'Unbroken' YA adaptation follows original book to the bestseller lists
鈥淯nbroken鈥� by Laura Hillenbrand has long been a bestseller and has been adapted into an upcoming film directed by Angelina Jolie. Now a version of 鈥淯nbroken鈥� for younger readers is doing well in sales as well.
鈥淯nbroken,鈥� which was first published in 2010, tells the true story of Louis Zamperini, a former Olympic athlete whose plane crashed in the Pacific during World War II and who was brought to a Japanese prisoner of war camp.
The young adult adaptation of 鈥淯nbroken鈥� was released this past November through Delacorte Press, which is an imprint of Random House Children鈥檚 Books. According to , Hillenbrand herself edited the story for a younger audience. The book is shorter by around a third, according to School Library Journal.
鈥淭he saga of a man鈥檚 bravery, ingenuity, and unwavering will in the face of almost unimaginable challenges, Louie Zamperini鈥檚 story is spellbinding to people of every age,鈥� Hillenbrand said in a . 鈥淎t the urging of librarians, teachers, and parents, I鈥檝e created this edition specifically for younger readers. I鈥檓 delighted to bring Louie鈥檚 inspiring, exhilarating story to a new generation.鈥澛�
The new version of 鈥淯nbroken鈥� is currently doing well in sales 鈥� on the IndieBound bestseller list for the week of Dec. 11, the YA adaptation of 鈥淯nbroken鈥� is ranked at number two on the Children鈥檚 Interest list.聽
However, this new version has received mixed reviews. gave it an editor鈥檚 recommendation and wrote of the book, 鈥淭his fine adaptation ably brings an inspiring tale to younger readers,鈥� but reviewer Stephanie Farnlacher of Alabama鈥檚 Trace Crossings Elementary School wrote, 鈥淭hough this is a strong, well-written work, the adult version is accessible and engaging; students are better off sticking with the original.鈥澛�
The film adaptation of 鈥淯nbroken鈥� stars actor Jack O鈥機onnell and will be released on Dec. 25.聽
