i'm a sophomore in high school and i read this book in 8th grade and this year too. It's definitely my favorite book and really changed my life. You should have them read the book first, because theres a strong possibility that if they watch the movie first, they will be bored with the book cause they already know what's going on (since movies are much more entertaining to people my age). Also let them read ahead, cause I read this in like 3 days.