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

By: Daniel James Brown

Narrated by: Mark Bramhall

Soon to be a major motion picture directed by George Clooney

The #1 New York Times bestseller freshly adapted for the next generation.

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.

Critic reviews

Accolades for The Boys in the Boat (Young Readers Adaptation):

- New York Times bestseller
- #1 Pacific Northwest Bookseller Assocation bestseller

"The word teamwork, which can sound humdrum to kids in coaches' droning lectures, doesn't adequately describe the connection shared by the men in that boat in 1936. Illustrated with vintage photos, this moving book offers young people a vivid sense of that shared experience. A Depression-era story with timeless appeal." —Booklist, starred review

"Offering a model of masterful nonfiction writing, Brown expertly balances the leisurely pacing of the protagonists' back stories with the exciting race scenes, related with concrete nouns, lively verbs, and short sentences, selected and adapted for this edition by Mone. Many photographs, an easy-to-read timeline, and notes on "The Art of Rowing," complete with a diagram, add visual appeal. A fine companion to Laura Hillenbrand's Unbroken (2014), also about the 1936 Olympics and also adapted for young readers." —Kirkus

"Those seeking an inspiring true story or a great sports tale will be pleased with this stirring work." —School Library Journal

"It becomes almost impossible not to root for such a hardscrabble collection of underdogs as they exhibit hard work, sacrifice, teamwork, and loyalty at every stage of their collective journey to Berlin." —Horn Book

"With a lyrical flair, Brown tells the story of these men in a manner that intersperses the drama of the time period with the emotional and physical turmoil of their lives. Young adult readers may not understand or even know about the desperation of the Depression, or what it was like at the genesis of Nazi Germany, but the tale of these persistent men, each with their own personal struggle, will entice readers of all ages." —VOYA

Accolades for the adult edition of The Boys in the Boat:
- #1 New York Times bestseller
- 2014 ABA Adult Nonfiction Book of the Year
- 2014 Washington State Book Award

"A suspenseful tale of triumph." —USA Today

"Evocative, cinematic prose." —Publishers Weekly

"This is Chariots of Fire with oars." —David Laskin, author of The Children's Blizzard

"A great and inspiring true story." —Nathaniel Philbrick, author of Mayflower

"A thrilling, heart-thumping tale." —Timothy Egan, author of The Worst Hard Time

"A robust, emotional snapshot of an era." —James Bradley, author of Flags of Our Fathers

Daniel James Brown’s Boys in the Boat Win Gold over Italy and Germany in spite of all odds.

Teammates work as one to win over almost impossible odds. A true story of love, forgiveness, heartbreak and joy.

Now I understand why my son loved rowing in high school and college.

It is a wonderful story...and true. But this is more than a story about a college crew team. It is about the Greatest Generation, their values, their sacrifices, and how they overcame virtually impossible odds to bring America back from the economic devastation of the Great Depression and a global war after that. With magnificent narration, this book also would be a great read for any American of high school age and at any socio-economic level. It is the recipe of the “American Dream”: hard work, optimism, perseverance, loving support, independent drive, and some good luck, thrown in.

This is an amazingly powerful moving book!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This covers all aspects of life, how to conquer adversity, challenges, life changes, poverty, family dynamics, etc. All ages will relate, and connect with the story of courage, resilience and perseverance.

What did you like best about this story?

The truth - the facts of life, the struggle and the victory!

Have you listened to any of Mark Bramhall’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No this is the first one.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The family dynamics, being left behind, persevering to victory - holding no grudges..

Any additional comments?

Every middle school should be incorporating this book into their curriculum - reading, life skills, any subject matter really!

Harold Webb's review

This was the best book I have ever read in my entire life, this is an easy 5 stars read this book. You will not regret reading this book.

Those nine young men. Coach too!

Loved the book. Nothing to not like wish it didn’t end. Second time thru as great as first