The Boys in the Boat (Young Readers Adaptation): The True Story of an American Team's Epic Journey to Win Gold at the 1936 Olympics
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The Boys in the Boat (Young Readers Adaptation): The True Story of an American Team's Epic Journey to Win Gold at the 1936 Olympics

Daniel James Brown

Why we picked it

This gripping story follows nine Depression-era college rowers who defied the odds to defeat elite teams at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Our review

This streamlined edition follows nine Depression-era college rowers who defeat elite teams at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Vivid narrative pulls tweens into frigid practices, blistered hands, and the ultimate photo-finish victory, underscoring grit and teamwork. Archival photos and maps break up text for visual learners. A stirring reminder that collective effort can out-pull privilege.

About this book

From the product listing

Soon to be a major motion picture directed by George Clooney

The New York Times bestselling young readers adaptation of The Boys in the Boat, now in paperback with bonus content including an author Q&A and never-before-seen photographs

Inspiration for the PBS American Experience Documentary 'The Boys of '36'

 
For readers of Unbroken, out of the depths of the Great Depression comes the astonishing tale of nine working-class boys from the American West who at the 1936 Olympics showed the world what true grit really meant. With rowers who were the sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers, the University of Washington’s eight-oar crew was never expected to defeat the elite East Coast teams, yet they did, going on to shock the world by challenging the German boat rowing for Adolf Hitler.
 
At the center of the tale is Joe Rantz, a teenager without family or prospects, whose personal quest captures the spirit of his generation—the generation that would prove in the coming years that the Nazis could not prevail over American determination and optimism.
 
This deeply emotional yet easily accessible young readers adaptation of the award-winning #1 New York Times bestseller features never-before-seen photographs, highly visual back matter, and an exclusive new introduction.


Resource details

Resource type
Book
Age ranges
Elementary
Careers
Athlete
Good for kids who are
Realistic, Enterprising
Based on its careers · What is RIASEC?
Author
Daniel James Brown