So often we hear of adults reading young adult fiction. But what about the other way around? How often do we read a great book that we would love to share with our kids? Or perhaps your child wants to read a story that you have raved about. It is a wonderful thing to be able to share the insights of a great book across your family. But often times the books we read may have topics and language that we don't feel comfortable sharing with a younger child. Or, perhaps the book itself is written in a way that is too complex for their reading level at the time.
Welcome teen and child adaptations! Writers (and publishers) are realizing this is a growing market and creating versions of popular stories that are written for a younger audience. I love it! Any chance you have to share a story with your kids is just another way to reinforce the value of reading in your family, and kids love discussing books with their parents.
Jump on this trend! I have provided a list of some great books that have been adapted so that you can all enjoy the power of a great story at a level that is appropriate for every member of the family! To purchase these books, click on the image and you will be taken to Amazon. A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.
Unbroken (The Young Adult Adaptation): An Olympian's Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive by Laura Hillenbrand
If you were captivated by this book, or the movie, your child can now enjoy this age appropriate adaptation. Versions of being a POW have been softened and the book is shortened by about a third. It is a wonderful chance for kids to see that the choices they make matter, and that heroes can come from the most unexpected places.
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
This is a wonderful book for kids who love sports or even being part of team. The underdog aspect of the story will inspire young readers and the story emphasizes the benefit of working hard and of shared experiences. As with Unbroken, kids will get a look at Nazi Germany and a unique history lesson.
The Omnivore's Dilemma: Young Readers Edition by Michael Pollan
This is without a doubt the one book that my kids read that stopped them from ever wanting to eat fast food. I could have shared the findings of the adult version with them, but reading it for themselves cemented their distaste for mass produced food and made them aware of where their food comes from. A wonderful opportunity for you to have real conversations with your kids about what they put in their bodies!
I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World (Young Readers Edition) by Malala Yousafzai and Patricia McCormick
I have to admit that with all the focus on The Kardashians and other pop stars, it feels good to give my kids a book about a teenager who should really inspire and motivate them. Her story is not an easy one to read, so I appreciate the young readers version, but kids really need to see what courage, conviction and a call to action look like in a teen.
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