The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown

The Boys in the Boat recounts the inspiring story of the University of Washington crew team, nine working class boys who defeated not only the elite teams of the East Coast and Britain, but also Hitler’s rowing team.  This exciting tale of grit and determination, focuses on Joe Rantz, a teenager without family or prospects.  Drawn from the boys’ journals and recollections, this tale of beating the odds is enthralling.