Bradford, Chris. Young Samurai: the Way of the Warrior. Hyperion. March 2009. ISBN: 978-1-4231-1871-8. Gr 4-7.
-- School Library Journal, 1/28/2009
When you hear the phrase "Pirate Ninjas" do you think of Robot Zombies from space? If so, this book is probably not for you. But if you think of, say, Japan, then this book is for you.This book is about a young boy named Jack, whose father works as a pilot onboard the Alexandria, an English trading ship. After Jack's mother dies, his father takes Jack on the ship, and they set sail for Japan, hoping to be the first English ship to reach the mythic islands.
Just short of their destination, a sudden storm comes up, and the ship and its crew are forced to take shelter in a small cove. Shortly thereafter, the wacko Ninja Pirates (!) attack the sip, killing everyone
on board, stranding Jack in a strange land. Jack is soon rescued by a samurai, and begins to adjust to life in Japan. As his Japanese improves, Jack is sent to the Samurai School headed by his rescuer, Masamota-san. Along with Masamoto's niece, Akiko, and son, Yamato, Jack begins training to learn to be a samurai.
This is a very fast paced book, with tons of action. While sometimes a little too fast, the book keeps things moving right along with no dull moments. Jack's struggles with the unfamiliar culture, his teachers, and his fellow students keep the book interesting and enjoyable. It may be a bit young for some readers, but I'm definitely going to recommend it to some younger friends. - Meghan K., age 14
This review is from a member of the Teens Know "Best" YA Galley Group of the St. Paul Public Library and the Metropolitan State University Library and Learning Center (MN), a part of YALSA's Young Adult Galley/Teen Top Ten Project which uses 15 public libraries and school library media centers from across the country to provide feedback to publishers of young adult books.
