The Boys in the Boat - Young Readers Adaptation
Reading Guides
Reading Guides for Students and Teachers **
Each Digital Download Includes:
- Student Reading Guide- chapter guided worksheets with comprehension questions, creative reflections, chapter activities, vocabulary/glossary if applicable and historical content page if applicable.
- Teacher Guides- includes book summary, sensitive content note, suggested reading age, grading rubric, sample answers, extension questions/projects.
Each guide may differ in structure, depth, and style depending on the content of the book.
The Boys in the Boat: Young Readers Adaptation by Daniel James Brown is an inspiring nonfiction story about the University of Washington’s 1936 rowing team, a group of working-class young men who fought through poverty, hardship, and doubt to compete in the Olympics in Nazi Germany.
The book follows Joe Rantz and his teammates as they learn discipline, trust, teamwork, and grit, both on and off the water. It blends sports, history, perseverance, friendship, sacrifice, and underdog triumph. Tiny boat, enormous current. 🚣
Best fit: Readers ages 10–14, especially kids who enjoy true stories, sports history, Olympic stories, teamwork, resilience, and World War II-era history. Great for students who like narrative nonfiction that feels exciting and character-driven.
Content note: Includes poverty, family hardship, historical references to Nazi Germany, emotional neglect, and intense athletic pressure.