The knowledge contained in several works for adults is being offered to a younger generation as publishers release new young readers adaptations meant to make powerful stories accessible to all.
The British Are Coming
Young readers can discover new aspects of the American Revolution in Atkinson’s adapted book, a photo-illustrated account of major moments of the war.
Caste
Pulitzer Prize winner Wilkerson explores the hidden systems of castes within America in an adaptation of her 2020 bestseller Caste. Revealing how these castes shape our understanding of race, class, and other social hierarchies, Wilkerson offers readers a view of how power dynamics influence behavior.
The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee
Truer’s National Book Award finalist nonfiction volume has been adapted to help young readers understand the history and culture of Native Americans in the U.S. In this adaptation, Truer continues to advocate for the acknowledgment of Native culture and its presence and power in modern society.
How to Be a (Young) Antiracist
Bringing the teachings of antiracism to a young audience, this new adaptation focuses on showing young people the tools they’ll need to dismantle systemic racism.
Once I Was You
Mexican American journalist Maria Hinojosa built her career covering culture and politics across the world to become a Pulitzer Prize and Emmy Award winner. Her memoir Once I Was You: A Memoir of Love and Hate in a Torn America has been adapted into a young readers edition, Once I Was You: Finding My Voice and Finding the Mic. Hinojosa focuses on her childhood and her own encounters with the American justice system. [See our q&a here.] https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-authors/article/89092-four-questions-for-maria-hinojosa.html
The Orphan Keeper
The original novel, released in 2016 and based on the true story of Taj Rowland, has been adapted for young readers. First named Chellamuthu, he is kidnapped from his Southern Indian village at the age of seven and adopted by an American family. Struggling to adapt in a foreign land with a foreign language without his family, Chellamuthu receives a new name, Taj, and continues to search for connection to his home in India, straddling the line between both of his families.
smART
Art historian Amy E. Herman’s bestselling book Visual Thinking helped shift the understanding and appreciation of art as an effective tool to use in the workplace. In an interactive work, Herman brings the power of art to a younger audience and breaks down how to use what you see to critically process information.
The Sum of Us: How Racism Hurts Everyone
The Sum of Us examines the concept of race and its harm on both the oppressed and the oppressor as scholar McGhee traverses America in hopes of understanding the country’s racial divide. The adult edition of McGhee’s book won the 2022 Zócalo Public Square Book Prize.
We’re in This Together
Women’s March co-organizer and activist Sarsour’s memoir follows her journey into becoming the activist many recognize from her powerful speech on resistance and women’s rights in January 2017. In an edition aimed at middle graders, Sarsour expands on how her life shapes her activism, and aims to empower young people to use their voices to fight for change.
