Great Middle Grade Reads discussion

Has anyone read both versions; the original and the one for younger readers? I picked up the only one available at my local library, which I recognised as the one I had seen some middle graders reading. But it did not have a "younger readers" edition written on it. Just wondered what the difference is. I remember we read the younger version "I am Malala" some time back in this forum and the general consensus was the younger edition wasn't as coherent.

Just saw this... I thought in this case one was for middle grade readers and one was a picture book? (Okay--I checked and I see that there are THREE versions, one for adults, one for MG, and a picture book). The only one I've read is the picture book.

This business of turning popular biographies/memoirs like this into Young Readers versions seems to me rather new (I noticed that there is also a Young Readers version of The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Not sure just what to make of it.

Rebecca wrote: "Just saw this... I thought in this case one was for middle grade readers and one was a picture book? ...This business of turning popular biographies/memoirs like this into Young Readers versions seems to me rather new..."

I Am Malala gave me a lot of trouble because we got the condensed version for the bookclub which was rubbish, and we got confused on which one to read for BOTM here, as Justine says.

In some ways it makes sense, because there are things in Important People's memoirs that you wouldn't want kids to read. Then again, I read a kids edition of Beau Geste when I was a kid and loved it (and reread it recently). I gather the full version is horrific. So maybe it's only new because the same publisher/author are putting out the alternative editions, often with similar covers. I find it confusing, though.

The version I read (of The Boy who Harnessed the Wind) was in most parts ok for middle grade readers. It was only at the end when he went all technical and explain various electricity/electromagnetism concepts I recognised as A-level (high school) standard. At this point I wondered if any of the young readers would understand. When I later saw there is a 'younger edition' I wondered if they removed this section or simplified it.

Justine wrote: "The version I read (of The Boy who Harnessed the Wind) was in most parts ok for middle grade readers. It was only at the end when he went all technical and explain various electricity/electromagnet..."

You know, I think that's why it's on my list in the first place. I really must read it some time.