How to Live Like a Samurai Warrior by John Farndon -NO

Farndon, John How to Live Like a Samurai Warrior 32 pgs. (Hungry Tomato) Lerner, 2017. $24.99  NON-FICTION

This book is stuffed with fascinating information about Samurai Warriors. It follows the story of a young boy in training, starting with the samurai place Japanese hierarchy, castles, training, equipment, and battle. Of particular interest (at least to educators) is the emphasis on reading, writing, and virtues. Lots of varied and colorful illustrations fill the pages.

I think students will love this book, Samurai and Ninja books are always popular. But there is a section to be aware of, on Seppuku, ritual suicide. It goes into some detail about this, including how it was the bravest thing a warrior can do and an illustration of a samurai holding a sword to his exposed belly. While this is factual information, it is a hot issue subject at schools and with parents. Additionally, I think this book is more appealing to younger readers with it cartoony cover, so that information may be quite heavy and age inappropriate for those readers.   

EL –NO  Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Tokoyo: The Samurai’s Daughter by Faith L. Justice - ADVISABLE

Tokoyo: The Samurai’s Daughter by Faith L. Justice , 101 pgs. GRAPHIC NOVEL.  Raggedy Moon Books, 2017. $6.99 Language – G (0 swears, 0 “f”), Mature Content – G; Violence – G; 

MS – ADVISABLE. 

As the daughter of an honored samurai, Tokoyo has lived a comfortable life with more freedom than others think she should have. Then her father is framed for treason, and Tokoyo is thrown out of her home penniless. Only by using the samurai skills her father taught her does Tokoyo stand a chance to clear his name and find the real criminal.

The story of Tokoyo illustrates several Japanese ancient traditions, including samurai honor, ancestor worship, and mythology. I love that such a short story can still reveal the beauty of a different culture. Following Tokoyo’s quest to save her father teaches readers of honor, love, and sacrifice. Furthermore, the illustrator, Kayla Gilliam, does a fantastic job alongside Justice. I looked forward to seeing Gilliam’s portrayals of Tokoyo’s journey. 

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Magic Treehouse Fact Tracker: Ninjas and Samurai by Mary Pope Osborne –ADVISABLE

Osborne, Mary Pope and Boyce, Natalie Pope Magic Treehouse Fact Tracker: Ninjas and Samurai 128 Pages Random House Books for Young Readers, 2014. $5.99
As a companion to Magic Treehous #5 this fact book is filled with real life information, photos, and images about Ninjas and Samurai. There are details about the extensive training, history, and famous battles and famous Samurai. There are tons of images to accompany the information.  
If this book was hardbound and a larger size with color images I would be in heaven! Its an excellent read and will be very popular in any case. It would be easy to understand for a 2^nd grader, but interesting and informative for all grades, including myself, I learned a ton!
EL(K-3), EL –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Samurai Rising by Pamela Turner - ADVISABLE

Turner, Pamela Samurai Rising : The Epic Life of Minamoto Yoshitsune, illustrated by Gareth Hinds, 236 pgs. Penguin Random House (Charlesbridge), 2016. 16.95. Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG (arranged marriages, mistresses); Violence: R (ritual suicides, beheadings, battles).  

When Yoshitsune was just a baby, his father, whose pride had been injured by the emperor, started a battle which led to his losing his life, leaving Yoshitsune fatherless and relegated to a monastery to become a monk. However, as soon as he was old enough, he ran away and began his quest to become a Samurai.  This biography tells about his life as a warrior, falling in and out of favor with the emperor, family and other samurai leaders, and killing enemies in hopes of being rewarded. 

We learn about Japanese weapons and armor, clothing choices, societal responsibilities, and cultural expectations. The illustrations help give context to some of the ancient descriptions, and while the battle scenes are a bit gory, none of the pictures are disturbing.  This 12th century tale is well documented, the source material was compiled in 1198, less than 20 years after it happened,  and includes a timeline, glossary, chapter notes, bibliography and index.  A fully researched, well told story.

MS, HS - ADVISABLE  Lisa Librarian

Pranks and Attacks (Tao: The Little Samurai #1) by Laurent Richard -OPTIONAL

Richard, Laurent Pranks and Attacks (Tao: The Little Samurai #1) 64 pgs. Graphic Universe TM, 2014. $6.95 Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G Violence: G. GRAPHIC NOVEL

Tao is a mischievous student at Master Snows School. He is studying to be a Samurai. The book is presented in tons of 1 to 2 page mini stories, which are silly and funny. Like Tao at archery practice; he gets some great arrow target practice shots towards the blue target and his teacher praises him, at the end Tao wonders if he should admit he was actually trying for the red target.

The artwork is fun and well drawn, especially the facial expressions. I am a bit grumpy about this book because I really enjoyed reading it, but for a school library it goes just a  tad wrong for me when the boys peek into the girls locker room. Yet the story itself, is just a bit too youthful for middle school students to enjoy it. Wish they had left that part out. 

ELEMENTARY –OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

The Way of the Warrior by Chris Bradford - ESSENTIAL

The Way of the Warrior (Young Samurai #1) by Chris Bradford, 353 p. Hyperion, 2009. $16.99.

Violence: PG

EL, MS – ESSENTIAL

First a young boy is murdered in his bed by an evil ninja to make his father tow the line. Now, a young English boy, Jack, on a journey to Japan with his father, is the only survivor when a horde of pirates attacks their boat, kills almost everyone on board and then sets the ship on fire. The father of the murdered boy rescues Jack and adopts him into his household and finds in Jack the makings of a samurai, even if it causes his remaining son extreme jealousy. But, Dragon Eye, the ninja mastermind, wants something that Jack has and will stop at nothing to get it. The book is based in Japan of the 1600’s, before most white peoples knew of its existence.

I was sucked in from the first scene and remained enthralled to the end. It’s a perfect companion to the Moribitu series or Hoobler’s novels.

Cindy, Library-Teacher.

White Crane by Sandy Fussell - ADVISABLE

Fussell, Sandy Samurai Kids: White Crane, 237 pgs. Candle Wick Press, 2010. Language – G, Sexual Content – G; Violence – PG; The Cockroach Ryu is a ryu for the unwanted, the freaks. Niya and his friends have missing limbs, extra digits, and other problems to overcome when training to become samurai. They are now halfway through training and heading for The Games. There they will stick out like a sore thumb and be laughed at, but this year, they aren’t the only crippled ones. It’s exciting to see these kids overcome their obstacles. I also loved the pieces of wisdom their Sensei told them (especially the ones about cockroaches being mightier than dragons). These are only a couple examples of the greatness of this book, but they aren’t my favorite lesson. My favorite thing about this book is that it shows that even if you’re lacking something, you don’t have to be a cripple. You are only a cripple if you let it hinder you. MS – ADVISABLE. Reviewer: CCH

Samurai by Jason Hightman - OPTIONAL

Hightman, Jason Samurai 310  pgs. Eos (Harper Collins), 2006. $16.89.  

LANGUAGE – G (1 “G” word); Sexual Content – PG; Violence – PG-13 (most of the violence is dragon to human or human to dragon, but some instances are somewhat disturbing).

Tied to his roots, Simon St. George does not have a normal teenage life.  A descendent of the St. George who slew dragons, Simon and his father now carry the burden to rid the world of such evil.   In an attempt to find their friend, they get much more than they bargained for as they come across new allies and enemies.  As they attempts to unite their forces with these new allies, they seek to overcome a powerful combination of serpents.  

While the book carries a lot of action and addresses the important concept of good over evil, it feels like the emphasis is on the evil in the world as opposed to the good.  It was entertaining, but not very fulfilling.  

MS, HS – OPTIONAL Reviewer: Margaret W., Middle School Teacher

The Way of the Sword by Chris Bradford - ADVISABLE

Bradford, Chris The Way of the Sword (Young Samurai #2), 422 p. Disney, 2010.  

Violence: PG.  

Jack survived the attack that killed his father and managed to succeed in a year of samurai school, but things will only become more difficult.  Someone is agitating to have all Christians in Japan put to death.  Dragon Eye is still after the secret that Jack is holding and will be happy to kill to get it.  And in order to become powerful enough, Jack must master the Circle of Three in order to learn the sword from the great master Masamoto.  All of his lives seems to be problems without solutions and danger without respite – Jack may not survive.  

Lots of sword action and danger and intrigue await the reader in this second installment.  While I didn’t quite like it as much as the first, it still was lots of fun.  

EL, MS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher

Hello Ninjas! by Joan Holub - ADVISABLE

Hello Ninjas! by Joan Holub, illustrated by Chris Dickason. BOARD BOOK. Simon and Schuster, 2018. $9. 9781534418691

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Three Samurai give ten ninjas a challenge that leads them to a box of tacos. The Samurai have a hard time sharing though and take the tacos, and thus the ninjas, on a journey. When the ninjas catch up, they share a taco salad dinner.  

For being a board book, the plot was surprising hard to follow. Why did the ninjas give the challenge and then take the prize? What I did like was that instead of just a counting book, it led the reader to addition and subtraction concepts. When three ninjas knocked down a door, seven rushed inside, thus pairing numbers to equal ten. 

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

Ninjas and Knock Outs (Tao: The Little Samurai #2) by Laurent Richard -OPTIONAL

Richard, Laurent Ninjas and Knock Outs (Tao: The Little Samurai #2) 64 pgs. Graphic Universe TM, 2014. $6.95 Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G Violence: G. GRAPHIC NOVEL

Tao is still up to his usual tricks at the Martial Arts School in this second book of the series. The reader sees a continuation of many of the little tiny plots. For example, one of his instructors is very fixated on the students pretending to be animal as part of their training, which the students are confused about. So Tao finds himself mimicking a cat. Which eats and takes a nap. Wasn’t quite what the instructor had in mind.

Like the first book, I really enjoyed reading this graphic novel. I sort felt like I was privy to some inside jokes, having read the first book. But I didn't like the boys peeking in at the girls again, and I also didn't like a boy on boy kissing scene. Might be funny to read, but not so funny when a parent is yelling at you.

EL  –OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh - ESSENTIAL

Ahdieh, Renee Flame in the Mist (Flame in the Mist, #1), 392 pgs.  G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2017.  $17.99 

Language: PG-13 (7  swears); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: R.  

Mariko has been betrothed to the emperor’s second son, but as she is traveling to the palace, her convoy is attacked and she is left for dead. Mariko escapes and disguises herself as a young man in an attempt to infiltrate the Black Clan, whom she thinks tried to kill her.  As Mariko tries to uncover why someone would try to kill her, her samurai brother, Kenshin, is looking for her.  Mariko learns a lot about herself, her family, the empire and the men of the Black Clan and nothing is as she thought.  

I enjoyed this fast pace novel because it has all the elements of a good book-great characters, action, magic and romance.  Mariko is a strong and likable character who is witty and smart.  There are surprising twists and I can’t wait to read more from this series.  The mature content is off page sex and make-out scenes.  The violence is gruesome including a slit throat and a beheading.  I enjoyed this book and I think it’s essential, but the violence really is cringe worthy.  

MS – ADVISABLE.  HS – ESSENTIAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.    

A Thousand Beginnings and Endings edited by Ellen Oh and Elise Chapman - OPTIONAL

A Thousand Beginnings and Endings edited by Ellen Oh and Elise Chapman, 339 Pages. SHORT STORIES. Greenwillow Books, 2018. $11.

Content: Language R (10 swears, 3 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG-13

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

16 stories by Asian writers based on East and South Asian myths, folktales, and legends. There are stories that appeal to every reader. Tales of Samurai, Bollywood dances, RPG's, androids, alternate realities, shape shifters, ghosts, love, revenge, and heartache. This wonderful compilation of short stories contain opportunities for discovery, self reflection, and discussion. If only the mountain spirit had waited a moment longer. What is it that really makes us human? Is revenge as sweet as anticipated? A sister transforms into a bird to escape captivity. A smile can be deadly. There is a reason some woods are forbidden. Perhaps all we need to be, is a fish.

Most stories are appropriate for 7th - 12th grade, however, some stories have references to love-making, “sexed-up” music, harem relationships, and suicide. 1 of the 16 stories contains all the “f” language. Each story has a short afterward by the author describing the original tale. These memorable stories could be read aloud in class and are valuable to teach perspective and understanding of different cultures.

Reviewer: Kara S.

I Am Tama, Lucky Cat by Wendy Henrichs - ADVISABLE

Henrichs, Wendy I Am Tama, Lucky Cat, Peachtree Publishers, 2011 (paperback 2016) $7.95. Content: G.  

On a wintery day in the forests of Japan, a white cat comes upon an old run down temple at the foot of a mountain and is welcomed in by the monk.  She raises her paw in greeting and is named Tama,  and is considered a lucky cat.  One day, in the midst of a storm, Tama waits at the gate of the temple cleaning her face, when a Samurai warrior approaches the temple and notices the cat, whose raised paw welcomes him to the temple.  When lightning strikes the tree the warrior had been under, he rewards the temple with his wealth and the presence of his family for saving his life.  

Told from the voice of the cat, this legend tells the genesis of the white cat sculptures seen in so many Japanese stores, restaurants and homes.  Well written and beautifully illustrated.  

EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE  Lisa Librarian

The Black Lotus by Kieran Fanning - ADVISABLE

Fanning, Kieran The Black Lotus (The Samurai Wars #1), 304 pages.  Chicken House (Scholastic), OCTOBER 2016.  $17.  Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (small amount of blood and death).

Cormac, Kate , and Ghost was refugees in a world that is rapidly being overtaken by the Japanese Empire.  All three have special abilities and are recruited to the Black Lotus, a resistance group that for 500 years has held onto the one object that has kept Lord Goda from taking over the whole world.  When betrayal rocks the Black Lotus, the trio follows an enemy into the past, hoping that they can save the future.

Fanning has started a fast paced series based on an alternate present where Japan is in charge.  For students who love action adventure, this is a sold choice.  

EL, MS – ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher

The Name of the Blade by Zoe Marriott - ADVISABLE

Marriott, Zoe The Name of the Blade, 358 pages.  Candlewick, 2014.  $17.

Mature Content: G; Language: PG (10 swears); Violence: PG-13 (a bit bloody in the major fight scene).

Mio's dentist parents are off for a long awaited vacation over the Christmas holidays and also missing Mio’s 16th birthday, leaving her behind under the care of their tenants, whose daughter also happens to be Mio’s best friend.  The pair are headed to a costumed dance party and as the perfect accessory, Mio decides to wear an ancient family heirloom - a samurai sword that her deceased grandfather showed to Mio only once and told her specifically not to touch before she turned 16.  Ha.  Mio’s decision unleashes evil onto the world and only the help of her best friend, a new mysterious guy who appeared with the sword, and a group of magical felines (kitsune) who may really want Mio and her friends dead.

If the action sequences were just a little less bloody this would have also been great for upper elementary.  This is the second book that I have read with kitsune in it this week and I really like them.  There is the possibility of future stories about Mio, but this is a well-rounded book all on its own.

MS - ADVISABLE

The Friday Society by Adrienne Kress - ADVISABLE

Kress, Adrienne The Friday Society, 448 p. Penguin, DECEMBER 2012.  $17. 

Language: PG-13 (42 swears), Violence: PG (fighting, little blood); Mature Content: G (implied adult drug use).  

Cora, Michiko and Nellie – three girls in Edwardian London who need each other, but haven’t met yet.  Cora works as the assistant for a brilliant inventor, but feels betrayed when he hires a wealthy young man also.  Nellie is a magician’s assistant, who comes from the mean streets and becomes worried when someone starts murdering young flower sellers.  Michiko is a samurai, who has been denied her sword; in a fit of pique, she took a job with a showy swords man who undervalues her skills.  When all three girls are part of the discovery of a murdered man, they begin to realize that they need each other and they can help each other.  However, there may be more than one enemy.  

Three strong steampunk heroines emerge in Kress’s novel.  She has created something for girls that more mature women have already discovered.  I think this will greatly help the steampunk movement along.  I can’t wait to read more about these girls.  

MS, HS – ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher