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

Length: 5 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

The number one New York Times best seller about the Greatest Generation freshly adapted for the next generation.

For listeners 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 listeners adaptation of the award-winning number one New York Times best seller features an exclusive new introduction.

©2015 Daniel James Brown (P)2015 Listening Library

Critic reviews

"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)

"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)

Best read for young people

What made the experience of listening to The Boys in the Boat (Young Readers Adaptation) the most enjoyable?

The struggles and triumph. Great for upper elementary aged kids. The perseverance of the main character was astounding!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Joe's story of survival is incredible. He never gave up and was rewarded in the end. Soft hearted and never selfish.

Which scene was your favorite?

He was asked why he never was angry/upset about how his father treated him, he said "getting angry takes energy, I was more worried about surviving than getting angry."

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

Joe's whole life moved me, he was kick down many many times and always moved forward.

Any additional comments?

Love this book! It really needs to get into the hands of more school children. His unstoppable survival and bettering himself and those around him make it the perfect story of triumph for one that was just living each day to see the next.

I am a 5th grade teacher and my class will be reading this.

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

Joe Ranch and his life it was amazing

I liked how Joe Rance did not have any anger towards his dad, or his step mom 

Emotional journey

I never thought I'd be so moved by a story of collegiate rowing. I felt like I was there in the boat alongside the boys.

Most incredible book ever.

The incredible true story of overcoming extreme obstacles. Set in a pivotal time in American History this story could not be more intriguing or magical. My words could never do it justice. Just get the book. Listen with your kids.

Inspirational book.

Very inspirational book showing what hard work and team work brings. I have read this book twice and my husband and I just listened to in audible. He wanted to go for a ride just to listen to the book. Loved this book.

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.