a further development of the endings would be beneficial. Very empowering and engaging.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say -
"That sounds awesome, I would definitely want to see that movie!"
Juror Recommended Age:
5-12
Suggested Retail Price:
$ 0
Media:
CAMP HARMONEE
-
KEVIN HUSKEY
Series:
SCREENPLAY FOR AGES 12-18
Description -
Three young teenagers come to an Idaho ranch for an educational camp that stretches them physically, emotionally, spiritually, and socially. Blue, the ranch owner, leads the dynamic group of adults that inspire and challenge the youth.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say -
Great themes such as teamwork, compassion and perseverance radiate thought-out this script. Lot's of great quotes, such as "If the only prayer you say in your entire life is 'Thank You,' it would be enough" and "The best teacher is the one having the most fun." The character arcs were great and the relationship between Blue and Joy were beautiful. Feelings seemed genuine. A child would enjoy the variety of tasks that Camp Harmonee pushes on the students, wondering what the next task would be. With a few weaknesses in the story line and the ending, overall this is a very heart-felt and enjoyable screenplay.
Juror Recommended Age:
12-18
Suggested Retail Price:
$ 0
Media:
COAL FOR CHRISTMAS
-
LOIS WICKSTROM
Series:
SCREENPLAY FOR AGES 8-12
Description -
New York Times bestselling author presents a heartwarming tale of a boy at Christmas determined to save his little sister by being bad, so Santa will bring him coal instead of presents.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say -
A creative holiday story that would entertain children as well as parents. Carries a good message that good overcomes bad and will be rewarded. Takes place during World War II. Original concept: They need coal to heat the house, so the boy's sick sister can get better, so the boy tries to be bad so to earn Santa's disapproval and get coal in his stocking for Christmas. Story draws you in and makes you care about this family. Characters are realistic and three-dimensional. Dialogue is believable and natural.
Juror Recommended Age:
8-12
Suggested Retail Price:
$ 0
Media:
SUPERPHOBIC SUPERHERO
-
STACY ADAMSKI
Series:
SCREENPLAY FOR AGES 12-18
Description -
A quirky phobia-ridden teen ventures into the fearless world of superheroes and supervillains when her sister, the city's star crime-fighter, goes missing.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say -
Presents positive superhero children who work together to support one member in overcoming fears, "phobias", and eventually save the world. Girls are presented as powerful and equal. Pro social interactions and peer support in the struggle of good vs. evil, with an interesting dynamic of fear as part of the struggle. A promising and interesting twist on the classic kids as superheroes theme. Fun, and even believable within the context of this adventure fantasy. Some of the secondary characters were a bit 2-dimensional. A few scenes were confusing and needed some polishing. The junior superheroes were engaging and come alive on the page.
Juror Recommended Age:
8-15
Suggested Retail Price:
$ 0
Media:
PLAY DATE
-
JOHN MALKIN
Series:
SCREENPLAY FOR AGES 8-12
Description -
A family comedy about a young girl who feels ignored by her workaholic father. The daughter plays pranks on him, when he is forced to stay home with her, in a desperate attempt to gain his love. Eventually the father has a wake up call to what's really important in life.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say -
Humorously demonstrates the impact that being driven and consumed by work can have on a family. Sure to engage and entertain the whole family with it's original use of humor to address a child's loss and sadness over the lack of attention from her father. The story draws you in from the beginning. Its entertaining treatment of a well-known issue, refreshing pace and humorous events lead to a most satisfying conclusion.
Juror Recommended Age:
8-18
Suggested Retail Price:
$ 0
Media:
HELPING STONE, THE
-
ROBERT TOLZ
Series:
SCREENPLAY FOR AGES 12-18
Description -
Two boys discover Santa's secret how he can get everything done in one night without being seen. With this power they can help others, but since they won't be noticed they will never be thanked. Can they be good for goodness sake?
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say -
An action-packed/fantasy Christmas story with a twist. The story is very entertaining and a bit emotional at the end. Good pacing. Would appeal to a broad audience. The boys in the story are likable and the minimal violence is low key and integral to the plot. With the exclusion of two instances of cursing, the screenplay could potentially be upgraded to an all-star rating. The fantasy story is very interactive and engrossing. The writer is encouraging children to do what is right and help others, even if it means not being acknowledged for your good deeds.
Juror Recommended Age:
8-10
Suggested Retail Price:
$ 0
Media:
EWE STEW
-
DOROTHY IRWIN
Series:
SCREENPLAY FOR AGES 8-12
Description -
When Fanny's sheep go missing, she and her dog Jiggs must rescue them from a huge gourmet cooking coyote who only understands rhymes.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say -
Off-beat and original, guaranteed to bring smiles to viewers with it's wry characterization of the infamously treacherous coyote. Anyone who has suffered a loss to coyotes will find the characterization on mark: the coyote is indifferent to the pain he causes, all he cares about is his next meal. Younger children will get a little thrill from his villainy; older ones will be amused by his portrayal as a bustling chef, stuffing sheep slippers in his ears to protect his rhyming sensibilities from poetry gone wrong. This is not an accurate lesson in poetry and would prove too scary for children under 8. It's also slightly violent, with the imagery of knives and the eventual demise of the coyote.
Juror Recommended Age:
8-12
Suggested Retail Price:
$ 0
Media:
GRIZZLY
-
CHRIS HEWITT
Series:
SCREENPLAY FOR AGES 8-12
Description -
Two raccoons harass a grizzly bear who just wants to snag a fish.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say -
A humorous look at how three characters that don't seem to like each other learn that, despite their differences, they each have something good to offer to the other. Teaches a good lesson about acceptance and helping others in need. The two raccoons are cute and original in their dealings with the big grizzly bear. There is a concern about why the Boy Scout Leader in the screenplay decides to capture the raccoons. Capturing wildlife is a bad idea and a bad lesson to teach or portray. Characters are easy to relate to and remind us of the importance of kindness and not to be too quick to judge our elders.
Juror Recommended Age:
4-10
Suggested Retail Price:
$ 0
Media:
THREE FATHERS
-
VICKI BARTHOLOMEW
Series:
SCREENPLAY FOR AGES 12-18
Description -
Melody comes to China to visit her father. She rides bikes, drinks wolfberry tea, goes to church, visits a museum, and goes by houseboat to a farm. She makes a lot of new Chinese friends and gets to know her own father better.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say -
Portrays the struggle of a young American girl who, while separated from her father in China, find valuable friends and experiences in a different culture. Simultaneously, it portrays the struggle of the Zhu family with Hu La, the spoiled daughter rebelling against her elders, but eventually learns love an respect for her parents. Strong moral message with adults who set good examples. Characters could benefit from more depth and stronger personalities.
Juror Recommended Age:
8-12
Suggested Retail Price:
$ 0
Media:
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