Awesomeness Films Scoops Up Rights To Buzzy Young Adult Novel That Hasn’t Yet Hit Shelves

Awesomeness Films has acquired the rights to young adult novel Spontaneous months before the buzzy title has even hit shelves. Spontaneous, written by Aaron Starmer, tells the story of a New Jersey high school senior named Mara whose friends suddenly start spontaneously combusting.

The book has earned the praise of another beloved tween scribe, John Green, who said that Starmer “skillfully welds sharp humor, deep loss, and roaring escapades,” according to Awesomeness Films. Starmer is also the author of The Riverman Trilogy, a murder mystery series, as well as the upcoming Meme, about a group of friends who plot a murder in order to subvert a Columbine-like massacre.

“Spontaneous is the type of fresh, exciting project that not only connects, but resonates with the young adult audience,” said Awesomeness Films president Matt Kaplan in a statement. “Aaron has created a dynamic, fast-paced, and fun world that we look forward to bringing to life on screen.” Brian Duffield

, who wrote The Babysitter, an upcoming horror-comedy, will adapt the novel.

This isn’t the first time Awesomeness Films has scooped up a hot young adult property. Last month in Cannes, the tween-skewing company sold distribution rights to Open Road for its adaption of Lauren Oliver‘s Before I Fall. The film stars influencer Kian Lawley and follows a girl who must relive the same day over and over. Awesomeness Films also acquired the rights to adapt Oliver’s next novel, Replica, which hits shelves in October.

Other Awesomeness Films projects include You Get Me, a thriller starring Bella Thorne and Halston Sage that is currently in production, as well as Shovel Buddies, Dance Camp, Snervous, Smosh: The Movie, and Expelled.