There have been times when I’ve read an amazing adult novel and thought, “I would love to share this with my kids.” Often, though, the violence, sexual content, or sheer complexity of the story stops me from passing along my battered copy to one of my boys. I settle for explaining the general storyline, but our casual conversations can’t replicate the richness of the author’s language or ability to transport them to a different time or place.
Thankfully, young adult and middle grade adaptations of popular adult books are becoming more common, allowing you and your kids to share great stories together. To help you get started, I’ve compiled a list of some awesome adaptations:
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It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime
Available from:From the host of The Daily Show, this laugh-out-loud, unforgettable memoir does an incredible job of explaining to young readers what it feels like to grow up torn between two cultures. A mixed-race child, Noah was born and raised in South Africa when it was illegal for mixed-race children to even exist. Despite living under a racist government, not only did he exist, he thrived using his sharp intelligence and trademark wit.
Ages 10+Also available from: -
Just Mercy
Available from:Bryan Stevenson's inspiring story is of sheer grit and determination. He dedicated his entire life to protect the human rights of the most vulnerable and marginalized in American society – the poor, the wrongly convicted, and those whose lives have been marked by discrimination. A compassionate lawyer’s-eye-view of our broken criminal justice system, this book will help young people find the courage to stand-up against racial and economic injustices.
Ages 12+Also available from: -
Unbroken
Available from:Hillenbrand’s award-winning biography, now adapted for YA readers, captures the unimaginable life story of Louis Zamperini — an Olympian, a soldier, and, above all, a survivor. Young adult readers who might not be ready for some of the more intense violence in Hillenbrand’s adult book can now appreciate the determination and will of this remarkable man.
Ages 12+Also available from: -
The Boys in the Boat
Available from:The book follows the lives of nine young men from the Pacific Northwest as they train to become the American gold medal rowing team at the 1936 Olympics. While the lives of each of the men involved in this epic story are fascinating, the life of Joe Rantz, the book’s central character, stands out as truly inspirational. Born to a family without financial means and abandoned by his father, Joe lets nothing stand in the way of his dreams of attending college and, ultimately, joining the University of Washington crew team. (This one makes for a great Family Book Club selection too!)
Ages 10+Also available from: -
Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverts
The world today seems to reward extroverts — people who are energized by being around other people and who find it easy to speak up and speak often. Susan Cain’s Quiet Power, however, celebrates introverts, and helps kids and teens see the strength and power in a quieter approach to life.
Ages 10+ -
Enrique’s Journey
Available from:Enrique’s Journey tells the true story of a teenager from Honduras, whose mother left him when he was a small child to go live in the United States. In a time when immigration and migration issues make daily headlines, Enrique’s Journey gives a human face to the complex struggles facing migrants as they try to provide for their families.
Ages 12+Also available from: -
Discovering Wes Moore
Available from:There are two men named Wes Moore in Baltimore: One is a murderer and the other is a Rhodes Scholar. When the two men connect, first through letters, then visits, they are confronted with the alternative lives they might have lived had not the vagaries of fate and circumstance stepped in. More than just a life story, this adaptation for young readers is a reflection on the choices that change our lives.
Ages 12+Also available from: -
Make it Messy: My Perfectly Imperfect Life
Renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson reworks his adult memoir, Yes, Chef, for teens in the hopes of inspiring them to follow their passions, wherever they may lead. Born and orphaned in Ethiopia and adopted by a Swedish couple, Samuelsson discovered his love of cooking with his grandmother. After years of training in Europe, Samuelsson turned his sights to New York City and opened the acclaimed Red Rooster Harlem. His life story showcases the importance of embracing a “perfectly imperfect” life.
Ages 12+ -
Thomas Jefferson: President and Philosopher
With the success of Broadway’s “Hamilton,” everyone seems to be interested in the founding fathers. If you can’t score tickets to the show, we recommend Jon Meacham’s fascinating look into Thomas Jefferson’s life. We can’t promise a rap battle, but we can promise your teen will walk away with a better understanding of the brilliant and eclectic third president and author of the Declaration of Independence.
Ages 10+ -
The Da Vinci Code
Available from:Teen readers today have probably never heard of The Da Vinci Code, the blockbuster bestseller from 2003, but Dan Brown’s YA adaptation is sure to capture the attention of a new generation. Teen readers can crisscross Europe with religious symbologist Robert Langdon and French cryptologist Sophie Neveu as they frantically try to solve an ancient puzzle that threatens to upend the very foundation of western civilization.
(On sale September 13, 2016.)
Ages 13+Also available from:
