Preus, Margi. Heart of a Samurai: Based on the True Story of Manjiro Nakahama. 2010. Amulet Books, 301 pages. $15.95 ISBN: 9780810989818
Plot Summary:
At age 14 Manjiro and his fellow fisherman are shipwrecked on an uninhabited island after being blown off course during a storm. The men have little hope of being rescued and returning to Japan. Even if they were rescued they could never return home; Japan was in seclusion and no one entered, shipwrecked fisherman who have tried to return in the past and been executed. As they are all about to lose hope at ever being rescued, Manjiro spots a ship and they are saved, but their saviors are Westerns who the men believe to be savages and demons as they were told in Japan. Only Manjiro is friendly with the white men and begins learning English and helping aboard the John Howland, the American whaling ship that rescued them. The men aboard the John Howland call Manjiro, John Mung and soon he catches the eye of Captain Whitfield and soon the widowed caption and the Japanese boy become friends.
When the ship reaches the Sandwich Island Captain Whitfield invites Manjiro to remain aboard ship and return with him to America as his adopted son. Manjiro’s countrymen are staying in Honolulu, but Manjiro is drawn to explore the world and agrees to return to America with Captain Whitfield. Two years after Captain Whitfield rescued Manjiro they John Howland returns to America. Soon Captain Whitfield has remarried a kind woman, purchased a farm and built a home for the new family to live in. Manjiro is sent to school to learn to read and write in English and basic mathematics. Soon Manjiro is moved the Bartlett School of Navigation where Manjiro can learn navigation skills needed to captain a ship. Despite facing racism from fellow students and townspeople, Manjiro refuses to give up and succeeds in school and gains the skills of a cooper as well. Manjiro grows up with Captain and Mrs. Whitfield, but soon it is time for Manjiro to set out on his own and if he can find a way back home to Japan.
Critical Review:
This was a compelling and exhilarating adventure based on a true story. This book was hard to put down. Manjiro encounters numerous adventures in his young life. Majiro is curious, excited to learn, and extremely likable. Manjiro is brave and open minded, the only one of his companions to befriend their rescuers. The Japanese view the whites as barbarians and savages and Manjiro encounters people who believe the same of him, but despite the ugly beliefs and actions of people around him Manjiro is friendly and welcoming to people of all races.
Genre:
Historical Fiction
Adventure
Reading Level:
5th to 8th grades
Similar Books:
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell
Awards/Honors:
ALA Notable Book 2011
Asian Pacific American Award for Literature 2010
Newberry Honor 2011
Author’s Website:
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