Amidst the despair of the Great Depression, 'The Boys in the Boat' tells the heartwarming and inspirational tale of the University of Washington's eight-oar crew. Comprised of working-class boys whose lives were chiseled by economic hardship, their pursuit of glory leads them to face off against the most elite rowing teams in the world. Central to this story is Joe Rantz, a youth whose battle against his own demons paralleled the broader struggle against the gathering storm of Nazi Germany. As they row towards the historic 1936 Berlin Olympics, these underdogs unite in a singular dream: to defy expectations and overcome the specter of Hitler's propaganda by claiming gold. It's a narrative of resilience, unity, and the unfaltering American spirit, masterfully woven by Daniel James Brown and adapted for young readers by Gregory Mone.