The #1 New York Times bestseller about the Greatest Generation freshly adapted for the next generation. 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 … 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.
From the Hardcover edition.
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Excellent cinderella story of athletes with everything against them
I loved the format and the writing. The story is very uplifting and well told.
This was a great read. Very informative.
I read this book several years ago and still think of it as one of the best books I’ve read. Its an inspiring story that happened during tragic times in our history. I have a rowing machine and its was so inspiring that during the week I read the book, I rowed three times that week! But you don’t have to be a rower to enjoy the story and the marvelous achievement of those heroic young men. Its well written and highly readable!
Wonderful book loved it
A lot of rowing not much story
Real life stories are always a favorite but this takes it to a whole different level with the perseverance and courage.
I’m not an athlete, but this was such an inspiring story that I didn’t need to be a sports enthusiast. The history, the characters (especially the main character) and the setting drew me in right away and I was hooked. Reading about this boy who came from such a hard-scrabble life and worked so hard to meet the challenges of life and of his chosen sport made for a very satisfying read.
This has so many layers to it, very good read and informative
One of the most inspirational books that I have ever read!
I did not read the young readers adaptation, so my review is of the adult version, which was inspiring and informational. I had not expected to be so enthralled by the book and was surprised that I did not want to put it down. It’s a good read!
Excellent!
Fabulous couldn’t put it down, loved every word thanks!
very visual writing
One of the best books I’ve read this year (and I have read many, many!). It’s a perfect book for the current times during which people feel defeated by adversity. The young men of this book faced adversity after adversity and managed to grit it out to victory. I wish every young person would be required to read this book!
Even though the reader knows from the beginning how this will turn out, it is a suspenseful and inspiring read.
I loved this book!
Compelling and inspiring story told well.
I felt this to be one of the most interesting and well written books about Americans in a challenging time I have read. Against seemingly insurmountable odds, the young men in this story train and win their place in Olympic history. Taking place in America’s northwest, the reader learns the science of rowing in such an unlikely place. Each of the”boys” in the story were faced with challenges. All seemed to be driven to success. These were real people about whom a wonderful story is written. A great history lesson.
This was a wonderful story and character study of an old event in rowing. I am not a sports fan, but this book engaged me in the personal struggles of these amazing young men and their coaches. And to learn about beating Hitler’s Germany in the Olympics .. how great!