Is your family growing up? You can still read together by choosing from these bestselling titles that come in both adult and young readers’ editions. You can all read on your own time and make dinnertime into your own family book club with titles like the following.
Trevor Noah: Born a Crime, by Trevor Noah
& It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime, by Trevor Noah
The talented comedian and host of The Daily Show, Trevor Noah, describes injustices he experienced while growing up half black, half white in South Africa. Never has humor met injustice so and triumphed so well.
Hidden Figures, by Margot Lee Shetterly
Adults, kids, and even preschoolers can each read their own edition of this dramatic tale, which follows the trail four “human computers.” These African-American women braved bigotry against African-Americans and against female mathematicians to help NASA send rockets into space. Once you’ve all read the books, you can compare them to the PG-rated feature film.
The Boys in the Boat, by Daniel James Brown
At the 1936 Olympics, Hitler was outraged by a rowing team made up of the sons of loggers, farmers and other workers. How did they manage to outperform Europe’s elite athletes? Read about the qualities they shared and the tactics that helped them win the gold medal. The book is available in adult and youth editions and is also a PG-13 feature film.
I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban, by Malala Yousafi
Imbibe in the courage of Malala, the youngest Nobel Peace Prize recipient. Learn how she fought back against the Taliban when they tried to stop girls from going to school. This story, which is available in youth and adult editions, is also an inspirational feature film rated PG-13.
Shoe Dog, by Phil Knight
Everyone can relate Phil Knight’s story. He went out for track only because he got cut from his high school baseball team. But he liked it and became good at it, too. Ten years later, he borrowed fifty dollars from his dad to start his own company selling running shoes. At first, he sold the shoes from the trunk of his car. But his brand caught fire, and Nike became a global success. The adult version is black, the youth version is red, and both are motivational.
Quiet, by Susan Cain & Quiet Power, by Susan Cain
Extroverts may celebrate themselves more, but introverts have special qualities, too. This book celebrates of the power of introverts for kids and teens with a focus on school, family life, and friendship.
Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand
Thrill together at the bestselling story of a former Olympian’s plane crash in enemy territory during World War II. Louis Zamperini lived through the plane crash, but he had to find a way to survive 47 days on a life raft and two-and-a-half years as a prisoner of war in several POW camps. This tale, which Laura Hillenbrand adapted for adults and for kids, is also depicted in a disturbing PG-13 feature film.
Notorious RBG, by Irin Carmon & Shana Knizhnik
Adults and kids can read their own editions of this tribute Ruth Bader Ginsberg, to the Supreme Court Justice who broke barrier after barrier in pursuing her own career and the rights of women in general.
Misty Copeland: Life in Motion, by Misty Copeland
This prize-winning memoir tells the story of Misty Copeland’s discover of ballet, her path to greatness, and the challenges that nearly ended her career before it began. The book is available in adult and kids' versions. The related move, A Ballerina’s Tale, is rated PG.