Publisher: Amulet Books
Copyright Date: 2010
Selection Choice: Required class books.
Brief Annotation: In 1841, a Japanese whaling ship sinks after a storm and the members of the crew are forced to find and survive on a small island. 14-year old Manjiro and his crewmates are soon rescued by a American ship that was passing by. Unable to return to their native Japan, they go with the American ship as it heads to America. Language and cultural barriers plague them, but eventually they all begin to get along and Manjiro finds himself close to the ship's captain. The captain takes Manjiro back to his home in New England, where they stay for some time before Manjiro heads to California. All the while he is finding himself and missing his home in Japan. Will he go back, or will the move prove to be too difficult?
Your Rating: 4/5 stars. This book certainly wasn't what I expected it to be, though I was still delightfully surprised. The imagery and beautiful writing create a rich literary landscape that is very easy to get lost in. I liked the historical aspects as well as the character development.
Readers who will like this book: Readers who like historical fiction; readers interested in Japanese or American history.
Question to ask about this book before reading: What do you know about the Samurai or Samurai Code?
Question to ask about this book during reading: Can you make any connections to contemporary racism through what happens in this novel?
Question to ask about this book after reading: What genre would you classify this novel as?
1. Interest Level: Ages 11-16
2. Grade Level Equivalent: Grade 6 and up.
3. List awards: 2011 Newbery Honor Book; 2011 Asian/Pacific American Award for Children's Literature; 2011 ALSC Notable Children's Book.
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